The UAE has specific cultural restrictions. Religious articles other than Islamic items are not permitted for import. Books and CDs must be packed separately for Ministry of Information inspection. The shipper must be physically present in the UAE at the time the shipment arrives.
✈ Air freight to UAE: 4-8 working days, subject to space and flight availability with the carriers from UK door collection • ⚓ Sea freight: 5-8 weeks door-to-door (subject to your destination) • Price confirmed before we collect • Freephone 0800 096 38 39
These items are not automatically refused but face restrictions, duties, inspections or require specific documentation. Check before you pack.
Religious articles other than Islamic items are not permitted for import. This includes Bibles, religious statues, crosses and non-Islamic religious texts.
Must be packed in separate boxes for Ministry of Information inspection. Content deemed offensive to Islamic values will be confiscated.
Non-Muslims may import limited amounts for personal use but restrictions apply. Generally not accepted on personal effects services.
Many medications legal in the UK are controlled substances in the UAE. Carry prescriptions and check with UAE health authorities.
Pork and pork products are not permitted for import.
Playing cards, gambling equipment and related materials are restricted.
Certain telecommunications equipment may require approval.
Strictly prohibited and subject to heavy penalties.
The following items are prohibited on all services — air freight, sea freight and door-to-door (subject to your destination). Do not pack them. Items found during inspection will be confiscated, and you may face penalties.
Customs clearance at destination is your responsibility as sender — who must also be the receiver for personal effects classification. Have these documents ready before we collect.
If customs or inspection issues arise at the destination — including holds, queries or inspections — you must respond promptly. Failure to respond, or submission of incorrect documentation, will result in storage charges accumulating at the destination warehouse at your cost.
You are liable for storage, inspection fees and any duties that arise where:
If you are unsure about any item, its declared value, or the documentation required for your destination — call us before you pack. We would rather spend ten minutes on the phone with you than have your shipment held at customs for two weeks while fees accumulate.
After more than two decades on this route, we know exactly what causes shipments to be held, delayed or refused at UAE customs. These are the practical tips that make the difference.
The must-be-present rule is absolute. If you are not in the UAE when your shipment arrives it cannot be cleared.
Pack all books and CDs in one clearly labelled box. Inspectors open them — keep valuable items elsewhere.
Do not pack any religious items other than Islamic items. They will be confiscated without compensation.
Check medication restrictions before you pack — many common UK medications are controlled in the UAE.
Declared values must be accurate. UAE customs takes under-declaration seriously.
“We collect your luggage ourselves. We check it is properly packed, wrapped and secured before it leaves your door. After 28 years we know what arrives safely and what doesn’t. That happens before the bag is in the air — not after.”
Your UK shipping quote does not include the following destination charges. These are levied by governing bodies and government agencies at the arrival country and are payable by you directly at destination:
These charges are mandatory, set by the destination country’s governing bodies, and outside our control. We will advise you of known destination charges for your route at the time of booking so you can budget accordingly. If you have questions about what to expect at your destination, call us on 0800 096 38 39 before you book.