Temporary relaxation of labelling requirements for exports to Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Last updated: Monday 30 March 2020
Exports to Dubai
Dubai Municipality will allow food items to enter all Dubai ports without the mandatory Arabic labelling requirement and without having to date stamp production dates on mandatory items. This applies only for products to be sold within the Emirate of Dubai. There is no change to requirement of halal certification.
Additionally, Dubai Customs will refund 1% of customs duty for imported goods which are subject to customs duty rate of 5% and sold locally in the UAE market. This will apply from 15 March to 30 June 2020 and the reimbursement will be made via customers’ CDR accounts at the end of every month. This Customs Notice provides further details.
Businesses with questions can contact Adil Khan, Trade and Investment Adviser at the British Embassy in Dubai, at adil.khan@fco.gov.uk
Exports to Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) will allow food items to enter all Abu Dhabi ports without the mandatory Arabic labelling requirement and without having to date stamp production dates on mandatory items. Expiry/best by dates will need to be mentioned on all items and there is no change to requirement of halal certification.
Further Information
No end date has been provided for these relaxed labelling requirements but DIT is assuming that they will continue until the Covid-19 outbreak and associated restrictions are behind us. DIT will provide further information/updates as it becomes available.