Yes, a US perfume, candle or wax melt brand can buy fragrance oils from a Dubai supplier: FDA approval is not needed before importing cosmetic ingredients (color additives aside), and FDA says firms that only import cosmetics do not have to register to import. The rules that matter fall on the finished product you sell: perfume brands follow FDA cosmetic labelling and the MoCRA duties, while candle and wax melt brands follow CPSC rules.
For customs entries and the end of the USD 800 de minimis exemption, see our import guide for the US, UK and Australia.
Quick specs
- MOQ: none on in stock oils. Oils not in stock start at 5 kg.
- Sizes: 100 ml, 500 ml, 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg and 50 kg.
- Samples: 10 ml at AED 45 (about USD 12).
- Documents: IFRA certificate, SDS and COA on request.
- Shipping: worldwide from the UAE, including the US. Orders of USD 300 or more ship free.
Which US rules apply to you
| Your situation | What applies | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| You sell perfume or body mist | MoCRA: keep records that support the product's safety, and report serious adverse events to FDA within 15 business days | MoCRA overview (FDA) |
| You make or fill that perfume | Facility registration every two years and a listing for each product, unless you qualify as a small business | Registration and listing (FDA) |
| You label that perfume | English label with identity, net quantity, name and place of business, ingredients in descending order, and a US address, phone or website for adverse event reports | Cosmetics Labeling Guide (FDA) and 21 U.S.C. 364e |
| You make candles or wax melts | Cautionary labelling if the candle contains a hazardous substance under the FHSA; lead limit for metal cored wicks | Candles business guidance (CPSC) |
| Your oils arrive in the US | Imported cosmetics, including ingredients, can be examined at entry and refused if they appear adulterated or misbranded | Cosmetics importers (FDA) |
Perfume brands: MoCRA in plain terms
FDA's labelling guide says raw materials used in cosmetics are by law also cosmetics, so your bulk oil is in scope. The "responsible person" is the manufacturer, packer or distributor whose name is on the label, which is usually your brand.
MoCRA exempts small businesses with average US cosmetic sales under USD 1,000,000 a year over the previous three years (adjusted for inflation) from facility registration and product listing. The exemption does not cover products used around the eyes, injected, taken internally or meant to alter appearance for more than 24 hours. Safety records and adverse event reporting apply to everyone.
On the label, fragrance can be declared simply as "fragrance". FDA allows "parfum" only in parentheses after the English name. MoCRA also tells FDA to set fragrance allergen labelling rules, so ask your supplier for allergen data now.
Candle and wax melt brands: CPSC rules
Candles are consumer products, not cosmetics. CPSC says a candle that contains a hazardous substance under the FHSA must carry cautionary labelling, and metal cored wicks must not contain more than 0.06% lead in the core. Work out your label from the SDS at your real dose, and see our wax melt dosage guide.
Documents to ask your Dubai supplier for
- SDS: the starting point for hazard labels and safe handling.
- IFRA certificate: the maximum use level by product type. Our guide to IFRA categories shows how to read it.
- Allergen information: for your safety records and future labels.
- COA: batch test results for your safety file.
- Commercial invoice and packing list: for your customs broker.
A simple order plan
- Order 10 ml samples and test them in your own base. Our guide on testing samples first shows how.
- Check whether you are a small business under MoCRA with the FDA decision tool on the registration page.
- Draft your label: ingredients, net quantity in US units, your business name and your adverse event contact.
- Place the bulk order and file the SDS, IFRA certificate and COA.
Ordering from Aroma Labs
We make our oils in our own factory in Sharjah, UAE, and ship worldwide. We supply fragrance oils only: 100% concentrate, no DPG and no fixatives, and they work in alcohol based perfumes. Comparing local options too? See our roundup of fragrance oil suppliers in the USA.
FAQ
Do I need FDA approval to import fragrance oil from Dubai?
No. FDA says cosmetic products and ingredients, other than color additives, do not need approval before they go on the market. They must still be safe and properly labelled.
Do I have to register my business with FDA under MoCRA?
Only if you manufacture or process cosmetics and do not qualify as a small business. Small businesses under the USD 1,000,000 sales level are exempt from registration and listing, except for the product types FDA lists.
Can I write "fragrance" instead of listing every scent ingredient?
Yes. FDA allows fragrance to be declared as "fragrance" in the ingredient list.
Do candles need FDA labels?
No. Candles fall under CPSC, and need cautionary labelling only if they contain a hazardous substance under the FHSA.
Can I test samples before a bulk order?
Yes. Our 10 ml samples are AED 45 each, and in stock oils have no minimum order. For a quote, email ankit@aromalabs.store with the oils, sizes and your state.
