CITES & Caviar Import in the UAE: Are You Familiar with the Process?

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an intergovernmental agreement to address concerns about the unsustainable exploitation of plants and wildlife through international trade. This regulation helps protect vulnerable species and conserve biodiversity.

All species of sturgeon and paddlefish were included in the CITES Appendices in 1998. Today, CITES regulates the trade of these fish and their products, like caviar, and a logistics partner like Ryan Worldwide can help you here. Read on to learn everything you need to know about CITES & Caviar Import in the UAE.

How to Import Caviar Under CITES in the UAE: Process, Permits, and Guidelines

CITES & Caviar Import in the UAE: Understanding the Regulations

Universal caviar labeling and a CITES certificate are necessary to import caviar into the UAE legally. The CITES documentation in the UAE ensures that legal sources are importing caviar into the country. 

The documents also ensure that the import does not endanger the species’ survival and that the trade is carried out sustainably. Hence, the UAE CITES authorities have enforced strict regulations to restrict the import of endangered species when the CITES certificate is absent. 

The UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) is one of the significant UAE CITES authorities implementing CITES regulations for caviar import. The following are the roles played by MOCCAE:

• The ministerial body implements CITES regulations by 
  • Issuing CITES permits
  • Enforcing CITES laws
  • Fighting illegal wildlife trade
  • Providing services related to CITES permits to businesses and citizens
• MOCCAE engages in strategic collaboration and partnership with domestic and international organizations to strengthen the implementation of CITES regulations. 
• MOCCAE conducts campaigns to spread public awareness about CITES and the need to protect endangered species
• MOCCAE actively engages in the preservation of the UAE’s biodiversity and promotes the country’s natural resources.

CITES Permit for Caviar in UAE: Step-by-step Process of CITES & Caviar Import in the UAE

The following are the steps followed in the CITES UAE application process: 

• Depending on the species of sturgeon, check whether your caviar is included in Appendices I, II, or III of CITES regulations.
• Furnish necessary information in an electronic application on the MOCCAE portal.
• Complete the online payment of the applicable fees.

After you have submitted the application, it usually takes one working day for you to obtain the caviar import license in the UAE. The responsibility of CITES permits lies with the  Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) under the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

The ministry assesses the threat to the survival of the sturgeon species because of the trade and then approves the application. The CITES permit validates the import of caviar for 12 months and export and re-export certificates for six months.

CITES certificate requirements in the UAE for inspection and species identification are as follows:

 

• For inspection, the containers of caviar must have clear labeling with a source code, harvest year, ISO two-letter code, lot identification number, and processing plant code.
• In case of doubt regarding the sturgeon’s species or the paddlefish from which the caviar was harvested, the correct species is determined by consulting a qualified expert.

CITES & Caviar Import in the UAE: Customs Clearance Documentation Requirements

Customs clearance for caviar in the UAE ports/airports requires specific procedures, such as:

• Submitting necessary CITES documentation in the UAE
• Complying with regulations about food safety and endangered species

Also read: Sea Freight Solutions: An Ultimate Guide on Sea Freight Shipping Services

Harmonized Codes (HS Codes), Labels, and Declarations.

• HS Codes
  • For customs clearance of caviar in the UAE, the relevant Harmonized System (HS) code is 160431. 
• Labels for smooth customs clearance and proper handling of caviar:
  • Caviar should be labeled perishable for suitable handling.
  • Clearly indicate whether the caviar is frozen or chilled (specifically if you have used dry ice).
  • The contents should be labeled “Caviar” by specifying the type (e.g., salmon caviar).
  • Complete contact details of the sender and recipient should be included. 

Further, the customs declaration should include:

• HS Code
• A detailed description of the caviar
• The value of the caviar
• CITES permit for caviar in the UAE and other details.

How Does Ryan Worldwide’s Caviar Logistics in the UAE Help You Face the Key Challenges During CITES & Caviar Import in the UAE? 

The following are some of the most common mistakes related to the import of caviar to the UAE:

• Ignoring the import regulations in the UAE
• Not maintaining the right temperature during transit
• Inaccurate and inadequate labeling and documentation
• Not having a proper market analysis or a business plan.
• Ignoring foreign exchange rates

Here’s how Ryan Worldwide’s caviar logistics can help import caviar legally to Dubai, UAE:

• We offer expertise in customs clearance.
• We deliver appropriate packaging and transportation methods for temperature control.
• We handle the necessary documentation for the import process.
• We offer services from securing the consignment to delivering it to your doorstep. 
• We offer warehousing facilities.
• We take care of your compliance and approvals to import caviar legally to Dubai. 

To know more about our service of CITES and Caviar Import in Dubai or about CITES & caviar import in the UAE in general, contact us at: 

• Email ID: info@ryan-worldwide.com
• Phone no

  

  : +9714 2528468 (or) +971559020985

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

 

Frequently Asked Questions About CITES & Caviar Import in the UAE 

1. Do I need a permit to import CITES-listed caviar species to the UAE in small quantities?

 

Yes, you require a CITES permit for importing CITES-listed caviar species to the UAE, even in small quantities. 

2. How can I import caviar under CITES in the UAE for personal use?

To import caviar under CITES in the UAE for personal use, you’ll need 

• A valid CITES certificate 
• A non-reusable label pasted on the caviar container. 

 

3. What happens if I import caviar without a caviar import license in the UAE?

Importing caviar without a caviar import license in the UAE is illegal and can attract penalties. These include seizure of your caviar, fines, and even legal action.