UPC Matters
As the UAE food ecosystem evolves, expectations around regulatory compliance, traceability, transparency, and global trade readiness are increasing.
Today, product information is often fragmented across multiple systems, creating:
Duplication of effort
Inconsistent data
Increased compliance risk
Limited interoperability
The UPC addresses this challenge by introducing one system and one standard for food product data across the UAE.
It is not a marketplace.
It is not a promotional platform.
It is digital public infrastructure for food.
UPC
The Universal Product Catalogue establishes a universal digital product passport, assigning each registered food product a single, standardised digital identity. This digital identity can be used across: Regulatory and compliance systems Retail and distributor platforms Traceability initiatives Export and trade environments Future digital and global trade ecosystems
UPC FOR
The UPC is designed for the entire food ecosystem, including: Food and beverage manufacturers SMEs and startups Retailers and distributors Regulators and authorities Trade and digital service platforms
GAIN
Immediate Business Benefits Free onboarding and multiple product listings Faster product registration and regulatory compliance Access to ecosystem services, including product placement support Direct engagement with key ecosystem stakeholders Continuous access to regulatory, tax, and policy updates Operational & Risk Benefits Verified product data to reduce exposure to parallel imports Enhanced traceability and supply chain transparency Stronger recall readiness and risk mitigation Alignment with current and future government and retailer requirements
TRANSPARENCY
The UPC strengthens the integrity of the food supply chain by enabling: End-to-end product visibility Consistent and verified product information Faster response during recalls or safety events Improved confidence for regulators, retailers, and trade partners
IMPACT
The Universal Product Catalogue supports the UAE’s commitment to: Digitising sector-wide ecosystems Simplifying regulatory processes Reducing administrative complexity Enabling business growth through smarter infrastructure The UPC is aligned with the UAE’s Zero Government Bureaucracy, reinforcing a digital-first, efficiency-driven approach to governance.
GS1
The UPC is developed in partnership with GS1, the global authority on product identification and data standards. Why This Partnership Matters Alignment with internationally recognised product identification standards Interoperability with global supply chains and retailers Reduced duplication of product data across systems Enhanced export readiness and cross-border trade alignment This partnership combines global standards expertise with national ecosystem leadership, positioning UAE manufacturers competitively in international markets.
GS1
The Universal Product Catalogue is led by the UAE Food Cluster, under the Cluster Economy framework driven by the Ministry of Economy. This ensures alignment with national priorities, sector needs, and long-term policy objectives.
All food and beverage manufacturers operating in or supplying to the UAE including SMEs, startups, and large enterprises—should consider registering.
The UPC is currently a national digital initiative. Early participation is encouraged to ensure readiness as ecosystem integration and regulatory alignment expand.
No. The UPC does not replace regulators or regulatory platforms. It acts as a foundational digital layer that supports more efficient data alignment and reuse.
The UPC enables: Standardised product data at the source Improved data consistency across stakeholders Reduced duplication across systems Faster access to verified product information This supports regulatory efficiency while maintaining oversight and control.
By assigning a single digital product identity, the UPC strengthens traceability, improves recall readiness, and supports coordinated response across the supply chain.
Verified, standardised product data reduces discrepancies across platforms and lowers exposure to parallel imports.
Currently, the UPC offers free onboarding and multiple free product listings as part of the national initiative.
Manufacturers provide standardised product information aligned with regulatory and data requirements. Guidance is provided during onboarding.
Yes. Through alignment with GS1 standards, the UPC improves export readiness and interoperability with international trade systems.
Data access is governed by role-based permissions, aligned with data protection, confidentiality, and regulatory requirements.
