Knowing what you can and cannot take into the UAE is extremely important to know before moving. The UAE’s import rules and regulations are strict, but they are there to keep the country and its people safe. This guide will inform you with all you need to know about the UAE’s restrictions so that you have peace of mind before making your big move. We also have plenty of other informative guides, which cover the cultural differences between the UK and UAE, removals to the UAE, and more.
Restricted Items
The following items restricted in the UAE. It is possible to import them, but the relevant controlling authorities must be contacted first.
- Live Animals and product of animal origin
- Explosives, Arms, Ammunitions and their parts/accessories
- Vegetable Product, Prepared Food Stuff, Products of Chemical
- Alcoholic beverages
- Industrial Raw Materials
- Pharmaceutical products and Medical/ Surgical instrumental and apparatus
- Tires/Drinking Water
- Printed books, newspapers and similar products, Work Art, collectors “Pieces and Antiques”
- Pearls, Diamonds, Rough Diamonds etc.
- Lasers, Dangerous waste
- Telecommunication equipment
- Nuclear reactors and Radio Transmitters
- Boats, Cruise Ships etc.
Banned Items
The following items are banned from being imported into the UAE. Legal action will be taken against anyone attempting to import them.
- 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 machinery
- 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 stone 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 laws in the country
- Forged and duplicate currency
- Cooked and home-made foods
If you unsure about any of the information provided in this article, please don’t hesitate to contact us for further guidance.