What you can’t export from the UAE

What you can’t export from the UAE - Makebiz

When planning to leave the United Arab Emirates, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the rules of customs control and prohibited things to take out of the region. All emirates have the same export rules. Export controls are in place for the unrestricted export of goods, information and technology that are important to the country. Violation of the law entails imprisonment or heavy fines.

The list of goods prohibited for export includes common goods that are prohibited in a large number of countries: weapons (except for souvenirs), drugs, radioactive and explosive materials. 

Particularly subject to control are:

  • Valuables of cultural and historical nature: art, archaeology, antiques. 
  • Certain species of flora and fauna. For example, palm seeds and groundwater.
  • Various materials related to gambling. Such products are strictly prohibited on the territory of the UAE.
  • Materials containing erotica or pornography. Muslim countries have particularly strict requirements for such goods.

If you want to export leather goods, fur or pharmacological products bought in the UAE, you should keep all receipts. You should also be careful with the export of alcoholic beverages. In some emirates it is prohibited. 

Tourists often have a desire to bring seashells from the country as a souvenir. There is no such prohibition in the legislation of the UAE. However, it is worth making sure that the shell does not contain a hermit crayfish inside. Otherwise, it will be considered transportation of living organisms, subject to strict control. Also remember that the laws of your home country may prohibit the importation of shells.

It is prohibited to export large sums of money from 60,000 AED. In this case, the tourist must declare them. Proof of the legal origin of large sums and jewelry will be required. The rules are designed to limit the export of “black” money from the Emirates. Any cash carried by passengers under 18 will be added to that carried by their guardians. The exportation of money in dirhams is available up to a total of AED 100,000, otherwise a strong justification for importation will be required. 

Remember, you can easily declare cash and goods online. Dubai Customs’ iDeclare app simplifies the passenger clearance process by allowing passengers to self-declare their commercial goods, personal effects or cash before or after arrival at the airport, reducing the time it takes to do so.

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