eCigarettes, live animals, black magic items are among 45 goods barred from being imported in UAE

Emadeddin Khalil, Staff Reporter

The UAE Digital Government has advised travelers to necessarily review the list of goods that are prohibited to enter or export to the UAE and goods that are subject to restrictions. It specified 45 types within the list of prohibited goods and goods that are subject to restrictions, according to the General Administration of Customs - Abu Dhabi.

The UAE Government bans the entry of certain goods and restricts some others. Banned/prohibited goods are those whose import and export is banned under the Common Customs Law of the GCC States, or any other law or regulation applicable in the UAE.

Restricted goods are goods whose import and export is restricted under the same law above and applicable regulations and they need prior approval from the authorities concerned prior to import or export.

Banned items include, but are not limited to controlled/recreational drugs and narcotic substances, pirated content, counterfeit currency, items used in black magic, witchcraft or sorcery, publications and artwork that contradict or challenge Islamic teachings and values, and gambling tools and machines.

Restricted items include live animals, plants, fertilizers, pesticides, weapons, ammunition, explosives and fireworks, medicines, drugs, medical equipment, devices and tools, media publications and products, nuclear energy products, transmission and wireless devices, alcoholic drinks, cosmetics and personal care products, eCigarettes and electronic hookah, and new vehicle tyres.

Travelers are advised to visit website of the General Administration of Customs - Abu Dhabi through the following link https://www.adcustoms.gov.ae/ar-AE/Restricted-Banned-Commodities
The penalty for smuggling can result in fines and or imprisonment and the confiscation of smuggled items and tools.

Forms of smuggling include failing to report to the first customs department with items when entering the UAE, failing to disclose any commercially-oriented items in possession, taking items out from the customs department without declaring them, presenting forged documents or using false indicators to avoid paying customs duties or bypass regulations on banned or restricted goods, transporting or possessing banned or restricted items without providing legitimate import evidence, and concealing items.