U.A.E Cargo Import Customs regulations & policies.
In order to safeguard public health and safety and safeguard Islamic religious beliefs, the UAE Customs has implemented import controls on some commodities. The goods involved in import control include prohibited goods and restricted goods.
Prohibited imports include: drugs (narcotics, cocaine, heroin, etc.), waste materials containing harmful substances, counterfeit and replica currency, ivory and rhino horns, used tires, gambling products, and publications that are inconsistent with religion and morality and may cause social unrest. Objects, photos, paintings, cards, books, magazines and sculptures, etc.
Restricted imports: The following products are not allowed to be imported without approval from relevant government departments: All weapons and ammunition, alcohol and liquor, drugs for medical purposes, chemicals, fertilizers, UAE 38 agricultural dyes, seeds and agricultural plants , publications, audio-visual tapes, telephone switching equipment, food, live bees and queen bees, fireworks and explosives, all types of camels, falcons, equids (including horses, mules, donkeys, foals and zebras), etc.
Import and export commodity inspection and quarantine
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) adheres to import commodity standards that are largely aligned with those of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). While the UAE maintains stricter controls on goods that impact public life, health, safety, and the environment, the entry standards for other imported goods are relatively relaxed.
The UAE enforces stringent inspection and quarantine procedures for food imports.
Upon the declaration of a disease outbreak in a particular country by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the imposition of a ban by the General Secretariat of the GCC, the UAE promptly prohibits the importation of related products from that country.
Furthermore, each emirate's government in the UAE has the authority to implement import bans on specific products entering local ports based on specific circumstances.
All imported food items must be accompanied by relevant documentation and comply with federal regulations regarding validity periods, labeling, and other requirements.
Only after verification of the authenticity of the documentation, compliance of labeling and dates with regulations, and successful onsite inspection, will the products be granted customs clearance.
Halal food must adhere to Islamic requirements pertaining to butchers, slaughtered animals, slaughtering tools, and methods, and obtain certification issued by the UAE embassy or authorized agency in the exporting country, or by an Islamic organization recognized by the UAE authorities.
The relevant food import regulatory authorities in the UAE include the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Emirates Standards and Metrology Authority, and the municipal departments of each emirate.
For specific requirements regarding the importation of various food products, please consult the aforementioned authorities.
The primary laws and regulations governing import inspection and quarantine of animals and plants in the UAE include:
The UAE also adheres to relevant regulations established by the World Organisation for Animal Health
(OIE),
the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO),
the World Health Organization (WHO),
and the European Union (EU).
Among these, the "GCC States Regulation No. 460 on Animal Quarantine" outlines stringent inspection and quarantine procedures and customs clearance measures for imported animals and animal products.It also mandates that imported animals and animal products must comply with EU-established hygiene standards, and that importers must obtain import permits from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment beforehand.
