Countries / Middle East & Africa

United Arab Emirates

Medicines, tobacco, alcoholChecked 17 Oct 2026
SystemTatmeen (medicines); digital tax stamps (tobacco)
Code on the productGS1 DataMatrix (GTIN, serial, batch, expiry); SSCC on cases and pallets
AggregationMedicines: yes, SSCC up to the pallet.
First stepRegister your products and GTINs in the national system: Tatmeen.
Supplier checklist (PDF)

Overview

All conventional medicines are serialised and reported to Tatmeen, including aggregation into cases and pallets. Tobacco carries digital tax stamps.

If you supply this market

  1. Register your products and GTINs in the national system: Tatmeen.
  2. Print a unique serialised code on every saleable pack.
  3. Verify every code on the line; aggregate into cases and pallets where required.
  4. Report production and shipments to the national system.

Typical steps for this type of regime. The exact rules are in the sources. Choosing equipment: printing methods.

Timeline

Already in force

  • 2019Digital tax stamps on tobacco
  • 13 Dec 2022Tatmeen reporting and aggregation in force

What the code looks like

GS1 DataMatrix on the medicine pack

GS1 DataMatrix on the medicine pack

(01) 09506000134352
GTIN: the product number
(17) 271231
Expiry date, YYMMDD
(10) AB1234
Batch
(21) 7G4K9P2XQ5
Serial number, unique to this pack

The same data is printed next to the code as text (GTIN, SN, LOT, EXP). Illustration built on the GS1 example GTIN; the code does not identify any product.

How this code is built →
TAX STAMPSN 0001234567

Tax stamp on each unit

Physical stamp
Applied to every pack or bottle, usually by the manufacturer or importer
Serial number + 2D code
Issued by the tax authority; the manufacturer applies it
Check
Inspectors and often consumers scan it to confirm the duty was paid

The stamp is ordered from the authority and activated when it is applied. Schematic drawing.

How this code is built →

Frequently asked questions

Is product marking mandatory in United Arab Emirates?

Yes, for medicines, tobacco or alcohol, depending on the product: Tatmeen. Other consumer goods are not marked unit by unit.

What is already in force?

2019: Digital tax stamps on tobacco; 13 Dec 2022: Tatmeen reporting and aggregation in force.

What code goes on the product?

GS1 DataMatrix (GTIN, serial, batch, expiry); SSCC on cases and pallets.

Is aggregation required?

Medicines: yes, SSCC up to the pallet.

What changes next?

No announced changes found yet.

Where can I check the rules?

Start with Al Tamimi: UAE pharmaceutical traceability. All sources are listed at the end of this page.

Sources

Checked 17 Oct 2026. Seen something outdated? Send a correction.