Includes a list of goods that are prohibited from being exported to the country or are otherwise restricted.
Last Published: 8/13/2019
There are certain goods that cannot be imported, exported, transited or require permits from the competent authority.  The restrictions and prohibitions of goods are determined in accordance with GCC Customs Tariff Codes.  The classified goods under those customs tariff codes will require a permit while submitting the online Customs Declarations.  The UAE has a very strict policy in dealing with import of banned items. 
Below is a list of banned items:
  • Controlled/recreational drugs and all narcotic substances (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 products
  • 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, artwork, pictures, cards, books, magazines, stone sculptures and mannequins, which contradict or challenge Islamic teachings, values and decencies
  • Any other goods, the importation of which is prohibited under UAE customs laws or any other laws in the country
  • Forged and duplicate currency
  • Cooked and home-made foods
  • Pirated content
  • Items used in black magic, witchcraft or sorcery
  • Exotic, protected and endangered animals and certain breeds of dogs
Restricted Imports include alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and pork products.  Also, certain goods such as birds and animals (domestic pets), medicines and weapons can be imported/exported only after receiving necessary permits from the competent authorities.  The U.S. Embassy Office of Agricultural Affairs (OAA) annually publishes the Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) report for doing business in the GCC-4 (Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and UAE).  The full report is available on their website.  The report covers topics, such as food laws, labeling requirements, shelf-life, food additives regulations, packaging and import procedures. Prohibited Imports (Food): Irradiated food products

Permitting authorities and goods for permit requirements:
 
CONTROLLING AUTHORITIESCATEGORIES
Ministry of Climate Change and EnvironmentLive Animals and products of animal origin
Ministry of InteriorExplosives, Arms, Ammunitions and their parts / accessories
Dubai MunicipalityVegetable Products, Prepared Food Stuff, Products of Chemical
Dubai PoliceAlcoholic beverages
Ministry of EconomyIndustrial Raw Materials
Ministry of HealthPharmaceutical products and Medical/ Surgical instrumental and apparatus
Emirates Authority for Standardization and MetrologyTires / Drinking Water
National Media CouncilPrinted books, newspapers and similar products, work art, collectors “Pieces and Antiques”
Dubai Multi Commodities Center Authority (DMCC)Pearls, diamonds and rough diamonds

Telecommunications Regulatory Authority		Telecommunication equipment
Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR)Nuclear reactors and radio transmitters
United Arab Emirates Coast Guard GroupBoats, cruise ships
 
For more information, please refer to the Dubai Customs website.
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.


More Information

United Arab Emirates Import Regulations Trade Development and Promotion