Moving to United Arab Emirates or for that matter any country can become difficult-unless you make yourself aware of the customs regulation details in that country. After all, you do not want your belongings to be stranded in some port in the country. In some countries especially, customs regulations can be very stringent-and you may suddenly find yourself in a puddle. So, do your homework!
The customs regulations information listed on our website have been collected from several sources including information made-available-by embassies and government websites.
Customs Regulations applicable while shipping to United Arab Emirates
*NOTE: CUSTOMERS ARE HAVING PROBLEMS CLEARING THE RESTRICTED ITEMS SHOWN BELOW THROUGH CUSTOMS AND SIGNIFICANT LOSS AND DAMAGE HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO US.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
- Passport (two clear copies)
- Residence Permit
- Confirmation of Employment Letter
- Detailed inventory (original and two copies) in English
- Insurance Certificate
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
- CUSTOMER MUST BE PRESENT FOR CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
- All shipments subject to inspection
- All used household goods and personal effects are duty-free, subject to customer obtaining a Residence Permit
- All new household goods dutiable, determined by customs official
DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS
- All political and religious literature needs prior approval from the Ministry
- New items
- Plants and plant material require a Health Certificate
- Medication and foodstuff (subject to special approval and inspection by Ministry of Health), must be packed separately
- Flammable or corrosive items
- Exposed film or other valuables, stamp or coin collections of high value
PROHIBITED ITEMS
- Firearms, weapons and ammunition (even decorative items of this nature and toy guns are subject to confiscation)
- Alcoholic beverages (including fine wines)
- Narcotics and drugs (including seemingly innocent dried poppy flower arrangements) can lead to very severe legal action and even long prison terms. (Allowed in reasonable quantities, but subject to analysis)
- Articles dealing with endangered animals and any items made out of ivory
- Wireless transmitters and communications equipment
- All items manufactured by Israeli blacklist and Israeli origin
- False and counterfeit money
- Erotic statues/figurines, idols, made of any metal/clay/glass, etc., defined offensive to Islamic teachings and principles
- Pornographic, political and religious material which might be deemed offensive to the United Arab Emirates government or the Islamic faith.
- Pork meat
- Prohibited articles detained by the Customs authorities may be destroyed without consignee's consent
- *ALL PRINTED MATTER, BOOKS, PICTURES, RECORDS, FILMS, TAPES, SLIDES, MOVIES, VIDEOS, COMPACT DISCS, COMPUTER SOFTWARE, ETC. ARE SUBJECT TO CENSORSHIP AND CONFISCATION (MUST BE PACKED SEPARATELY FOR EASY ACCESS AND CLEARLY MARKED ON THE INVENTORY)
MOTOR VEHICLES
- Can only be registered with a valid United Arab Emirates Residence Visa
- Duty is applicable on all used motor vehicles
- Documents required:
- Registration documents from origin
- Title or Deed
- Copy of Purchase Invoice
- Certificate of Origin
- Copy of Passport
- Insurance Policy
- Proof of Ownership
- Residence Permit
- Cars with tinted glass are not allowed to be imported
PETS
- Dogs, cats and birds permitted with Health and Vaccination Certificate issued by the Ministry of Agriculture from origin no more than 10 days before departure.
- Import Permit
- Vaccination Certificate by the Ministry of Agriculture from origin no more than 12 months old and no less than 1 month old.
NOTE - Customs regulations of United Arab Emirates are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to United Arab Emirates (this destination )and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, Movers.com cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate before you make your move to United Arab Emirates.