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:
- Lengthy delays.
- Excessive fines.
- Cargo destruction by regulators, cost fully borne by the consignee (importing company).
- Mandatory re-export of cargo to origin, with all expenses covered by the consignee (importing company).
- High airport and sea port storage fees resulting from delays.
- Increased shipping demurrages.
- Trade License suspension and other legal repercussions.
To avoid these consequences, we suggest that companies engaged in importing foodstuffs seek the assistance of a knowledgeable customs broker in Dubai, such as Interlink Freight Agency Customs Broker.
Basic requirements before importing food stuff into Dubai:
- Trade License: First and the foremost task before starting importing directly into UAE is to obtain a "mainland license" with "food trading activity". The most common question we receive from customers is whether their free zone company can import foodstuff products into mainland UAE. The answer is NO. Currently, only Jebel Ali Free Zone companies are allowed to import foodstuffs through DWC airport and Jebel Ali seaport for the purpose of either storage or exporting outside the UAE. Free zone companies are not permitted to customs clear food products into the mainland under their company name. 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.
- 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 that you engage our services to assist you in registering with the required regulatory agencies.
- 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 us (Interlink Freight Agency Customs Broker) for registering your products. Once your products are successfully registered, you can check with us before importation.
Checklist before importing food items into Dubai:
- 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.
- 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. An experienced customs broker, like Interlink Freight Agency Customs Broker, can assist you with this process.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Avoid non-food items in the cargo: Do not include any non-food items such as point-of-sale materials, cooking fuel, 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):
- Is it possible for a free zone company in Dubai to import foodstuffs and 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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. If multiple products are imported, the regulators may require you to store the 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).
- 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.
- What are the current import regulations and requirements for food items in Dubai?
- Regulations are subjected to change periodically. Please email us and check with us directly.
- How can I acquire the required permits and licenses for importing food products?
- 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.
- 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. Contact us to learn how you can postpone paying VAT during importation.
- 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.
- 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.
- How do I know if the products that I want to import are taxable?
- Please email the item details and HS code of the items to us at info@interlinkgulf.com and we will check with Dubai Customs and let you know if the products are taxable.
- 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.
- 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.
- How can I guarantee the quality and freshness of my food products during the importation process?
- As a customs broker, all our personnel, including our drivers, are trained in HACCP standards and are well-informed about handling food products. We ensure that the clearances are done on high priority round the clock and transportation of products from the ports (whether airports or seaports) is conducted in the most hygienic manner at the earliest possible time. 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. Yes, we are so fast!
- 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. Contact us to know more!
- 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.
- Why should I consider using Interlink Freight Agency Customs Broker?
- Using a customs broker such as Interlink Freight Agency Customs Broker offers several benefits:
- Expertise: Interlink Freight Agency Customs Broker are experienced professionals who understand the complexities of customs regulations and procedures. We can help ensure compliance with these regulations, reducing the risk of delays or penalties.
- Time-saving: Interlink Freight Agency Customs Broker handle the documentation and communication with customs authorities, saving you time and effort. This allows you to focus on other aspects of your business.
- Cost-effective: While there is a cost associated with using any customs broker, the time and resources saved can often outweigh this cost. Additionally, Interlink Freight Agency Customs Broker can help you navigate customs processes efficiently, potentially reducing costs associated with delays or non-compliance.
- Regulatory compliance: Interlink Freight Agency Customs Broker stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and requirements, ensuring that your shipments comply with all relevant regulations.
- Efficiency: Interlink Freight Agency Customs Broker has 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: Interlink Freight Agency Customs Broker can help identify and mitigate potential risks associated with importing or exporting goods, such as compliance issues or unexpected costs.
- Customer service: Interlink Freight Agency Customs Broker provide personalized support and guidance throughout the customs clearance process, helping to address any questions or concerns you may have.
- Overall, using Interlink Freight Agency Customs Broker can help streamline your import/export processes, reduce the risk of compliance issues, and ensure your shipments reach their destination in a timely manner.
- Are there any resources or organizations that can offer assistance for importing food products into Dubai?
- Interlink Freight Agency Customs Broker is in the market since 1991 and is among the most knowledgeable and reliable agents you'll find in Dubai. We are approved and licensed by all regulatory authorities including Dubai Customs. We always recommend authorizing us as your customs broker. Many of our present customers have come to us after being cheated by unscrupulous clearing agents who does not have any knowledge on clearances. A few cents lower price quote by another agent will not be a real gain for you since that may result in a huge loss for you by way of regulatory rejections, port storage, demurrage, delays, damages, pilferage and loss of profit and business.
if you have any further questions, feel free to Call or whatsapp us now at +971557910800 !
If you want to meet us and talk to us face to face, do let us know! You may also choose to email us in details about your products to: info@interlinkgulf.com
