Kava → United Arab Emirates

Kava prohibited; penalties for import

Details

Kava prohibited; penalties for import. Enforcement in United Arab Emirates carries fines from AED 50,000 to AED 500,000 and imprisonment up to 10 years in aggravated cases under Federal Customs Law No. 1 of 2003; Federal Law No. 14 of 1995 on Narcotics. Because kava is prohibited rather than restricted, there is no permit route for an ordinary traveller — attempted import is treated as smuggling regardless of intent. Arrival checks are carried out by Federal Customs Authority (FCA); when in doubt use the declare (red) channel — declared goods at worst attract duty or surrender, while undeclared goods attract penalties. Leaving United Arab Emirates with kava is a separate question: allowed — Kava may be exported from United Arab Emirates for personal use; several destinations restrict or limit kava import on arrival.

Leaving with this item

Kava may be exported from United Arab Emirates for personal use; several destinations restrict or limit kava import on arrival.

Practical advice

Do not carry kava (Piper methysticum) into United Arab Emirates. Dubai/Abu Dhabi Customs screens herbal-supplement imports for kava-lactone content; seizure plus an administrative fine applies. Pacific Islands diaspora travelers should not assume cultural-use exemption.

Customs authority

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