Do I have to declare food, plant and animal products under agency control at United Arab Emirates customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to United Arab Emirates customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare food, plant and animal products under agency control in United Arab Emirates?

Under Dubai Customs Policy, 'Declaration and Inspection of Items or, if you declare the excess yourself: the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Dubai Customs Policy, Article: the goods are held until you leave the country. Under Dubai Customs Policy, Article: the goods are confiscated.

Can I take food, plant and animal products under agency control out of United Arab Emirates?

United Arab Emirates publishes no separate rule for taking food, plant and animal products under agency control out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the United Arab Emirates limit for food, plant and animal products under agency control apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Federal Customs Authority / ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) states it in Passenger Customs Guide, Version No. 6 - 2025, Second: Baggage Declaration. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Fifth: Some goods accompanying passengers subject to permits by relevant authorities”

How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on food, plant and animal products under agency control?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit food, plant and animal products under agency control, 20 limit it and 0 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Food, plant and animal products under agency control can I bring into United Arab Emirates?

Restricted

You can bring Food, plant and animal products under agency control into United Arab Emirates only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Above allowance

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Passenger Customs Guide, Version No. 6 - 2025, Second: Baggage Declaration Dubai Customs, Government of Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Questions about Food, plant and animal products under agency control in United Arab Emirates

Do I have to declare food, plant and animal products under agency control at United Arab Emirates customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to United Arab Emirates customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare food, plant and animal products under agency control in United Arab Emirates?: Under Dubai Customs Policy, 'Declaration and Inspection of Items or, if you declare the excess yourself: the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Dubai Customs Policy, Article: the goods are held until you leave the country. Under Dubai Customs Policy, Article: the goods are confiscated.
Can I take food, plant and animal products under agency control out of United Arab Emirates?: United Arab Emirates publishes no separate rule for taking food, plant and animal products under agency control out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the United Arab Emirates limit for food, plant and animal products under agency control apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Federal Customs Authority / ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) states it in Passenger Customs Guide, Version No. 6 - 2025, Second: Baggage Declaration. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Fifth: Some goods accompanying passengers subject to permits by relevant authorities”
How does United Arab Emirates compare with other countries on food, plant and animal products under agency control?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit food, plant and animal products under agency control, 20 limit it and 0 let it through. United Arab Emirates is among the ones that set a limit.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products Cut flowers and wreaths Eggs Fish and other fishery products Fruits and vegetables