Removals to United Arab Emirates (UAE): Customs Information

Removals to UAE . International Shipping and Removals. Moving House Overseas

Removals to UAE and other overseas destinations are more complicated than moving house within the UK due to the Customs & Excise regulations applied to importing your belongings.
Below is a guide to current Customs & Excise regulations. Please note that information is correct at time of publishing but may change at any time. Hamilton’s international removals department will guide you through all relevant Customs & Excise regulations prior to your overseas move.

United Arab Emirates Customs Information

All used household goods and personal effects are usually treated as duty free, but are subject to you obtaining and producing a Residence Permit.  All new household goods are subject to duty, which is determined by the customs officials. Your shipment must arrive within one month of your arrival and you must be present for your goods to be granted customs clearance. Most shipments will be subject to a physical inspection.

You may be asked to provide sales receipts, invoices or insurance papers for dutiable items to ascertain your ownership of the goods, period of ownership or their value. All cartons containing books, CDs, videos, DVDs and magazines must be clearly marked so they can be identified easily by customs.

We will require the following documentation to clear your goods through customs.

• Passport (two clear copies)
• Residence permit (or letter from sponsor indicating Visa has been applied for)
• Confirmation of employment letter
• Detailed inventory (original and two copies) – our removal team will produce this at the time of packing
• Insurance certificate

Restrictions / Prior Authorisation Required

• All political and religious literature needs prior approval from the Ministry.
• Plants and plant material require a Health Certificate.
• Medication and foodstuff (subject to special approval and inspection by the Ministry of Health and must be packed separately)
• Flammable or corrosive items
• Exposed film or other valuables, stamp or coin collections of high value
• Garden implements, outdoor furniture, golf clubs, tents, camping equipment, barbeques, shoes, bicycles, prams need to be cleaned thoroughly and be free of dirt, soil, grass food etc.

Prohibited Items

• Firearms, weapons and ammunition (real or ornamental)
• Military uniform or equipment
• Alcohol
• Narcotics of all kinds including poppy seeds, flowers & leaves
• Banned drugs and medicines
• Transmitters, radios or communication equipment
• Any items made out of ivory or related to endangered animals
• All items manufactured by Israeli blacklist and of Israeli origin
• Erotic statues/figurines, idols, made of any metal/clay/glass etc defined offensive to Islamic teachings and principles
• Pornographic, political and religious material which may be deemed offensive
• Pork meat
• All printed matter, books, pictures, records, films, tapes, slides, movies, videos, CDs, computer software etc are subject to censorship and confiscation (must be packed separately for easy access and clearly marked on the inventory)

Importing Cars and Motor Vehicles

Used motor vehicles can be imported but are subject to duty (provided you hold a United Arab Emirates Residence Visa).  You will need to provide the following documentation:

• Registration documents
• Title or deed
• Copy of purchase invoice
• Certificate or origin
• Copy of passport
• Insurance policy
• Proof of ownership
• Residence permit

Please note that cars with tinted glass may not be imported.

Pets

Pets can be imported into the UAE. You will need to obtain a health certificate, which we will forward onto the destination agents a few weeks prior to the arrival of your pet. The agents will then take the certificate to The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries who will issue an import licence. The original import license and heath certificate is attached to the Air Waybill that accompanies your pet

Useful Information

Removals to UAE – Click here for a free detailed quote of your move, or contact us to discuss your requirements.