What goods are not allowed into Dubai?
Dubai Customs puts controlled goods in two groups. Prohibited goods cannot be imported or exported, such as narcotic drugs, gambling devices and used tyres. Restricted goods are released only with the approval of the authority that controls them, such as medicines, food and radio equipment. Goods that arrive without approval are impounded.
Prohibited goods
Dubai Customs names these as some of the prohibited items. The list is not complete, because other UAE laws and the common customs law of the GCC can prohibit more.
- Narcotic drugs of all kinds
- Gambling tools, machines and devices of all kinds
- Nylon fishing nets
- Live swine
- Used, reconditioned and inlaid tyres
- Substances contaminated by radiation or nuclear fallout
- Items that contradict Islamic faith and public morals
- Paan and betel leaves
Restricted goods and who approves them
Restricted goods can be imported once the controlling authority has approved them. Dubai Customs lists these authorities and the goods each one controls.
How to check your goods before you ship, step by step
Do this before you confirm the order with your supplier.
- Find the HS code for each product
- Check each product against the prohibited list
- If a product is restricted, find the authority that controls it
- Apply for the approval before the cargo ships
- Send the approval to your clearing agent with the shipping documents
What happens if goods arrive without approval?
Dubai Customs says prohibited and restricted goods that have no approval are impounded, and legal procedures are taken. The approval has to be in place when the customs declaration is filed, so arrange it before the cargo ships. If you are not sure whether a product is restricted, ask before you place the order.
Where Gxpress fits
Send us the product list and the HS codes before you buy. Our offices in India and China check the papers at origin, and our Dubai team clears the cargo under our own customs broker registration with Dubai Customs.
Checked against the Dubai Customs page on prohibited and restricted goods and its guide to procedures on prohibited and restricted items on 6 October 2026.
