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Compare Country Trade Regulations

Pick up to 4 economies and see customs authorities, licensing regimes, prohibited & restricted lists, sanctions overlays and dispute forums side by side. Decision-support only - always confirm with local counsel.

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Dimension
United Arab Emirates
AE →
IntroThe UAE applies the GCC Common External Tariff of 5% for most goods, with select exemptions (basic foods, medicines) and higher rates (tobacco 100%, alcohol 50%). Free zones (JAFZA, DAFZA, KIZAD, Sharjah Airport FZ, ADAFZ) offer 0% import duty, 100% foreign ownership and simplified re-export. Federal Decree Law 20/2018 on AML applies to precious metals & stones dealers.
Primary authorities
  • Federal Customs Authority (FCA)National customs policy.
  • Dubai Customs / Abu Dhabi CustomsEmirate-level clearance and inspection.
  • MoIATECAS (Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme), industrial licensing.
  • MOFAIC + Executive Office AML/CTFSanctions & counter-terrorism financing.
Licensing regimes
  • Trade Licence (Federal or Emirate)Mandatory to conduct commercial import/export. · DED / Free Zone Authority
  • ECAS certificateRegulated products (electronics, toys, chemicals, building materials). · MoIAT
  • Dual-use export authorisationFederal Decree Law 13/2007 goods list. · Executive Office for Control & Non-Proliferation
  • Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) licencePrecious metals, tea, coffee, diamonds trading. · DMCC
Prohibited goods
  • · Israeli-origin goods removed from prohibited list post-Abraham Accords (Sep 2020) - now permitted.
  • · Narcotics, poppy seeds (unwashed), controlled pharmaceuticals without permit.
  • · Ivory, rhino horn (CITES).
  • · Publications & media contrary to Islamic values / UAE law.
  • · Gambling equipment.
Restricted goods
  • · Precious metals & stones - DMCC due diligence + Federal Decree Law 20/2018 AML compliance.
  • · Halal certification for meat & poultry - ESMA-approved halal certifier at origin required.
  • · Pharmaceuticals - MOHAP registration + import permit per shipment.
  • · Cosmetics - MOHAP or emirate health authority notification.
  • · Telecom equipment - TDRA type approval.
Labelling requirements
  • · Arabic-language labelling mandatory for retail food (GSO 9), cosmetics, textiles.
  • · Country of origin declaration.
  • · Halal marking for meat & poultry with certifying-body reference.
  • · MOHAP registration number on pharmaceutical/medical device packaging.
Sanctions overlay
  • · UN Security Council sanctions (auto-applied under Cabinet Decision 74/2020).
  • · MOFAIC Local Terrorism List + International Sanctions Compliance guidance.
  • · FATF grey-listing (Feb 2022) removed Feb 2024 after AML reforms.
Dispute resolutionOnshore courts (Civil & Commercial). DIFC Courts (English-law jurisdiction) and ADGM Courts for Free Zone matters. Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC 2022 rules) and ADCCAC. UAE-acceded to NY Convention 2006. Bilateral CEPAs with India (2022), Indonesia (2023), Turkey (2023), Israel (2022) provide preferential access.
Official sources

Frequently asked questions

How do I compare import regulations between two countries?

Pick two to four countries above. The table lines up the customs authority, import licensing, VAT/GST rate, prohibited and restricted goods, sanctions overlays and dispute forums, with links to each official source.

Is this comparison legal advice?

No. It is decision support built from published government sources. Regulatory positions change often, so confirm every action with the named authority or licensed local counsel before you ship.

Where do I calculate the duty once I know the rules?

Use the Import Duty & VAT Calculator for a quick CIF-based estimate, or the Landed Cost Calculator for the full cost stack including freight, insurance and destination charges.

Next step: Import Duty & VAT Calculator or Landed Cost Calculator. Last reviewed 14 October 2026.

Comparison is decision-support only. Regulatory positions change frequently - confirm every action with the named authorities or licensed local counsel.