Market
Licorice root extract in the United Arab Emirates (AE) is primarily an imported botanical ingredient used in food and beverage formulations and, depending on positioning, in herbal/natural-source health products. Market access is shaped by UAE food-safety governance, including first-time import approval controls and pre-market food product registration requirements (ZAD) for food placed on the UAE market. If the same licorice extract is positioned as a therapeutic/natural-source pharmaceutical product rather than a food ingredient, regulatory routing and documentation expectations can shift to Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) pathways. The most practical UAE-specific commercial focus is correct product classification, registration, labeling language compliance, and batch-level documentation (e.g., COA) to avoid border or market-withdrawal actions.
Market RoleImport-dependent ingredient and formulation market
Domestic RoleBotanical extract input for UAE food/beverage manufacturers and for health-product supply chains when positioned beyond conventional food use
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityAvailable year-round through imports; supply continuity depends on origin-country production and exporter inventories rather than UAE harvest seasonality.
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighIncorrect UAE regulatory routing (food ingredient vs regulated health/therapeutic product) or missing required pre-market registration (e.g., ZAD where applicable) can block first-time imports, delay clearance, or prevent lawful sale/distribution in the UAE market.Confirm intended use and claims (food flavoring/ingredient vs therapeutic/natural-source product) before shipping; complete ZAD registration where required and align label language/format to UAE/GCC expectations; keep a pre-agreed importer document checklist (COO, COA, spec, shipping docs) per batch.
Food Safety MediumLicorice extracts containing glycyrrhizin can pose serious health risks when consumed in high amounts or over long periods (e.g., elevated blood pressure, electrolyte imbalance), increasing scrutiny for products making health claims or enabling high intake via concentrated formulations.Control and declare glycyrrhizin-related specification where relevant to the formulation and claims; avoid consumer-facing dose/health claims that shift classification; implement buyer-facing safety guidance and COA-based standardization.
Documentation Gap MediumLabel/document mismatches (ingredient statement, origin, batch/lot, net content) can trigger inspection holds, relabeling requirements, or rejection, especially for prepackaged ingredient shipments and products subject to ZAD registration.Run a pre-shipment label-to-dossier reconciliation (ZAD record, COO, COA, invoice/packing list, outer case marks) and ensure Arabic labeling requirements are met where applicable.
FAQ
Does licorice root extract need to be registered in the UAE before it can be sold as a food ingredient?If the licorice extract is handled as a food product in the UAE market, it may need to be registered in the UAE electronic food registration system (ZAD) before being handled in the market, consistent with the UAE’s National Food Accreditation and Registration System framework referenced by the official UAE government portal.
When would MOHAP regulation apply to licorice root extract in the UAE?MOHAP pathways can apply when the licorice-derived product is positioned as a pharmaceutical product derived from natural sources (for example, marketed with therapeutic intent), in which case MOHAP registration processes and dossier requirements become relevant rather than a standard food-ingredient route.
What is the main safety concern importers and formulators should manage for licorice extract products in the UAE?The key safety concern is glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid) exposure from licorice, which can cause serious adverse effects (including blood-pressure and heart rhythm issues) when consumed in high amounts or long-term; this makes standardization and appropriate use/claim positioning important.