Dubai / UAE Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

1. Moving to Dubai – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Duty-Free Import of Personal Effects & Used Household Goods

Used personal effects and household goods belonging to individuals relocating permanently to Dubai are generally eligible for duty-free import — provided certain conditions are met. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

• Goods must be used / second-hand (not new). :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• You must hold a valid UAE residence visa or Emirates ID (or visa copy + entry stamp). :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• The shipment should be for your own personal household use — not for resale or commercial purposes. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• You should arrive (or become resident) in the UAE before or around the time your shipment arrives. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

1.2 New Items & Commercial Quantities

New or unused items — or goods in quantities considered commercial — typically incur customs duty (and possibly VAT). :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Many moving companies and customs sources quote a standard rate of 5% duty on assessed value for these items. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Documentation Required for Customs Clearance

• Copy of passport (photo page) with UAE visa / entry stamp or Emirates ID copy. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Residence visa copy or proof of residency / employment / sponsorship. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Detailed packing list / inventory of goods explaining contents and volumes. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Bill of lading (sea freight) or airway bill (air freight). :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• If applicable: invoice or proof of purchase for new / high-value items. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

2.2 Packing & Inventory Best Practices

• Number and label every carton / liftvan so it matches the inventory list — helps speed up inspection and clearance. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Separate new items from used items; clearly mark them if invoices are declared. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Group high-value items (electronics, artwork, jewellery, musical instruments) to facilitate customs review. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
• Keep a copy of all key documents (passports, visa, inventory, bill/lading) with you — not inside the shipment. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

3. Importing Vehicles into Dubai / UAE

3.1 Vehicle Import Rules & Duties

You can import a private car or motorcycle to Dubai under your relocation — but note: vehicles are **not** duty-free. Customs duty applies. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

• Standard customs duty on vehicles is generally around 5% of the landed cost (CIF). :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
• Additionally, VAT or other import-related charges may apply depending on local regulations. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
• Vehicles must meet UAE / GCC vehicle standards (safety, emissions, lighting, climate compatibility, etc.) before registration. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

3.2 Required Documents for Vehicle Import

• Original vehicle registration or title / ownership certificate from origin country. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
• Bill of lading (shipping), or invoice if imported privately. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
• Proof of residence visa or Emirates ID / residence permit copy. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
• Insurance and compliance certificates if vehicle standards require update. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}

4. Bringing Pets & Animals to Dubai

Importing pets and animals into Dubai/UAE is regulated carefully. Although rules vary by species and country of origin, many items remain strictly controlled. Always verify with relevant authorities before shipping pets or animal products. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}

4.1 What to check before shipping pets

• Valid vaccination records (especially rabies), health certificates and vet documentation.
• Micro-chipping or identification where required.
• Comply with UAE regulations on restricted breeds, exotic pets, or animal import restrictions. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Items

5.1 Alcohol

Alcohol import into Dubai is restricted. You may be charged duties and VAT, and certain permissions may be required. Large quantities or undeclared alcohol can lead to seizure, fines, or refusal of entry. Dubai does not apply duty-free traveler allowances to commercial or household goods shipments.

5.2 Tobacco Products

Like alcohol, tobacco is also restricted. Taxes apply on import, and proper declaration is required. Failure to declare tobacco or large quantities could result in penalties.

5.3 Food, Plants & Animal-Origin Products

The UAE has strict import rules protecting public health, the environment and religious sensitivities:

• Meat and certain food items require Halal certification and may require documentation.
• Pork and pork-based products are highly regulated and may be prohibited or subject to permit.
• Plants, seeds and soil may require phytosanitary certificates or permits.
• Products from endangered species may require CITES permits.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Dubai / UAE

The following items are strictly prohibited and must not be included in your shipment:

• Illegal drugs and narcotics
• Weapons, explosives, ammunition, and fireworks
• Obscene and inappropriate materials, publications or media
• Items that offend Islamic values or public morality
• Counterfeit branded goods or fake currency
• Certain animal-origin goods without proper permits

Violating UAE import regulations may result in confiscation, fines, deportation, or other legal consequences. Always verify questionable items before shipping.

7. Practical Tips for International Relocations to Dubai

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

If you are planning a relocation from Toronto to Dubai, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

• Start planning early to ensure visa documentation aligns with import timelines.
• Understand which goods qualify duty-free and which items require duty payments.
• Discuss special items (artwork, vehicles, musical instruments, electronics) with your mover.
• Keep all essential documentation with you, not in your shipment.

7.2 Why choose a specialist international mover

Dubai has specific logistics, customs and compliance procedures. Using a professional mover experienced in UAE regulations helps ensure:

• Proper documentation preparation and customs filing
• Professional export packing compliant with Gulf transit conditions
• Coordination of door-to-door relocation services
• Local destination partners for delivery, clearance and unpacking

8. Useful Official Links – UAE / Dubai

Always verify regulations directly with the UAE authorities listed below:

• Dubai Customs – Official Government Portal
• Clearance of Personal Effects – Dubai Government
• Permitted & Restricted Goods – Dubai Customs
• UAE Government – Controlled & Prohibited Items
• Ministry of Climate Change & Environment – Plants & Animal Import Rules

This guide supports your customs preparation for moving to Dubai. The UAE authorities listed above issue the final clearance rules and requirements for import, duty and restricted items.