Introduction

The import and export of medicines is a highly regulated aspect of trade and use between countries. This is because some medicines contain narcotic and psychotropic substances, which make them vulnerable to misuse or unauthorized possession. This becomes significant, especially for those who are traveling and need to carry medications with them. Each country has its different set of rules for regulating the possession and usage of drugs that contain controlled substances. Therefore, it becomes important to ensure that while traveling to different countries, we ensure compliance with their rules and regulations governing the entry of medicines and drugs.

The UAE has developed a comprehensive and stringent regulatory framework for controlling the entry of such medicines into the country. As a resident as well, one must be aware of the legal framework for possession of controlled medications. The reason behind this is that UAE follows a policy of ‘Zero tolerance’. It means that we cannot use our unawareness as an excuse. Even small quantities carried without a permit or approval can attract severe penalties.

So, if you’re wondering how to legally bring medicines into the UAE, this guide will take you through every step. Read till the end to ensure a safe and compliant entry!

Legal and Regulatory Overview

The Federal Law Decree No. 30 of 2021^[1] is the primary legislation that deals with combating narcotic and psychotropic substances. The purpose behind the legislation was to repeal the earlier law and ensure that UAE aligns with international standards. The law punishes unauthorized trade and possession of narcotics and psychotropics. It also creates a system of licenses and permits for ensuring legitimate use.

Additionally, the Federal Law Decree No. 38 of 2024^[2] governs pharmaceutical professions and institutions, regulates the import, manufacture and sale of pharmaceuticals generally. The two laws operate simultaneously, ensuring enforcement as well as punishment for non-compliance. 

The Ministry of Health and Protection in the UAE (also known as ‘MOHAP’) is the principal regulatory authority that oversees the import and export of medicines in and from the UAE, respectively. It coordinates with Customs Control, Drug Control Department and airport authorities to ensure that there is no unauthorized entry and exit of medicines and drugs in and from the UAE.

Importing medicines into the UAE as Travelers

The import of medicines into the UAE is classified on the basis of their usage as follows:

• For Personal Use- also known as the permit to import medicines for personal use;
• For Commercial Use- also known as the permit to import medicine from a local agent^[3].

The above classification is inferred from the different kinds of permits that are issued by MOHAP for import of medicines in the UAE.

People who are travelling to the UAE and need to carry medicines with them fall under the category of personal use. To ensure a smooth and secure entry into the UAE, travelers must complete a few essential steps. These steps involve careful research and precise documentation, which are best handled by professionals experienced in this field. You can contact Khalifa Bin Huwaidin Advocates and Legal Consultants to make your journey seamless and hassle-free.

Step 1: Check the category of your medicine

The first step is to understand the different categories of medicines in the UAE, which is as follows:

• General Medicines: These are common over-the-counter (OTC) or regular prescription drugs. Generally, they don’t require prior approval from MOHAP as long as the limit of quantity does not exceed the patient’s requirement for three months.

• Controlled or Semi-controlled medicines: These are medicines that contain narcotic or psychotropic substances such as Diazepam, Codeine and some antidepressants. These medicines require prior approval from MOHAP in the form of a permit to import medicines for personal use. For more information, look at MOHAP’s list of controlled and semi-controlled medicines.

• Prohibited substances: These are completely banned drugs such as cannabis that cannot be imported under any circumstances.

If you are carrying a controlled or semi-controlled medicine, then perform the following steps to ensure that you are legally authorized to carry it with you in the UAE.

Step 2: Apply for a MOHAP Permit

The MOHAP provides an online service named ‘Issue of Permit to Import Medicines for Personal Use.^[4]’ It allows travelers who are coming to the country to obtain prior approval to bring in narcotics and controlled substances. For obtaining a permit you need to submit the following documents with your application:

• Doctor’s prescription: It should include the name of the patient, medicine name, dose and dosage form, duration of treatment, date of issuance and name of the physician concerned. The prescription must have been issued within the last three months and should be recognized by the healthcare facility in which the patient is following up.

• Medical Report: This is optional but often considered a best practice to leave no chances of rejection. The report provides a comprehensive clinical history of the patient. It should include name of patient, diagnosis, treatment plan, medicines prescribed, dose and dosage etc. It should have been issued no later than 12 months immediately preceding the date of applying the permit with MOHAP.

• Purchase Receipt: Travelers must also attach a purchase receipt or invoice for the medicines being imported. This receipt serves as proof of legitimate purchase from a licensed pharmacy or healthcare provider.

Once approved, the permit allows import of up to three months’ supply. The permit is trip-specific and must be presented at customs.

Step 3: Carry medicines in their original packaging

The medicines should be carried in their original packaging, which clearly mentions their label, name, ingredients, and other information. This is a significant practical tip because the customs will compare the permit you have received from MOHAP with the packaging and prescription. It prevents the entry of medicines and drugs that have not been authorized by way of permit.

Step 4: Declare at customs

Even if you have obtained a valid permit from MOHAP, you must declare that you are carrying medicines at customs. However, if the prior approval wasn’t obtained, travelers must declare their narcotic and controlled medicines upon arrival at the country’s ports along with the Prescription and Medical Report.

Transit travelers (who will not leave the country’s ports) are not required to obtain prior approval to carry narcotic and controlled medicines, but rather it is recommended to carry the medicines with the patient’s prescription.

Step 5: Follow the quantity limits

Getting a permit does not mean that you can carry medicines in a discretionary quantity. For controlled and semi-controlled medicines, the quantity should not exceed three months of patients’ requirements. For non-controlled medicines, you can carry up to 12 months of supply. However, the quantity should match the prescription dosage and treatment duration^[5].

Conclusion

Bringing medicines into the UAE is perfectly legal, but only when done in accordance with the country’s strict regulatory framework. The Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 on Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances and MOHAP’s medicine import permit system together form the foundation of this compliance process.

For travelers or residents unsure about documentation, classification, or permit procedures, seeking professional legal guidance can save time and prevent complications. Khalifa Bin Huwaidin Advocates and Legal Consultants assist travelers and residents in navigating MOHAP’s permit process, preparing compliant documentation, and ensuring that their journey to the UAE remains completely lawful and stress-free.

[1] Federal Decree-Law No 30 of 2021 on Combating Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances (UAE) https://uaelegislation.gov.ae/en/legislations/1540/download

[2] United Arab Emirates, Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2024 on Medical Products, Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Establishments (UAE).

[3] United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Health and Prevention, Issue of Permit to Import Medicines from a Local Agent (Service Code 110-02-004-000)

[4] Ministry of Health and Prevention, ‘Issue of Permit to Import Medicines for Personal Use’ (MOHAP.gov.ae) https://mohap.gov.ae/en/w/issue-of-permit-to-import-medicines-for-personal-use

[5] Ministerial Decree No 99 of the Year 2021 Regarding Procedures and Regulations for Medical Products with Travellers Arriving in the Country (UAE) https://mohap.gov.ae/en/ministerial-decree-no.-99-of-the-year-2021-regarding-procedures-and-regulations-for-medical-products-with-travellers-arriving-in-the-country