UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 

PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED GOODS

It is prohibited to import the following items: wine & Liquor, all types of drugs, narcotics, arms & ammunitions, pornographic literature and audio/video tapes, religious books and audio/video tapes containing blasphemy against religion and beliefs. It is also prohibited to import items which go against the preservation of endangered animals (like Ivory, Tiger skin etc.).

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS 

Personal Effects and Household Goods

Generally all used Household goods are exempted from the payment of custom duty. If brand new items are found 5% of the CIF value of the goods will be charged as custom duty. 

Documents Required

• A copy of the Bill of Lading/Airway Bill should be made in favour of the consignee mentioning the T.I.M.N. agent as the notify party. Short descriptions of the items as used Personal Effects and Household goods of . . . . . (mentioning the name of the consignee) indicating correct number of packages and its weight and measurements. Complete packing list mentioning items, boxwise/packagewise and the value of the same.
• A photocopy of the passport of the individual to whom the consignment is addressed to and an authorisation letter from the same individual authorising the T.I.M.N. agent as the agent to custom clear the consignment on his behalf. If the individual is arriving in UAE and in station during the time of custom clearance these documents can be obtained locally and directly from the consignee.
• Ocean Freight, Original Bill of Lading, in duplicate, and Packing list in triplicate & original insurance certificate (if applicable) should reach the T.I.M.N. agent, at least three days prior to the arrival of the vessel concerned.
• For Air Freight, Packing List in triplicate along with insurance certificate (if applicable) should be attached with the Master /House Airway Bill.

Customs Clearance

All packages will be inspected by the Customs Officers at the airport/seaport prior to the release. If the consignee wishes to inspect the goods at his residence, customs will charge min US$ 55.00. This facility can be demanded only when the consignment is large or containerised.  Video tapes, exposed films, audio tapes, maps and books will be taken out and subjected to a through check by the Ministry of Information. All types of Pornography tapes and literature will be confiscated and destroyed and in some cases called for explanation why the prohibited items are included in the consignment. 

Vehicles

For Automobiles and Motor Cycles, Engine Numbers, Chassis Number, Make, Model, Colour, Year of Manufacture, should be inserted in the B/L /AWB. If the vehicle is used one and exemption of duty is expected, then the certified copies of registration book of the vehicle issued by the originating country should be also attached with the original documents.

The time required for custom clearing shipment and delivering to the consignee's residence is two days for airfreight and for sea freight three to four days.

Important: This information is intended for general guidance and all T.I.M.N. members are entitled to reproduce this information and any contributions are welcomed.  T.I.M.N. cannot however take responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any loss or damage that may occur from its use.  As such it is advisable to contact the nearest customs office for United Arab Emirates for full and current information prior to importation.