Counterfeit Goods → United Arab Emirates

Active IP enforcement at customs

Details

UAE Federal Customs Authority seizes counterfeit goods at every port of entry under Federal Law No. 7 of 2002 on Copyrights and Neighboring Rights and Federal Law No. 37 of 1992 on Trademarks. Dubai Customs' IP Rights Protection Department is particularly active, with public seizure reports showing multi-million-dirham operations across counterfeit fashion, pharmaceuticals and electronics. Penalties include confiscation, fines from AED 10,000 per offence and potential imprisonment for commercial quantities.

Quantity limit

Any quantity prohibited under Federal Law No. 37 of 1992 (Trade Marks Law); criminal penalties apply even for personal use

Documentation required

• No import permits available; UAE Customs seizure receipt issued

Legal reference

UAE Federal Trademark Law

Practical advice

Do not carry counterfeit branded goods into United Arab Emirates. Dubai/Abu Dhabi Customs seizes counterfeits at all ports of entry under IPR enforcement rules; commercial-quantity carriage attracts criminal-trafficking charges in addition to civil forfeiture.

Customs authority

Federal Customs Authority (FCA) · https://www.fca.gov.ae