Country Guide - United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates Import Prohibitions & Shipping Guidelines

All shipments with a value over $300 will require a Formal Clearance Process, hence, UAE Customs may require additional documentation from consignee. Additional clearance charges, approvals and processing time maybe applicable.

Additional information can be found at the United Arab Emirates Customs Website.

These are some of the items the United Arab Emirates government prohibits:

• All kinds of Narcotic drugs (Hashish, Cocaine, Heroin, Poppy Seeds, Hallucination Pills, etc..).
• Goods intended to be imported from boycotted countries.
• Goods from Israeli origin or bearing Israeli trademarks or logos.
• Crude Ivory and Rhinoceros horn.
• Gambling tools and machineries
• Three layers fishing nets.
• Original engravings, prints, lithographs, sculpture and statues in any material.
• Used, reconditioned and inlaid tires.
• Radiation polluted substances.
• Printed publications, oil paintings, photographs, pictures, cards, books, magazines stony sculptures and mannequins which contradict Islamic teachings, decencies, or deliberately implying immorality or turmoil.
• Any other goods, the importation of which is prohibited under the authority of U.A.E. customs laws or any other law in the country.
• Forged and duplicate currency.
• Cooked and home-made foods.

ANIMALS / PLANTS

• Live Animals or Insects
• Animal Carcasses
• Furs
• Live plants and plant materials
• Plant Seeds

HIGH VALUE ITEMS

• Antiques (breakable and/or fragile)
• Precious metals and stones
• Jewelry
• Bullion

UNIDENTIFIABLE ITEMS
Including but not limited to items listed below without manufacturer label

• Substances or chemicals
• Liquids and perfumes
• Non-prescription medications
• Vitamins or supplements
• Food items

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

• Asbestos
• Wastes as defined in the IATA regulation
• Garbage
• Disinterred human remains
• Combustible material
• Lithium Batteries*
• Human remains, including ashes
• Embryos
• Magnets

MONETARY ITEMS

• Cash/Currency
• Lottery Tickets or any gambling devices that are prohibited by law

MILITARY ITEMS

• Mounted or non-mounted optics (scopes)
• Night vision and related items
• Infrared/Thermal imagers/cameras
• Range finders
• Law enforcement tactical gear or training apparatus
• Military tactical gear or training apparatus
• Training equipment
• Law enforcement uniforms, IDs and badges (genuine or imitations)
• Military uniforms, IDs and badges (genuine or imitations)

WEAPONS

• Firearms, ammunition or firearm parts and accessories
• Ammunition
• Firearm parts and accessories (Including Holsters)
• Stun Guns
• Tasers
• Pepper Spray
• Hunting Knives over 5 in Length
• Swords & Bayonets
• Air Soft Guns
• BB Guns

ALCOHOL, DRUGS, AND TOBACCO PRODUCTS

• Illegal Narcotics
• Prescription Drugs
• Alcohol
• Electronic cigarette cartridges
• Cigarettes
• Cigars

For an Extensive List please check below Links depending on the Service Provider of your choice;

DHL import restrictions for United Arab Emirates
FedEx import restrictions for United Arab Emirates
UPS import restrictions for United Arab Emirates