Prohibited & restricted items

Alcohol for consumption is a prohibited item. Alcohol, liquor, and any foodstuff containing it or flavouring thereof will be prohibited for entry into the GCC and most Muslim countries. Some alcohol products also can be restricted due to hazardous materials/dangerous goods transport regulations.

Please note that alcohol contained in perfumes, colognes, deodorants, nail polish removers, general cosmetics, and other household products for example, may face some restrictions, but may not be prohibited and can only be shipped in limited quantities.

Emirates Delivers does not allow currency or monetary instruments to be exported through our facility. These items will be returned to the original sender, upon approval. They cannot be sent to an alternate address at origin.

• Cash (bank notes & coins)
• Cheques (including traveler’s cheques)
• Bank drafts
• Bearer bonds and other monetary instruments
• Credit cards
• Gold, silver, or platinum bullion/bars
• Rough diamonds
• Loose diamonds or gems
• Currency with historical value
• Mother of Pearl items commonly found on watches, guitars, and jewellery items
• Fossils, jewellery, stones or stoneware, marble or any stone derivative
• Gold, diamond, silver & precious stones (jewellery exempt including watches)
• Any collectible painting
• Sculpture or other work of art
• Antiques (original engravings, prints, lithographs in any material)
• Forged and duplicate currency

Emirates Delivers does not accept professional medical equipment if a prescription or medical license is required for purchase. Many times, the item will state “RX Only” or “[Origin Country] laws restricts the sale of this device for or on the order of a physician”.

Such items may include:

• Dental devices & supplies (example: dental drills, cements, resins)
• Medical devices & supplies (example: syringes, surgical equipment)
• Veterinary devices & supplies (example: surgical equipment for animals) are also prohibited

Emirates Delivers does not export prescription (“RX”) medications of any kind; this includes Human Growth Hormones (HGH), prohormones, and stem cell derived medications (even if not RX). Emirates Delivers also does not export over-the-counter (OTC) medications. In addition, any OTC medications or dietary supplements must adhere to the Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) - or equivalent governing body at origin - labeling guidelines. Products may also be denied for export if found to be harmful to consumers or have consumer health warnings from governments.

OTC medications, dietary supplements & cosmetics are prohibited when they:

• Are imported into the origin (does not apply to cosmetics)
• Are not packaged and labeled in English
• Are opened or not fully and properly packaged
• Do not adhere to the FDA - or equivalent governing body at origin - labeling guidelines
• Contain an ingredient that is not approved by the FDA - or equivalent governing body at origin.

Dietary Supplements are defined as:

• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Herbs or botanicals
• Amino acids
• Concentrates, metabolites, constituents, extracts, or a combination of any ingredient mentioned above

OTC Medications, dietary supplements & cosmetics may be restricted or prohibited; you are responsible for ensuring any such merchandise may be properly imported.

Please Note: You are strongly advised to ensure your orders originate from within the origin If a product is prohibited and it came from a merchant outside the origin it will not be eligible for return and will be properly disposed.

Emirates Delivers does not accept electronics that require the use of an export license from the the origin country. While many electronics are restricted or prohibited from exporting, others are not. The following are prohibited:

• Airplane parts and aviation equipment (example: gyroscopes, accelerometers)
• Aerospace and propulsion items, including commercial drones and some highly sophisticated consumer drones
• Telecommunications & information security equipment (containing high-end encryption and decryption)
• High powered lasers and sensors
• Laser (as laser hair removals or laser pens)
• Long-range/military walkie talkie
• Satellite phones
• Ruggedised computers
• Hacking tools and devices
• Metal detectors
• Surveilence devices
• High-powered/commercial grade networking devices (e.g. servers & routers)
• Military grade electronics of any kind
• High-end encryption devices
• High-end GPS, radar, radar detectors and sonar devices
• High-end communications devices/radios
• Bitcoin miners/wallets/products
• Rack mountable electronics
• Spy cameras/recorders, concealed listening devices
• Charging devices and power banks

Firearms are strictly prohibited for shipping with Emirates Delivers.

All of the following firearms, weaponry, and military/tactical items are prohibited and will not be exported by Emirates Delivers:

Weapon accessories, including:

• Magazines/ammunition clips
• Butt-stocks, forends
• Gun barrels
• Firing pins, hammers
• Trigger housings
• Upper or lower receivers
• Pistol grips, ammo extenders
• Weapon lasers
• Holographic weapon sights
• Red dot sights
• Reticle sights
• Rifle scopes
• Thermal imaging/night vision scopes
• Firearms, guns (whether real or replica)
• Ammunition, bullets, rubber bullets, cartridges, gun powder, including jewellery made of or containing bullets/casings
• Tactical/military helmets
• Body armour/Kevlar (both soft and hard)
• Gas masks and gas mask filters
• Mace, pepper spray
• Bayonets
• Brass knuckles or similar articles
• Stun guns, stun batons, electro shock weapons
• Batons, saps, billy clubs
• Metal handcuffs, plastic zip-tie restraints
• Police or military uniforms
• Cane swords, gravity knives, butterfly knives, automatic knives and hunting knives
• Striking weapons
• Military/tactical/police shields
• Military training equipment

Please note that this list is not exhaustive.

Batteries spare/or loose, including lithium metal or lithium ion cells or batteries, for portable electronic devices cannot be shipped. Articles which have the primary purpose as a power source, e.g. power banks are considered as spare batteries. e-hover boards and e-scooters etc. are also prohibited

Loose batteries included within product packages will be removed and discarded.

Items that include in-built batteries such as phones, tablets, laptops, personal electronic devices may be shipped (provided they are brand new/unused and in limited quantities).

Used electronics are prohibited.

Emirates Delivers prohibits the import of these items and as such will not export these kinds of items.

• Adult videos/movies
• Pornography and/or obscene material, any unsolicited indecent item or representation of any kind
• Adult magazines/books
• Sex toys, lubricants and sexual supplements/medication
• Other adult-themed products
• Human and animal remains/parts
• Ashes

Shipping of human and animal remains, including ashes is strictly prohibited.

You, as the importer of record, are responsible for ensuring that any and all items that you ask Emirates Delivers to import into your county satisfies all laws and regulations of the country you are importing into.

Many products may be restricted or prohibited as hazardous materials for transportation (Dangerous Goods). Emirates Delivers has trained Dangerous Goods specialists who can classify, package, label, and help you export certain products that are classified as Dangerous Goods. In order to confirm whether a product is considered a Dangerous Good and whether Emirates Delivers is able to export the product on your behalf, we recommend you provide us with a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) (formally known as a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

Your Merchant should be able to provide you with this document. The following list is not exhaustive, and products may differ in classification depending on ingredients contained within the product. If an item is listed as prohibited, Emirates Delivers will not be able to export and may not be able to return the product domestically. If an item is listed as restricted, Emirates Delivers may be able to export the product depending on the classification and quantity.

Prohibited

• Explosives
• Detonating cords, blasting caps, fuses, primers, igniters, Christmas crackers
• Ammunition/cartridges, gun powder, fireworks, flares, firearms
• Fireworks
• Cap gun caps, model rocket engines
• Fire extinguishers
• Poisons & toxic substances
• Biological & medical cultures/samples/specimens
• Tear gas
• Infectious substances
• Laboratory chemicals, including corrosives, acids, lye, or other strong bases, etc.
• Spy cameras/recorders, surreptitious listening devices
• Certain oxidising agents
• Chemical oxygen generators
• Nitrates
• Nitrites
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Potassium permanganate
• Radioactive materials, including irradiating devices and certain smoke alarms
• Lighters with fuel and matches
• All non-flammable compressed gases including carbon dioxide, neon, helium, nitrogen etc.
• All toxic compressed gases including chlorine, fluorine etc.
• Battery fluid
• Gasoline
• Radiation polluted substances
• Lead acid batteries and alkaline batteries
• Dyes
• Lighters

Restricted

• Airbags, airbag inflators, seat belt pretensioners
• Fertilisers
• Paint, varnish, stains, paint thinners
• Acetone, nail polish, nail polish remover
• Cologne, perfume
• Aerosols, including hair spray, bug spray/insecticides, shaving creams
• Compressed gases, including CO2 cartridges
• Glues and adhesives (except for stationery)
• Household chemicals, including:
• Window/counter cleaners
• Drain/oven cleaners
• Antifreeze
• Alcohol-based hand sanitisers
• Water/aquarium test kits
• Bleach
• Large or strong magnets except within speakers
• Carbon or activated carbon
• Agricultural chemicals, including pesticides and fungicides

Emirates Delivers will not export any of the following:

• Lottery tickets
• Slot machines or other gambling devices, including parts and accessories

This excludes playing cards.

We do not ship live or dead animals/insects of any kind. We also do not ship any animal products, such as skins, meat, fur, etc.

The following items and other parts of these animals and reptiles, even when incorporated into a product, can be restricted and may require the submission of an export declaration to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (or equivalent governing body at origin). You may be required to provide the Genus, Species and Country of Origin for export classification purposes. Please Contact us prior to sending any such items to your suite:

Prohibited

• Animal antlers, bones, claws, hair, fur, skin, horn, ivory and teeth
• Snake, ostrich, alligator, crocodile, lizard, stingray and other reptile/amphibian skins
• Fish skin, shark teeth, shark cartilage supplements, and sturgeon/beluga caviar (fish eggs/roe)
• Bird feathers and insects
• Coral, shells, starfish, sand dollars and other marine life
• Mother of pearl items commonly found on watches, guitars, and jewellery items
• Triple-layered fishing nets
• Taxidermy
• Live Plants
• Soil

Restricted

• Seeds

Prohibited

• Foodstuff, Perishable Food Articles, Beverages requiring refrigeration or other environmental control (moist, etc)
• Food items containing animal gelatine (in GCC and most Muslim countries)
• Pork products and pork flavouring (in GCC and most Muslim Countries)
• White/Red Wine Vinegar (into GCC and most Muslim Countries)
• Wet food/meat products
• Meals ready-to-eat/MRES
• Dry ice
• Frozen food
• Perishable food
• Lab reagents
• Biological substances or agents
• Live bait
• Hemp seeds/oils
• Poppy seeds

Restricted

• Artificial flavouring permitted (except pork and alcohol in GCC and most Muslim countries)
• Food items containing dry meat/flavouring (may require a Halal certificate into GCC and most Muslim countries)
• Food products are subject to approval from the authorities at the destination.

Certain "specially designed" items, parts and accessories may be restricted for export. Please check with us prior to purchasing.

Categories that may contain restricted products include:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks and other items that fall under this category are currently restricted by certain authorities at origin.
• Items such as fishing equipment, seeds, plants, animal/pet supplements and animal food, etc. are restricted for import.

Some prohibited categories include:

• Materials processing items (example: sophisticated pressure valves and metal piping)
• Tattoo Machines and related items
• Goods intended to be imported from boycotted countries
• Used, reconditioned, and inlaid tyres
• Cooked and home-made foods
• Government issued ID's or documents

Note: Restrictions apply for GCC and Muslim countries on certain printed publications, oil paintings, photographs, pictures, cards, books, magazines, stony sculptures and mannequins which contradict Islamic teachings, decencies, or deliberately imply immorality or turmoil. Such categories are prohibited.

Additional information about some of the origin export regulations discussed in this document may be found at the following websites:

Export regulatory authorities:

• Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority (MHRA)
• Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
• HM Treasury
• HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
• Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
• Department for Transport
• International Trade Administration
• Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls
• International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
• Bureau of Industry and Security
• Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
  
• Census Bureau
• Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR)

UAE CUSTOMS:
https://www.dubaicustoms.gov.ae/en/mobile/Pages/ProhibitedandRestrictedGoods.aspx

UAE MINISTRIES & FEDERAL AUTHORITIES:
https://uaecabinet.ae/en/ministries-and-federal-authorities

Antiques (rare items of value that are over 100 years old) and artwork (any collectible painting, sculpture, and other works of art) fall under restricted items. They can be shipped only against special terms & conditions and after obtaining approvals otherwise, such categories are prohibited.

Dangerous goods are a big no-no. We do not ship any dangerous goods under any circumstances.

Dangerous goods are defined as those goods which meet the criteria of 1 or more of 9 UN hazard classes. These classes relate to the type of hazard.

Class 1 – Explosives

Any chemical compound, mixture or device capable of producing an explosive-pyrotechnic effect, with substantial instantaneous release of heat and gas. All explosives are prohibited.
Examples: ammunition, blasting caps, Christmas cracker snaps, fireworks, flares, fuses, ignites, nitroglycerin, etc.

Class 2 - Gases compressed, liquefied or dissolved under pressure

Permanent gases, which cannot be liquefied at ambient temperatures; liquefied gases, which can become liquid under pressure at ambient temperatures; dissolved gases, which are dissolved under pressure in a solvent

1. All flammable compressed gases are prohibited.
   Examples: Blowlamps, butane, cigarette lighters, ethane, gas cylinders for camping stoves, hydrogen, methane, propane, etc.
2. All toxic compressed gases are prohibited.
   Examples: Chlorine, fluorine, etc.
3. All non-flammable compressed gases are prohibited.
   Examples: Carbon dioxide, neon, nitrogen, fire extinguishers containing such gases, etc.
4. All aerosols are prohibited.

Class 3 - Flammable liquids

Liquids, mixtures of liquids, or liquids containing solids in solution or suspension which give off a flammable vapour. Any liquid with a closed cup flash point below 60.5°C is prohibited.
Examples: Acetone, benzene, cleaning compounds, gasoline, lighter fuel, paint thinners and removers, petroleum, solvents, etc.

Class 4 - Flammable solids

Substances liable to spontaneous combustion. Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases. Solid materials which are liable to cause fire by friction, absorption of water, spontaneous chemical changes, or retained heat from manufacturing or processing, or which can be readily ignited and burn vigorously.
Examples: Calcium carbide, cellulose nitrate products, matches (any type including safety), metallic magnesium, nitro-cellulose-based film, phosphorous, potassium, sodium, sodium hydride, zinc powder, zirconium hydride, etc.

Class 5 - Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides

Though not necessarily combustible themselves, these substances may cause or contribute to combustion of other substances. They may also be liable to explosive decomposition, react dangerously with other substances, and be injurious to health. All oxidizing substances and organic peroxides are prohibited.
Examples: Bromates, chlorates, components of fiberglass repair kits, nitrates, perchlorates, permanganates, peroxides, etc.

Class 6 - Toxic and infectious substances

Substances liable to cause death or injury if swallowed or inhaled, or by skin contact. All toxic substances are prohibited.
Examples: Arsenic, beryllium, cyanide, fluorine, hydrogen solenoid, infectious substance containing micro organisms or their toxins which are known or suspected to cause disease, mercury, mercury salts, mustard gas, nitrobenzene, nitrogen dioxide, pesticides, poisons, rat poison. Pathogens in Risk Group 4, and selected Risk Group 3 pathogens listed in Schedule 9, part 5 of the latest edition of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations are prohibited.
Examples: Ebola, foot and mouth disease, environmental, clinical and medical waste.

Class 7 - Radioactive material

All material and samples that are classified as radioactive using Table 2-12 of latest edition of the International Civil Aviation Organisation's Technical Instructions are prohibited.
Examples: Fissile material (uranium-235, etc.), radioactive waste material, thorium or uranium ores, etc.

Class 8 – Corrosives

Substances which can cause severe damage by chemical action to living tissue, other freight, or the means of transport. All corrosive substances are prohibited.
Examples: Aluminium chloride, caustic soda, corrosive cleaning fluid, corrosive rust remover/preventative, corrosive paint remover, electric storage batteries, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulphuric acid, etc.

Class 9 - Miscellaneous dangerous goods

Substances which present dangers not covered elsewhere.
Examples: Asbestos, dry ice (solid carbon dioxide), magnetised material with a magnetic field strength of 0.159 A/m or more at a distance of 2.1m from the outside of the package.

Infectious substances are prohibited.

Radioactive substances are prohibited.

Consignments with a declared value for customs in excess of permitted cannot be shipped except under special terms & conditions.

Emirates Delivers does not ship diagnostic specimens (blood and its components, tissue and tissue fluid swabs, body parts, etc.) except under special terms & conditions.

We do not ship a consignment if it is not accompanied by proper documentation. We also do not ship a consignment if any required documentation is not fully and correctly completed.

We do not ship a consignment which requires to have a license but does not have except under special terms & conditions.

Emirates Delivers has a strict zero tolerance policy for illegal drugs. These products are prohibited and will be handed over to the authorities:

Controlled or illicit substances like cocaine, cannabis resin, LSD, narcotics, morphine, opium, psychotropic substances, etc.

• Narcotics, cannabis/marijuana/weed, and psychotropic drugs
• Chemicals
• Synthetic cannabis/herbal incense

The account of any Member who ships illegal drugs will be subject to termination.

Prescription drugs can be shipped if they satisfy the following conditions. Prescription drugs sent for medical or scientific purposes, should not meet any of the criteria of the 9 UN hazard classes when classified by the sender. Drugs in prescription quantities may be sent by private individuals in the case of emergencies.

Fragile items which includes goods that require special handling or extra care fall under the restricted category and can only be shipped against special terms & conditions.
Examples:

1. Ceramics or composites wholly or partially made of China and/or porcelain
2. Glassware - items partially or wholly made of glass, or containing glass, (picture frames that contain glass).
3. Lighting - containing fluorescent tubes, neon lighting, x-ray tubes, light bulbs, etc.
4. Musical instruments.
5. Plaster items - including plaster of Paris, fiber clay.

Items and dummy games like toy weapons, paint ball guns, BB guns, antique weapons, swords, knives, fake grenades, items that could be used as weapons, etc. fall under the prohibited category.

Emirates Delivers does not ship wet ice (frozen water). Liquids not otherwise classed as Dangerous Goods are restricted except against special terms & conditions.

Minerals, which includes fossils, stones, marble or any stone derivative, and plants and plant material, including seeds and cut flowers are restricted. Shipping of such items requires additional approvals.

Shipments to post office addresses is restricted.

Emirates Delivers does not ship packages that would likely cause damage to other packages and equipment. Shipping of goods which are not adequately packed as per air carriage regulations is prohibited.

Tobacco and nicotine products including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cigars, pods, liquids, devices, etc. are restricted and subject to approval for import into the GCC (and may require self-clearance in some GCC countries).

In certain cases, the above may be prohibited for import into the GCC.

Before shopping online internationally, check and search if your items are Prohibited or Restricted. Contact us if you require more info on shipping the above items.

Note: certain destinations may require self-clearance.

Shipping of valuable items is restricted and subject to approval.
Examples: Precious metals and stones, jewellery and genuine pearls, articles made largely or wholly of gold, silver or other precious metals, and high risk items can be prohibited for shipping.