Prohibited and Restricted Goods

Prohibited goods are any goods the import or export of which is prohibited under the provisions of the Common Customs Law or any other regulation or law applicable in the State. Whereas the restricted goods are those goods the import or export of which is restricted under the provisions of the Common Customs Law or any other regulation or law applicable in the State, and may only be released subject to the approval of the competent authority

Some Prohibited Items:

  1. All kinds of narcotic drugs (taking into account the control of prohibited items in general and narcotic substances in particular, where certain prohibited goods may be imported or exported subject to producing approvals of the competent authorities).
  2. Goods of Israeli origin or bearing Israeli flags and emblems.
  3. Gambling tools, machineries and devices of all kinds.
  4. Nylon fishing nets.
  5. Live swine.
  6. Used, reconditioned and inlaid tires.
  7. Radiation and nuclear fallout contaminated substances.
  8. Items that contradict Islamic faith and public morals.
  9. E-cigarettes and electronic hookah.
  10. Paan and betel leaves.
  11. Any other goods or items, the importation of which is prohibited under the Common Customs Law or any other law or regulation applicable in the UAE.

The table below indicates some restricting authorities and respective goods categories: ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Controlling Authorities Goods Categories

Ministry Of Climate Change & Environment

Live animals, plants, fertilizers and insecticides

Ministry Of Defence / Armed Forces / Ministry of Interior

Ministry Of Defence / Armed Forces / Ministry of Interior Arms, ammunitions, explosives, and fireworks

Ministry Of Health & Prevention

Pharmaceutical products and Medical/ Surgical instruments and machines

National Media Council

Print materials, publications, and media products

Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation

Nuclear energy-related products

Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology

New tires

Telecommunications Regulatory Authority

Transmitters and radio equipment

Dubai Police

Alcoholic beverages

Dubai Municipality

Foodstuffs, personal care and cosmetic products

UAE Kimberley Process office

Rough diamonds

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