Kava → United Arab Emirates

Kava prohibited; penalties for import

Details

Kava is legal and culturally central in Pacific Island nations including Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Samoa. Australia permits personal import of up to 2 kg of dried kava root. Most EU member states treat kava as an unauthorized novel food and restrict imports; the UK also classifies kava as a novel fo

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