Key Documentation for Importing Pharmaceutical Products into the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Commercial Invoice

A detailed invoice outlining the transaction, including buyer and seller information, full description of the pharmaceutical products (e.g., medicines, APIs, medical devices), quantities, HS codes, and declared value.

Bill of Lading (BOL)

A legal transport document between shipper and carrier detailing the type, quantity, and final destination of the pharmaceutical goods, typically routed via Jebel Ali Port (Dubai), Abu Dhabi Ports, or approved UAE airports.

Packing List

An itemized list of all cargo, including packaging formats (e.g., blister packs, vials, pallets), lot numbers, batch codes, dimensions, gross and net weights, and packaging details — essential for customs and regulatory clearance.

Certificate of Origin

Confirms the country of manufacture of the products. Required to determine applicable customs duties and eligibility for preferential trade agreements under UAE Customs regulations.

Import License / UAE Ministry of Health & Prevention (MOHAP) Authorization

Pharmaceutical products and medical devices generally require prior import approval, registration, or authorization from MOHAP before entry into the UAE.

Customs Declaration

Formal declaration submitted to UAE Customs, providing comprehensive details of the imported pharmaceutical goods, including value, origin, and HS classification.

Product Registration Dossier

Documentation covering product formulation, manufacturing process, quality control, safety, and efficacy — mandatory for all medicinal products regulated by MOHAP.

Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certificates

Issued by the competent health authority in the country of origin, confirming that pharmaceutical products are manufactured in compliance with internationally recognized GMP standards.

Insurance Certificate

Proof of cargo insurance covering the shipment, particularly important for high-value, fragile, or temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products.

Harmonized System (HS) Codes

Accurate HS classification under the UAE Customs Tariff, determining applicable customs duties, VAT (if applicable), and statistical reporting requirements.

Pro-forma Invoice

Used for preliminary regulatory reviews, MOHAP approvals, tenders, and initial commercial arrangements, especially for trial shipments or pre-approval processes.

Cold Chain and Temperature Control Documentation

Mandatory for vaccines, biologics, and other temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals. Includes temperature logs, data logger reports, real-time monitoring records, and packaging specifications (e.g., insulated or active containers).

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)

Required for certain APIs, chemicals, or hazardous pharmaceutical components to ensure safe handling during transportation, storage, and customs inspections.

Letter of Credit or Payment Terms Agreement

Defines international payment terms between buyer and seller and may be required by banks or authorities to authorize cargo release.

Import Duties and Taxes Payment

Evidence of payment or confirmation of applicable customs duties, VAT, fees, and any other levies imposed on pharmaceutical imports into the UAE.

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Compliance and Regulatory Requirements for Pharmaceutical Imports into the UAE

Registration with UAE Customs

Importers must be registered with UAE Federal Customs Authority and hold a valid Commercial License issued in the UAE.

MOHAP Product Registration and Compliance

All pharmaceutical products must be registered and approved by the UAE Ministry of Health & Prevention (MOHAP). Compliance includes:

• Product safety, quality, and efficacy

• Arabic labeling and packaging requirements

• Shelf life, batch traceability, and serialization

• Packaging integrity, tamper evidence, and anti-counterfeiting measures

Controlled Medicines and Narcotic Permits

Special permits are required for importing controlled drugs, psychotropics, or narcotics, in strict accordance with MOHAP regulations and UAE international drug control obligations.

Engage with a Licensed Customs Broker

Due to the UAE’s strict regulatory framework governing pharmaceutical imports, working with a licensed UAE customs broker experienced in MOHAP approvals, cold chain logistics, and UAE customs procedures is critical for efficient and compliant import operations.

Commercial Invoice (for Pharmaceutical Products – UAE)

Exporter Information

• Name and Address: Full legal name and registered address of the pharmaceutical manufacturer/exporter.

• Contact Details: Phone number, email, and fax (if applicable).

Importer Information

• Name and Address: Legal name and registered location of the pharmaceutical distributor, importer, or healthcare provider in the UAE.

• Contact Details: Email and phone number for local coordination.

Invoice Number and Date

• Invoice Number: Unique reference number for tracking and recordkeeping.

• Date of Issue: Date the invoice was generated.

Purchase Order Number

• Reference Number: Buyer’s purchase order number for procurement tracking.

Description of Goods

• Detailed Description: Product names, dosage form (e.g., tablets, vials, syringes), strength/concentration, batch/lot numbers, expiry dates, and therapeutic category (e.g., antibiotic, vaccine, analgesic).

• HS Codes: Correct Harmonized System codes (e.g., 3004.90 for prepared medicines, 3002.20 for vaccines).

Quantity and Unit of Measure

• Quantity: Number of units per product (e.g., boxes, bottles, kits).

• Unit: Tablets, vials, syringes, cartons, etc.

Unit Price and Total Price

• Unit Price: Price per unit.

• Total Price: Line-item totals and overall invoice value.

Currency

• Type: Clearly stated (USD, EUR, AED, etc.).

Terms of Sale (Incoterms)

• Examples: CIF Jebel Ali Port, UAE, CIF Abu Dhabi Port, UAE, FOB New York — defining cost and risk allocation.

Shipping and Delivery Information

• Port of Loading/Destination: E.g., New York → Jebel Ali Port, UAE.

• Estimated Shipping Date: Projected departure date.

Payment Terms

• Method: Letter of Credit (L/C), Telegraphic Transfer (TT), Net-30, as per the sales contract.

Signature

• Authorized Representative: Signature and printed name of the seller/exporter representative.

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Bill of Lading (BOL) for Pharmaceutical Products – UAE

Shipper Information

• Full name and address of the exporter or freight forwarder.

Consignee Information

• Full details of the UAE importer or their designated licensed customs broker.

Carrier Information

• Name: Shipping line or airline.

• Transport Mode: Air or sea, including flight or vessel details.

Description of Goods

• Regulatory-compliant descriptions such as “paracetamol tablets,” “insulin vials,” or “COVID-19 diagnostic kits,” consistent with the commercial invoice and UAE Ministry of Health & Prevention (MOHAP) registrations.

Gross Weight and Dimensions

• Accurate total weight and volume per pallet or package, especially for temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products.

Freight Charges

• Charge Terms: Prepaid or collect, clearly identifying the responsible party.

BOL Number

• Unique reference number used for shipment tracking.

Date of Shipment

• Date the goods were physically dispatched.

Terms and Conditions

• Include liability clauses, applicable conventions (Hague-Visby Rules for sea freight, Montreal Convention for air freight), and cold chain responsibilities where applicable.

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Packing List (for Pharmaceutical Products – UAE)

Exporter and Consignee Information

• Must exactly match the commercial invoice and BOL.

Shipment Details

• Invoice number, BOL number, and shipment date.

Itemized Contents

• Product name, dosage form, batch/lot number, expiration date, and packaging description.

Quantities and Packaging Type

• Number of packs, blister cards, cartons, pallets, and container types (e.g., insulated shippers, active containers, dry ice units).

Package Identification

• Clearly labeled packages such as:
  “BOX 1/20 – VACCINE – KEEP REFRIGERATED”

Total Weight and Volume

• Gross weight, net weight, and total shipment volume.

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Certificate of Origin (for Pharmaceutical Products – UAE)

Exporter and Consignee

• Full legal names and addresses of both parties.

Goods Description

• Product names, HS codes, dosage forms, and intended use (human or veterinary).

Origin Criterion

• Country of manufacture (e.g., “Manufactured in Germany”).

Certification

• Signed and stamped by the relevant Chamber of Commerce or authorized body, as required for UAE Customs clearance.

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Key Considerations for Pharmaceutical Imports into the UAE

Technical Accuracy

• Product descriptions must match MOHAP product registrations, batch certificates, and labeling to avoid customs or regulatory delays.

Regulatory Compliance

• All pharmaceutical products must comply with UAE Ministry of Health & Prevention (MOHAP) requirements, including:

  • Product registration and import permits

  • Arabic labeling (mandatory)

  • Shelf life compliance and batch traceability

  • Packaging, serialization, and barcoding (where applicable)

  • Controlled drugs, narcotics, and psychotropics require special MOHAP permits and approvals

Cold Chain and Handling

• Temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals must include:

  • Validated thermal packaging

  • Temperature data loggers

  • Cold chain monitoring reports

  • SOPs compliant with MOHAP guidelines

Language Requirements

• Commercial documentation: English accepted

• Product labeling: Arabic mandatory

• Additional Arabic documents may be required for MOHAP review, customs clearance, or local distribution

Work with Experts

• Engage a licensed UAE customs broker and regulatory consultant experienced with:

  • MOHAP approvals

  • UAE Customs procedures

  • Pharmaceutical cold chain logistics

  • Operations at Jebel Ali Port and Abu Dhabi Ports, and major UAE airports