A comprehensive guide to importing food stuff into Dubai - (Q&A included)

Importing food items into Dubai requires the importing company to comply with all local laws and regulations. It is crucial to understand the regulatory landscape to ensure smooth customs clearance and cargo release from the airports and seaports. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to serious difficulties for the importing company, including:

1. Lengthy delays.
2. Excessive fines.
3. Cargo destruction by regulators, cost fully borne by the consignee (importing company).
4. Mandatory re-export of cargo to origin, with all expenses covered by the consignee (importing company).
5. High airport and sea port storage fees resulting from delays.
6. Increased shipping demurrages.
7. Trade License suspension and other legal repercussions.

Please note, the importing company (consignee) is liable for UAE government audit penalties for the next 10-15 years from date of importation into the UAE. Some customers who had previously worked with other agents ended up facing substantial penalties in millions of dirhams, before switching to our services. To avoid such consequences, we suggest that companies engaged in importing foodstuffs should seek the assistance of a knowledgeable customs broker in Dubai.

1. Trade License: First and the foremost task before starting importing directly into Dubai, UAE is to obtain a "mainland license" with "food trading activity". The most common question we receive from customers is whether their Dubai free zone company can import food products into mainland UAE. The rules are being changed by the regulatory very often but the general answer is NO. Free zone companies are generally not permitted to customs clear food products into the mainland under their company name (with exceptions). Freezone companies, can however sell to any UAE mainland food companies by issuing appropriate documents so that customs clearances can be done under the mainland company. Free zone companies can also purchase food products from UAE mainland companies and sell them within their designated free zones or export them, in accordance with regulation.
2. Regulatory Registrations: After obtaining a "mainland license" with "food trading activity", you are not yet ready to import foodstuffs. It is mandatory to register the new company with all necessary regulatory agencies in the UAE before commencing actual imports. After obtaining your mainland trade license, we recommend you engage a knowledgeable customs broker to assist you in registering with the concerned regulatory agencies.
3. Product Registrations: The third step after obtaining regulatory registrations for your company is to obtain individual products registration from the regulatory. The registration process is a time consuming process which may take a few days or even few weeks to obtain regulatory approval. All your products should be registered with the regulatory before you can start importing. Products such as fresh fruits & vegetables, fish & meat and certain grains may be exempted and may not need a separate registration. However, if they are processed in some kind like cut or salted or packed in unique bar-coded packages, then registration may become mandatory. The registration process are highly knowledge based and any errors during it could make your product registration invalid. Hence we always suggest that you approach a good Customs Broker for registering your products.

Checklist before importing food items into Dubai:

1. Obtain the Required Certificates from the Origin: Prior to exporting food items from their origin, ensure that all necessary permits and certificates are obtained from the respective government agencies in the origin country. Since these government agencies may require physical inspections of the cargo, obtaining these documents after your cargo arrives in Dubai would be a challenging task.
2. Obtain the Required Permits from the UAE: Certain food products, such as caviar, may have additional import permit requirements that need to be fulfilled before the cargo arrives in the UAE. A good customs broker, can surely assist you with this process.
3. Labeling Regulations: It is important to ensure that all food items are correctly labeled according to the regulatory standards in the UAE, which may be subject to change. Labels should contain details such as the product name, ingredients, nutritional information, production and expiration date, manufacturer information etc. While Dubai does not necessarily require Arabic labeling if the import is intended for catering or sale within the Dubai emirate. Other emirates has made it mandatory for Arabic labeling on products.
4. Packaging: It is essential to package food items according to UAE standards and store them in compliance with regulations throughout the supply chain. Ensure that the packaging materials are safe and suitable for packing foodstuffs.
5. Storage and Temperature: Ensure that the foodstuff sent to Dubai meets HACCP standards for cleanliness and hygiene. Most food stuff may require temperature control during transit or during storage on arrival at the ports, hence labeling should be properly done on both the cargo and on the transport documents (BL/AWB) instructing the handlers to maintain appropriate temperature.
6. Avoid non-food items in the cargo: Do not include any non-food items such as point-of-sale materials, cooking fuel, empty bottles, separate packing items, marketing materials, office stationary, utensils or unregistered products, samples etc inside the cargo. The regulatory authorities may object to releasing the cargo if such items are found during inspections during import.

Questions & Answers (Q&A):

1. Is it possible for a free zone company in Dubai to import foodstuffs and customs clear under own name?
   • Typically, only mainland companies with "food trading activity" specified in their commercial trade licenses issued in the UAE are permitted to import foodstuffs to Dubai mainland. Freezone companies in the UAE may however, issue documented sale to another mainland land company and involve in financial transactions with them but customs clearance of foodstuff directly under their own name is not generally allowed by the regulatory. (There are some exceptions being allowed by the regulatory.)**Regulations keep undergoing multiple changes periodically**.
2. Can a general trading company in Dubai import foodstuffs?
   • Previously, general trading companies were permitted to import foodstuffs. However, regulators now require companies to have "food trading activity" specified on their UAE trade license.**Regulations keep undergoing multiple changes periodically**.
3. We are a restaurant. Can we import foodstuff for our own use?
   • If you have a service-based trade license, you may not be permitted to import foodstuffs into the UAE by the regulatory authorities. However, sometimes certain exceptions may be allowed.
4. I am an individual. Can I import foodstuffs in my personal name ?
   • The regulatory authorities do not permit the importation of foodstuffs in commercial quantities under personal names. The determination of commercial quantities is subjective to the inspector and may vary from a few grams to a few kilos depending on the item.
5. We are a foodstuff company based in another emirate. Can we import foodstuffs through Dubai ports?
   • Yes, you can import perishable foodstuffs such as fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and meat through Dubai. However, If other products are imported, the regulators may require you to store these products inside Dubai emirates for further inspections or until the government laboratory results are published. However, other packaged items may require additional approvals from the respective Municipality (of other emirates).
6. We have a food trading license. Can we import all types of food items?
   • No, certain foodstuffs, such as caviar, may require additional activities to be specified on their UAE trade license. Please check with us before importing any products.
7. What are the current import regulations and requirements for food items in Dubai?
   • Regulations are subjected to change periodically.
8. How can I acquire the required permits and licenses for importing food products?
   • We have high expertise to handle import permit applications. Get in touch with us at [email protected]
9. Are there any limitations on the types of food items that can be brought into Dubai?
   • Yes, some food items are restricted from being imported into the UAE. Sometimes, the presence of certain additives in food products can lead to regulatory rejection of the product. Reasons such as storage temperature, labeling, certifications, lack of original documents etc., can all contribute to rejections.
10. What customs duties and other taxes apply to the importation of food items?
    • As of the publication of this article, fresh fruits and vegetables, certain fish and meat products, and essential cereals are exempt from customs duties. All other items are subject to a 5% customs duty payable upon importation. Additionally, a 5% VAT may also be applicable to be paid during importation. If your are VAT registered and linked to Dubai Customs account, VAT need not be paid during importation but can be adjusted during periodic VAT filing.
11. On what valuation are the taxes to be paid?
    • All government valuations are based on CIF incoterms (Cost, Insurance, and Freight included). Taxes are a major source of government revenue. The commercial invoice you provide will be the primary source used to calculate the taxes. It's important to note that Dubai Customs maintains a comprehensive database of products and suppliers accumulated over the years. During the declaration process, their internal computer system conducts a comparative analysis. If the system detects a significant variance in the valuation on your invoice compared to their database, it will be flagged for further physical inspections by valuation inspectors. These inspectors may request additional documents such as bank transfer proof and photographs to finally arrive at a valuation. Their decisions regarding valuation and release of goods are final, unless ordered by a competent court in the UAE. Valuations and documents scrutiny are also performed by the government auditing departments at later time, hence the importing consignees need to maintain full records of their imports for the next 10 years.
12. Do I have to pay taxes if I bring items as gifts?
    • The regulatory authorities are not concerned with how you use your products, whether you sell or gift them for free or use it for yourself; only the actual value of the product matters for the purpose of calculating taxes and will have to pay as per law.
13. How do I know if the products that I want to import are taxable?
    • A good customs broker can check the the items with Dubai Customs and let you know if the products are taxable.
14. Is compliance with any labeling, packaging, registration requirements necessary for food products?
    • Yes, it is mandatory. Else cargo will not be released and you may have to re-export it back to origin at your cost and responsibility.
15. I have completed the product registration prior to importing. Can I now proceed with the importation without any issues?
    • Approval from the DM is granted for barcodes and labels, including their colors, fonts, etc. Any alteration, such as changing the barcode number, color, or font, will render the item ineligible for entry. If any such product is identified within the entire cargo, the entire shipment may be subject to blockage. Therefore, ensure that only products with approved labels are loaded.
16. I have my actual product in a big barrel (package). I am also shipping small empty food grade bottles inside the shipment, along with the cargo. will it be allowed to clear?
    • Your cargo may be blocked. As mentioned previously, only food items should be included in the shipment. Including non-food items such as empty bottles, packaging materials, or marketing brochures could render the cargo ineligible for clearance and subject to blockage by regulatory authorities.
17. Do my food products need to meet specific health and safety standards?
    • Yes, different food products are required to meet various safety standards. These are considered during the initial registration process and then inspected during the importation process. Samples are also taken by the regulatory during importation process for further detailed lab analysis for contents, microbial activity, toxins, presence of pesticides, chemicals & adulterants etc.
18. There are 2+ different items inside the shipment / container. Will it be cleared same time at the port?
    • As a general rule, if there are more than two different items in a shipment, cargo is not released but DP is usually marked by the regulatory authority on the system (separate warehouse inspection required). The importing company (consignee) must then arrange a separate inspection schedule (done online) with the regulator for their physical visit to your warehouse for further inspection and cargo release.
    • If the cargo arrives at certain ports such as DWC Forwarder Warehouses, you may not be able to remove the cargo until inspection is completed successfully.
    • If there are more than two different products inside the cargo, we strongly recommend that you or your staff be present during regulatory inspections. This is because you or your staff are more familiar with the products to answer to the inspector's queries on additives, content etc. As a customs broker, we facilitate the entire clearance process but are not liable for the products themselves.
19. What are things to note if we want to visit the regulatory during inspection?
    • Please make sure to be present at the inspection center ON TIME in coordination with our staff with your proper identity cards, documents and safety gears. Checklist include following:
      • All cargo related documents
      • Trade License of your company
      • Your Emirates ID to show you are related to the importer
      • Wear Head safety gear (helmet)
      • Wear Safety jacket
      • Wear Safety shoe (office shoe, sport shoe etc may cause barring entry into inspection area)
      • Entry Gate Pass (check with our staff - may take 24-48 hours for approval).
      • Any other documents deemed necessary
20. How can I guarantee the quality and freshness of my food products during the importation process?
    • Only a small number of customs brokers have trucks certified under the UAE government's DMFW regulatory. Unless food cargo is loaded on these certified trucks, the DM or the regulatory may reject the cargo causing huge loss to customers. An air cargo typically reaches the warehouse of our regular customers within the first 3-4 hours upon arrival at Dubai International airport. A sea container typically reaches the warehouse of our regular customers within the first 8 -18 hours of landing at the port.
21. Are original documents necessary for food items? Are soft copies enough?
    • Yes, food products require certain mandatory documents (hard copies in original) depending on the item they import. Soft copies, scanned copies, photocopies, color prints, etc may not be acceptable to the regulatory agencies. Most certificates are issued by the origin government agencies. These may include phyto-sanitary certificate, health certificates, analysis certificate, certificate of origin, Halal certificates, free sale certificate, besides packing list and invoice issued by the supplier etc.
22. Can a customs broker import goods under their name?
    • Customs brokers and freight companies are service agencies who assist other trading companies in the UAE to clear and transport their imports. Customs brokers and freight companies are not allowed by the regulatory to import any goods themselves.
23. How can we hire a good customs broker?
    • Since huge amounts of taxes and government documentations are involved, many fly-by-night customs brokers have opened shop and cheat customers of their tax payments or cut down on proper government documentations to save cost. Only a reliable customs broker can help you in the long term. Check for the following traits before hiring a broker:
      • History & Expertise: Only experienced professionals who understand the complexities of customs regulations and procedures can ensure compliance with regulations, reducing the risk of delays or penalties. Please note, the importing company is liable for UAE government audit penalties for the next 10-15 years after importation (and the customs broker may not be there).
      • Time-saving: Customs Broker should have DMFW certified vehicles and should handle the documentation and communication with customs authorities properly, saving your time and effort.
      • Cost-effective: Customs Broker should help you navigate customs processes efficiently, potentially reducing costs associated with delays or non-compliance.
      • Regulatory compliance: The Customs Broker should stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and requirements, ensuring that your shipments comply with all relevant regulations.
      • Efficiency: Customs Broker should have 24/7 operations inside the ports (Dubai airport & Jebelali seaport) and can expedite the customs clearance process, reducing the time it takes for your shipments to reach your warehouse.
      • Risk mitigation: Customs Broker should help identify and mitigate potential risks associated with importing or exporting goods, such as compliance issues or unexpected costs. As noted earlier, the importing company is liable for UAE government audit penalties for the next 10-15 years after importation
      • Customer service: The Customs Broker should provide personalized support and guidance throughout the customs clearance process.
      • To help streamline your import/export processes, reduce the risk of compliance issues, and ensure your shipments reach their destination in a timely manner, use the best customs broker in town - it will be worth every penny you spend.
24. Are there any other important points to note?
    • Make sure all documents are accurate in item, measure, weight and number.
    • Bill of lading issued by the shipping company should match with the invoice and packing list, in weight and number.
    • All documents including government certificates from origin must be in English.
    • Do not load any item not mentioned in the documents. The onus of the documents will be with the consignee (importing company) as per UAE law.
    • item registration approvals by regulatory may be a time consuming process. Load your goods from origin, only after UAE regulatory registration has been approved.
25. What are the documents required for clearing foodstuff cargo?
    • Depending on the item, document requirements could vary. However, for food items the following documents are mandatory in general:
      • Invoice (issued by supplier)
      • Packing List (issued by supplier)
      • Certificate of origin (issued by chamber of commerce at origin)
      • Health certificate (issued by government agency at origin)
      • Halal certificate: for meat containing items (from authorized Islamic agencies at origin)
      • Phytosanitary certificate :for vegetables and grains (issued by government agency at origin)
      • Pesticide Residue Free certificate - for listed items from certain countries. (issued by origin government agency or UAE government approved labs at origin)
      • GMO free certificate: for certain countries / certain food items
      • Radiation Certificate: For certain food items / certain countries.

We generally accept a limited number of customers, focusing on those where we can provide significant value. For more detailed information, please feel free to email us at [email protected] with details of your shipment attaching available documents. We will answer you back.

Email: [email protected]

Call: +971-55-7910800 (Business hours)