Abu Dhabi, 15 February 2025 – In line with its role as the entity responsible for regulating and developing the defense and security industries in the UAE, the Executive Committee in Tawazun Council has issued resolutions aimed at regulating licensing procedures, accreditation standards, evaluation processes, and the issuance of conformity certificates. Through these resolutions, the council seeks to uphold the highest standards of quality and compliance by adopting best regulatory practices, ensuring adherence to global benchmarks, and fostering a regulatory environment that supports the growth and development of the defense and security industries in the UAE.
The Executive Committee’s resolutions regarding the adoption of the “Quality Mark for the Defense and Security Sector,” the regulation of evaluation and conformity assessment centers, and the organization of defense and security products reaffirm the council’s commitment to enhancing the reliability, efficiency, and competitiveness of products. These measures contribute to sustainable development, bolster the national economy, and further solidify the UAE’s position as a global leader in the defense and security industries in accordance with the highest international standards.
The resolution No. (14) of 2024, on the “Adoption of the Quality Mark for the Military and Security Sector,” outlines the design of the quality mark for licensing defense and security products, as well as the mark for licensing factories and companies. All relevant entities are required to adhere to the specified design of the mark, as well as rules and provisions for its usage. The resolution mandates the Secretary General of the Council to issue the necessary provisions and controls for the use of quality mark and related certificates, in addition to any other resolutions required for its implementation.
The resolution No. (15) of 2024, pertaining to the “Regulation of Centers for the Evaluation and Conformity of Military and Security Products,” obligates all government and non-government centers operating in the UAE, including free zones, to register with Tawazun Council, in accordance with established requirements and procedures, including submission of applications to the competent authority concerned with regulating economic activities in the respective emirate, for a license to practice evaluation and conformity activity. The concerned authority is then required to refer the application to Tawazun Council to review and assess the center’s compliance with the necessary requirements and to decide, under the provisions of the resolution, on the application.
The resolution also specifies the procedures for issuing accreditation certificates, the duration of accreditation and its renewal, and the provisions for carrying out licensed activities after the accreditation. It also addresses the requirements for conducting tests, licensing provisions for evaluation and conformity centers, and the procedures for amending, suspending, or canceling licensed activities.
It stipulates that it is required for all Centers concerned with the provisions of this Resolution must reconcile their situations in accordance with its provisions within a period not exceeding one year from the date of its entry into force.
The resolution No. (16) of 2024, pertaining to the “Regulation of Military and Security Products,” stipulates that obtaining a conformity certificate or a permit to use, is mandatory for dealing with any product. It prohibits the import, export, manufacture, display, sale, or storage of any product without obtaining a conformity certificate or a handling permit and that the product complies with applicable legislations, including these resolutions and other resolutions related to the product.
Tawazun Council or an accredited evaluation center shall receive the applications from the supplier to review, evaluate, verify the conformity of products and grant the conformity certificate and quality mark, if the product meets all requirements, in accordance with approved provisions and procedures, which are determined by a resolution from the Secretary General.
The resolution further assigns Tawazun Council or an entity authorized by it, along with concerned authorities, the responsibility of monitoring products in the market to verify their compliance with approved standards. It also stipulates that the Secretary General of the Council shall approve the resolutions for the authorized standard specifications of military and security products.
Additionally, the supplier must, as appropriate, reconcile the status of his Product within a period not exceeding one year from the date of the implementation of the provisions of this Resolution, by submitting a request to evaluate and conform the Product to the Council or one of the licensed evaluations and conformity centers.
H.E. Dr. Nasser Humaid Al Nuaimi, Secretary General of Tawazun Council, affirmed the Council’s commitment to enhancing quality and compliance with the highest standards in the defense and security sector. He pointed out that the issuance of these resolutions aims to ensure an advanced level of performance in this sector.
“Through these regulatory steps, Tawazun Council strengthens its position as a key reference in ensuring excellence and commitment to quality, contributing to the development of a strong defense and security sector capable of keeping pace with global advancements and national security requirements,”he added.
H.E. Mohamed Helal Al Mheiri, CEO of Regulations at Tawazun Council, stated: “These resolutions reflect the regulatory environment of the defense and security industries sector, enhancing the quality and safety of defense and security products while aligning with the UAE’s economic and industrial growth and future directions.” He emphasized the importance of all relevant institutions adhering to the provisions of these decisions to contribute to strengthening compliance with the requirements for the accreditation and licensing of defense and security products and applying the highest quality standards in the sector.
