G/TBT/N/ARE/701

24 April 2026

(26-3102)

Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade

Original: English

2.

Agency responsible:

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)

3.

Notified under Article 2.9.2 [X], 2.10.1 [ ], 5.6.2 [X], 5.7.1 [ ], 3.2 [ ], 7.2 [ ], Other:

4.

Products covered (HS codes or national tariff lines. ICS numbers may be provided in addition, where applicable): Processes in the food industry (ICS code(s): 67.020); Food products in general (ICS code(s): 67.040)

5.

Details of notified document(s) (title, number of pages and languages, means of access): Draft Cabinet Decision on Reorganizing Nutritional Composition Limits for Certain Food Products Offered by Food Establishments in the UAE; (4 page(s), in Arabic)

Link to notified document(s) and/or contact details for agency or authority which can provide copies upon request:

https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2026/TBT/ARE/26_02196_00_x.pdf

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)

United Arab Emirates

Tel.: (+971) (4) 2301794

Email: info@mohap.gov.ae

Fatma.almatrooshi@mohap.gov.ae

Website: https://mohap.gov.ae/

6.

Description of content: The notified draft Cabinet Decision on Reorganizing Nutritional Composition Limits for Certain Food Products Offered by Food Establishments in the UAE introduces mandatory maximum limits for sodium and calorie content (per 100 grams) for selected categories of food products offered by food establishments operating in the UAE.

The measure applies to food establishments with 20 or more branches, including restaurants, cafés, cloud kitchens, and digital food platforms.

The regulation:

• Defines targeted food categories (burgers, pizza, chicken products, potato products, sandwiches)

• Establishes maximum limits for sodium and calorie content per 100g

• Requires compliance across all components of the food item (including bread, sauces, and additives)

• Assigns enforcement responsibilities to national and local health authorities

• Establishes administrative penalties for non-compliance

The measure aims to improve the nutritional profile of widely consumed foods and support national public health objectives.

7.

Objective and rationale, including the nature of urgent problems where applicable: Consumer information, labelling; Prevention of deceptive practices and consumer protection; Protection of human health or safety; Quality requirements

8.

Relevant documents:

-

9.

Proposed date of adoption: To be determined

Proposed date of entry into force: To be determined

10.

Provision of comments

Final date for comments: 23 June 2026

[X] 60 days from notification

Contact details of agency or authority designated to handle comments regarding the notification:

Ministry of Industry & Advanced Technology (MOIAT)

P O Box: 2166

Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates

Tel.: (+971) (4) 2084456

Email: uaetbt@moiat.gov.ae

Website: http://www.moiat.gov.ae