Food Import Clearance System in the UAE: Caviar Traders Can’t Fail to Know these in 2025

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is blessed with world-class infrastructure, a strategic location, vast zones for free trade, and favorable trade policies, which make it an important global hub for food trade. But importers need to understand the legal and procedural complexities involved.

From compliance with strict standards to product registration and Arabic labeling to halal certifications for meat, the UAE food import regulations are substantial. That is why Ryan Worldwide, as an experienced customs broker in Dubai, has prepared this guide on all you need to know about the food import clearance system in the UAE.

Also read: UAE Customs Regulations: A Guide on Customs Duty

Overview of the Food Import Clearance System in the UAE

The food import clearance system in the UAE involves a combination of documentation, inspection, and approvals. These processes ensure that the food imported is safe and of good quality.

• Documentation:

  • The following are a few documents that importers need to produce for food import clearance:
  • Health certificates
  • Halal certificates
  • Invoice with HS (Harmonized System) code classification.
  • Packing List
  • Certificate of Origin
  • Import Declaration
  • Other documents based on the specific food product

• Inspection:

  • The inspection process in the clearance of food products in the UAE includes
  • Risk-based categorizing
  • Physical inspection
  • Inspection of samples in laboratories
  • Inspections by authorized officers

• Approvals:

The two most significant approvals for food imports to the UAE are

• No Objection Certificate (NOC)
• Non-Conforming Report (NCR)

Further, importers should obtain the following food license and registration to ensure that they comply with import/export standards and food safety regulations:

• Dubai Municipality Food License
• Municipality and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) Food Product Registration

 

Step-by-Step Process for Importing Food into the UAE

Here are the step-by-step processes involved in the food import clearance system in the UAE:

• Establish your UAE-based business.
• Obtain the Department of Economic Development’s General or Food Trading License.
• Register with Dubai Municipality’s Food Safety Department and MOCCAE.
• Register with the Food Importer Registration System (FIRS).
• Register your food products with Dubai Municipality or the Agricultural and Food Authority (ADAFSA).
• Ensure you meet all the packaging and labeling standards after obtaining a food license and registration.
• Use a professional customs clearance agent in the UAE for help.
• Submit the required documentation and pay duties as needed.
• Undergo inspection and get your food shipment cleared.
• Distribute your products to wholesalers, retailers, and consumers.

Use the services of Ryan Worldwide for food import clearance. Custom clearance in Dubai by Ryan offers you the following benefits:

• Ensures the compliance of all your shipments with regulations
• We help you minimize errors with paperwork and documentation.
• We analyze the complexities in the clearance process and suggest the best course of action.
• We help you cut costly mistakes and delays.
• We streamline the food import clearance system in the UAE for you.

Thus, the professional customs clearance services by Ryan Worldwide are not only a convenience but also a necessity for your food import business.

Also read: Top Benefits of Hiring a Customs Broker in the UAE

 

Navigating the Sturgeon Caviar Trade in the UAE

While trading sturgeon caviar, you should mind several legal complexities, including compliance with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). These are

• International trade of all caviar from paddlefish and sturgeon comes under the CITES regulations.
• The permit requirements change as per the applicable CITES appendix on the specific type of caviar or sturgeon species.
• CITES permits or certificates are required for shipping sturgeon caviar internationally.
• A permit is approved only if MoCCAE assesses the proposed caviar trade as non-detrimental to the sturgeon species’ survival.
• You should follow the universal labeling system recommended by CITES while shipping sturgeon caviar.

You also need these special permits for sturgeon caviar trade in the UAE:

• CITES permit with 12-month validity 
• CITES-issued export and re-export certificates with a validity of 6 months

Further, submit an electronic application with the necessary information on the official portal of MoCCAE and pay the applicable fees online.

Ryan Worldwide offers logistics, customs clearance, and freight forwarding to ensure that your import/export of caviar meets CITES regulations. We handle:

• Documentation and permit acquisition for the legal import and export of caviar.
• Proper freight forwarding and logistics for the safe and efficient transport of caviar.

We also guide you on CITES-compliant packaging, labeling, and transportation of caviar. 

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

Further check out: Cites and Caviar Import Dubai

 

Challenges and Solutions in the Food Import Clearance System in the UAE

The following challenges commonly delay the food import clearance system in the UAE:

• Inaccurate or incomplete documents
• Rejected samples as they fail to follow testing requirements and meet local standards
• Missing or expired licenses for the import and export of caviar
• Products not meeting the safety or technical standards specific to the UAE

Ryan Worldwide is a customs clearance agent in the UAE who can help you address these challenges proactively. We propose the following solutions for the challenges:

• Prepare accurate and complete documents
• Use correct HS codes.
• Ensure local compliance with documents.
• Submit samples in the required packaging and quantities.
• Ensure compliance of samples with standards.
• When unsure, seek guidance from the relevant certification body
• Maintain required and valid licenses
• Review and update the licenses regularly
• Use a local representative for importing food to the UAE if required
• Perform compliance audits and adapt as required before shipping
• Consider working with experienced customs brokers and certification consultants.

For insights on calculating duties on food import, read: How to Calculate Import Duty and VAT in UAE: A Comprehensive Guide 

 

Conclusion: Partner with Ryan Worldwide for Seamless Food Import Clearance

Compliance, expertise, and speed are important in the food import clearance system in the UAE to streamline the process, ensure food safety, and cut delays.

Ryan Worldwide could be your reliable partner in the sturgeon caviar trade in the UAE. We offer you comprehensive and expert services to properly handle this delicate product. With us, you can stay assured that your importing of caviar into Dubai, UAE, is completely legal and seamless.

Need help with importing your sturgeon caviar and other food shipments? Contact Ryan Worldwide today for support and expert guidance on customs clearance:

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