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Importing Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices to the UAE: A Comprehensive Guide

With a focus on emerging as a global leader in healthcare, the UAE is rapidly developing its healthcare market. Presently, the country heavily relies on imported medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Its supportive infrastructure, strategic location, and conducive business environment make the UAE a regional trading hub for medical devices and pharmaceuticals.

This blog intends to guide you while importing pharmaceuticals and medical devices to the UAE. It gives a comprehensive picture of all processes involved, from registering your company in the UAE with the Ministry of Health to clearing your products at customs. 

Comprehensive Guide to Importing Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices to the UAE: Regulatory Framework Governing Imports

The UAE’s regulatory framework for pharmaceuticals and medical devices recently replaced Federal Law No. 8 of 2019 with new Federal Law No. 38 of 2024. This new law took effect on January 2, 2025, and aims to improve the governance of pharmaceutical establishments, medical products, and pharmacy jobs in the UAE. 

Key authorities overseeing the medical equipment and pharma goods clearance during import are: 

  • Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)—the federal ministry overseeing healthcare policy in the UAE
  • Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH)—the primary regulatory authority in Abu Dhabi
  • Dubai Health Authority (DHA)—the regulatory body regulating medical equipment and healthcare activities, including pharmaceuticals, within the Emirate of Dubai.

Comprehensive Guide to Importing Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices to the UAE: Licensing Requirements for Importers

To import pharmaceuticals and medical devices into the UAE:

  • UAE companies (even those with a part of foreign shareholding) require a medical warehouse license to import medical devices and pharmaceuticals. 
  • UAE citizens require a medical importer license. 

Also read: Warehouse Safety and Security: Top Technologies and Practices

Marketing Authorization Process:

  • Marketing authorization holder companies, marketing consultants, and distributors, along with entities and individuals involved in the purchasing, enlisting, prescription, dispensing, and reimbursement of medical products, should get marketing authorization approval from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP).
  • Products can only be imported by the local agent cited in the approval for the product’s marketing authorization 

Required Document:

  • A valid certificate of free registration or sale certified by the UAE Embassy and issued by competent authorities in the country of origin.
  • Product agency contract’s copy signed between the agent and the company. 

Comprehensive Guide to Importing Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices to the UAE: Medical Equipment and Pharma Goods Clearance Process

The process of obtaining import permits for medical devices and pharmaceuticals includes the following steps:

  • Register your company in the UAE (with you as a shareholder) with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP).
  • Get a trade license that permits activities related to the importation of medical devices and pharmaceuticals. 
  • As per Article 47 of the Pharmacy Law, get a license for your medical warehouse in the UAE. 
  • Register the medical devices and pharmaceuticals you want to import with MoHAP.
  • Gather all necessary documents for MOHAP medical equipment registration.
  • Complete payments and submission of your request using a smart app or the MoHAP website.
  • Your registration application will be reviewed by a competent technical committee.
  • Once approved, you will receive a certificate of registration with a validity of 5 years.

Comprehensive Guide to Importing Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices to the UAE: MoHAP Medical Equipment Registration and Compliance with UAE Standards

MoHAP medical equipment registration and compliance with UAE standards include the following steps:

  • Obtaining a pre-market approval before you introduce medical devices into the market in the UAE
  • Appointing a local authorized representative (AR) to guarantee compliance with UAE regulations and act as your point of contact with MoHAP.
  • Submission of a comprehensive dossier explaining the device’s quality, safety, and efficacy.

Comprehensive Guide to Importing Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices to the UAE: Distribution and Marketing Regulations in the UAE

The regulatory framework for the distribution and marketing of medicines and medical devices in the UAE includes:

  • Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2024:

This law replaces Federal Law No. 8 of 2019 and regulates the pharmacy profession, medical products, and pharmaceutical establishments.

  • Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE):

The EDE manages and regulates medical products, including healthcare products, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biologics, and more. 

  • Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP):

MOHAP manages the registration and control of drugs and medical devices. As per the medical device distribution laws in the UAE, you should register all medical devices meant for import, sale, or distribution with the MoHAP. This registration guarantees the quality, safety, and efficacy of the devices.

Importing Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices to the UAE: Post-Market Surveillance and Quality Control 

  • Reporting safety concerns and adverse events to UAE health authorities:

Healthcare companies and professionals can use the MoHAP website or smart app to submit reports, which will be sent to the World Health Organization (WHO).

MoHAP’s system for post-market surveillance of imported pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

  • MoHAP, with the Drug Control Department (DCD), controls medical devices, including post-market surveillance. 

The post-market surveillance activities controlled by these regulatory bodies include:

  • Monitoring Safety and Performance
  • Collecting Data
  • Addressing Issues
  • Reporting
  • Corrective Actions
  • Field Safety Corrective Actions (FSCA)
  • Data Analysis
  • Compliance with Regulations
  • Procedures for product recalls and corrective actions.

The Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH) manages product recalls and corrective actions for medical devices and medicines in the UAE. 

Challenges and Best Practices for Importers 

The following are the common challenges in medical equipment and pharma goods clearance in UAE ports.

  • Regulatory Complexity
  • Product Registration
  • Marketing Authorization
  • Local Ownership Requirements
  • Supply Chain Security
  • Counterfeit Products

Further, the following are a few strategies that help in faster approvals and seamless regulatory compliance: 

  • Establish a UAE Company
  • Obtain Necessary Licenses
  • Product Registration
  • Compliance with Standards
  • Partner with Local Experts
  • Ensure Quality and Safety
  • Utilizing  fast-track approval pathways
  • Considering free zone transit in
  • Following the UAE’s zero-tolerance policy
  • Staying updated on regulatory changes

Conclusion: 

Importing pharmaceuticals and medical devices to the UAE requires you to include a company there and apply for its registration with the Ministry of Health. You can also engage a local distributor or local agent already registered with the Ministry for the importation process. Though these processes may seem daunting, a company like Ryan Worldwide, which is engaged in customs clearance in Dubai, UAE, can help.

We can expedite the entry of your medical products into the UAE by providing expert guidance and streamlining the import process. We can handle the necessary paperwork and ensure the importation process complies with all required regulations. To know more about our services or for inquiries on the importation of medical products to the UAE, contact us at:

  • Phone: +9714 2528468 or +971559020985
  • Email ID: info@ryan-worldwide.com.

Also read: How to Calculate Import Duty and VAT in UAE: A Comprehensive Guide

 

/ By Ryan Worldwide / Uncategorized/ 0 Comments

VAT Customs Duty in UAE: What You Need to Know in 2025

A strategic location, strong infrastructure, and advanced ports have made Dubai a major hub for international trade, connecting businesses from around the world. Dubai made the remarkable achievement of meeting its foreign trade target of AED 2 trillion in the non-oil sector in 2023, ahead of the scheduled period.

However, businesses should have a sound understanding of customs duties and other taxes to optimize pricing, costs, and profitability. This blog explains all that you need to know about the VAT customs duty in the UAE as a business starting in the world of international trade in the country.

VAT Customs Duty in UAE: Definition of VAT and Customs Duty in UAE? 

An indirect tax imposed and collected at each stage of the supply of services and goods is called Value Added Tax, or VAT. It is the end consumer who bears the tax, while registered taxpayers levy the tax on behalf of the government.

Taxes charged on imported goods are called customs duties. The standard rate of import duty in the UAE is 5% of the goods’ value. This rate can vary based on the type of product. For instance, goods like tobacco and alcohol attract higher import taxes in the UAE.

VAT customs duty in the UAE is a way in which the UAE government diversifies its income sources. A remarkable source of revenue ensures that the government continues to offer a good standard of living to its citizens.

VAT Customs Duty in UAE: How to Calculate VAT Customs Duty in UAE for Imports and Exports (2025 Update)

Most goods imported into the UAE are charged a value-added tax (VAT) of 5%. The two rates that determine the VAT on a good are the applicable customs duty and the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value. Thus, the formula of VAT is 5%×(CIF × (CIF value + Customs Duty).

VAT is crucial in determining the pricing of goods imported to the UAE. So, it influences the profitability of companies functioning in the Free Zone and local market in the UAE.

Also read: How to Calculate Import Duty and VAT in UAE: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Calculate VAT Customs Duty in UAE for Imports and Exports: Rate and Calculation of Import Duty in UAE

The import tax in the UAE for cargo in the general category is normally 5% of its CIF value. This is standard for most of the imported goods. Businesses can confirm this by checking the classification of the goods under the HS Code for Customs Duty in the UAE.

Customs Duty Calculation in the UAE by Cargo Category

  • Tobacco & Tobacco Products—100% of the CIF value
  • Seafood, Livestock, and Meat—0%
  • Dry & Fresh Fruits, Vegetables, Grains & Seeds, and Coffee & Tea—0%
  • Chemicals, Medicines, Vaccines, Gases, Health Supplements, and Used Personal Effects—0%
  • Some Stationery, Printed Books, and Pictures for Children—0%

How to Calculate VAT Customs Duty in UAE for Imports and Exports: VAT Exemption in the UAE 

The following is a list of goods and services that usually enjoy VAT exemption in the UAE:

  • Residential Properties: Deals and rentals of residential structures after the first supply 
  • Financial Services: Services that do not require an explicit fee or return are subject to VAT exemption
  • Transportation: Intra-city flights, local public transport, and other domestic passenger transport 
  • Bare Land: Dealings of undeveloped land
  • Healthcare and Education: Private education, specifically higher education, and healthcare services, such as preventative care

How to Calculate VAT Customs Duty in UAE for Imports and Exports: UAE Customs Regulations for Importers & Exporters

The following are a few UAE customs regulations for importers & exporters: 

  • Exporters and importers must stick to: 
    • 5% customs duty on most goods (CIF value)
    • higher rates of 50% on alcohol and 100% on tobacco products 
  • Importers must categorize their goods using internationally recognized Harmonized System (HS) codes to determine their duty rates.

Essential Documents Needed for Both Importers and Exporters:

  • Commercial Invoice
  • Certificate of Origin
  • Bill of Lading
  • Packing List
  • Airway Bill (AWB)
  • Proforma Invoice
  • Insurance Certificate
  • Customs Declaration
  • Import/Export License
  • Letter of Credit (L/C)
  • Shipping Bill
  • Bill of Entry

Additional documents based on types of goods include:

  • Licenses and Permits
  • Certificates of Conformity
  • Inspection Certificate

Tips to Reduce VAT and Customs Duty Costs in UAE

As a general rule, VAT is not imposed on goods traded between two free zones. This exemption makes business-to-business (B2B) transactions within these zones cost-effective.

Other strategic ways to reduce import costs: 

  • Use Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to significantly lower import duties on specific products based on their origin. 
  • Optimize shipping and packaging to reduce the weight and volume of shipments and lower freight charges. 
  • Negotiate with suppliers and carriers to save costs and improve efficiency.
  • Ensure accurate tariff classification and customs declarations to avoid overpaying tariffs and reduce import costs. 
  • Explore duty drawbacks to reduce costs and improve profitability.
  • leverage technology to reduce errors, streamline processes, and save time and money.
  • Use intermodal transportation to reduce transportation costs and increase profitability.
  • Optimize supply chain management to avoid delays and reduce costs.

VAT Customs Duty in UAE: Conclusion

You can have a great business opportunity by importing goods into the UAE. But to ensure accurate cost calculations and smooth operations, you should have a good understanding of the Dubai import tax system.

Ryan Worldwide, with its customs clearance in Dubai, UAE, service, simplifies your customs clearance process. Our professionals, knowledgeable in VAT customs duty in the UAE, act as your customs brokers in Dubai to help you stay compliant even with updated customs regulations.

Contact us today for assistance in customs clearance while you focus on other key aspects of your business:

Phone: +9714 2528468 or +971559020985

Email ID: info@ryan-worldwide.com

Also read: Third-Party Logistics Provider: Choosing the Best in 2025