How to ship from Thailand to Saudi Arabia, UAE and Kuwait

Prohibited and restricted goods

UAE prohibited and restricted goods

The UAE maintains a strict policy on certain items, banning them entirely from import. These include:

• All types of narcotic drugs (considering the overall control of prohibited items, especially narcotics).
• Gambling tools, machines, and devices of all kinds.
• Nylon fishing nets.
• Live swine.
• Used, reconditioned, and inlaid tires.
• Substances contaminated with radiation and nuclear fallout.
• Items that contradict Islamic faith and public morals.
• Paan and betel leaves.
• Any other goods whose importation is prohibited under UAE’s Common Customs Law or other applicable laws.

For restricted items, permission from specific UAE authorities is required before shipping them into the country. These items include:

• Agricultural goods like live animals and plants, along with related products such as fertilisers and insecticides.
• Defence-related items such as firearms, ammunition, explosives, and fireworks, regulated by defence and interior ministries.
• Health-related products, encompassing pharmaceuticals and medical or surgical equipment.
• Media-related materials, including printed publications and broadcasting equipment.
• Items linked to nuclear energy, overseen by the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation.
• Automotive and electronic products like new tires, e-cigarettes, and electronic hookahs.
• Alcoholic beverages, monitored by Dubai Police.
• Consumer goods, including food, personal care, and cosmetics.
• Rough diamonds, regulated under the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.

Saudi Arabia prohibited and restricted goods

In Saudi Arabia, the import regulations include prohibitions on:

• All forms of weaponry.
• Alcoholic beverages and related products.
• Narcotic substances.
• Pork and products derived from pork.
• Pornographic materials.
• Equipment used for distilling alcohol.
• Retreaded or used tires.
• Second-hand clothing.
• Specific types of sculptures.
• Vehicles with certain conditions, including cars older than five years, salvaged cars, used police vehicles, taxis, and rental cars. 

For detailed information, consult the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) and Saudi Customs websites.

Restricted items you need special approval before shipping to Saudi Arabia include:

• Agricultural seeds.
• Live animals.
• Books, periodicals, movies, and tapes, including religious materials.
• Chemical substances and materials deemed harmful.
• Pharmaceutical products.
• Wireless equipment and radio-controlled model aeroplanes.
• Horses.
• Products containing alcohol, like certain perfumes.
• Natural asphalt.
• Archaeological artefacts.

For more detailed information on duties and restrictions, you can visit the Saudi Customs Tariff Search page.

Kuwait prohibited and restricted goods

Prohibited items you cannot ship to Kuwait include:

• Pork and products derived from pork.
• Alcoholic beverages of any kind.
• Gambling devices and machines.
• Pornographic materials.
• Narcotics and illegal drugs.
• Firearms and explosives (subject to special import procedures).

Restricted items you require special permissions before importing into Kuwait include:

• Poultry
• Beef
• Firearms

Customs documents

When shipping from Thailand to the Middle East, understanding customs documentation requirements is vital. 

Standard export documents include:

• Commercial invoice
• Certificate of origin
• Packing list
• Import permit
• Waybill

In addition, here are specific types of documents you’ll need to prepare before shipping to these Middle Eastern countries:

UAE customs documents

When shipping from Thailand to the UAE, the additional customs documents to prepare include:

• Health certificate (to prove safe human consumption of food)
• Halal slaughter certificate (For meat and poultry products)

Saudi Arabia customs documents

Additional customs documents to show when shipping to Saudi Arabia include:

• IECEE certificate to show product standard conformity
• Proof of product registration

Kuwait customs documents

When shipping to Kuwait, these are some of the additional documents you’ll need to prepare:

• Import licence from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, with registration at the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).
• Specific licences for industrial machinery and spare parts (from the Public Authority for Industry), firearms, explosives, pharmaceuticals, and certain animals.
• Local agent authorisation

Preparing your parcel for shipping to the Middle East

When shipping goods from Thailand to the Middle East, whether it’s the UAE, Saudi Arabia or Kuwait, proper preparation of your parcels is crucial. This not only ensures the safety and integrity of the products during transit but also helps in smooth customs clearance. Here's a guide to packing and labelling your shipments effectively:

Packing tips

• Use sturdy materials: Choose durable packing materials, like strong corrugated boxes, especially for delicate items like electronics or jewellery.
• Secure packaging: Ensure that items are securely wrapped and cushioned. Bubble wrap, foam, or packing peanuts can prevent movement and absorb shocks.
• Waterproofing: For items sensitive to moisture, waterproofing is a must. Consider plastic wraps or waterproof containers.
• Sealing: Use high-quality tape to securely seal your package, covering all openings and reinforcing the edges.

We cover more on packaging guidelines here.

Labelling rules

When shipping goods to the Middle East, adhering to specific labelling regulations of each country is crucial. These rules are designed to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know:

UAE

Goods shipped to the UAE must follow these labelling requirements:

• Language: Labels must be in Arabic or Arabic/English. Arabic stickers are accepted.
• Food products: Labels must include production and expiry dates, printed on the original manufactured label. All stickers must be pre-approved by UAE authorities.
• Regulatory compliance: Ensure labels meet UAE standards, including necessary approvals during the label assessment process.

Saudi Arabia

Likewise, when shipping to Saudi Arabia, goods must have these labelling rules followed: 

• Measurement units: Containers should be labelled in metric measurements. Non-metric units from the exporting country are acceptable if sold based on the metric system in Saudi Arabia.
• General goods: Not bound by measurement-based labels unless applicable.

Kuwait

Shipping to Kuwait also entails product labelling rules like:

• Chemicals: Labels should contain comprehensive information including product name, ingredients, handling instructions, health risks, and disposal guidelines.
• Pharmaceuticals: Necessary details like batch number, production and expiration dates, content, and usage instructions must be included.
• Food products: Labels must show product details, ingredients, nutritional information, and compliance with Islamic law for meat and poultry. Information should be primarily in Arabic, though multilingual labels are generally acceptable.

Choose a reliable shipping provider

In the intricate landscape of shipping from Thailand to the Middle East, choosing a logistics partner like DHL Express is key. We excel in handling complex customs processes, ensuring that your shipments are not just timely but also comply with local regulations. This is crucial for smooth overseas deliveries, especially in diverse markets like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Kuwait.

DHL Express offers real-time tracking for deliveries in over 220 countries and territories, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, providing transparency and peace of mind for your shipments. Whether it’s delicate jewellery or bulky industrial goods, our services are tailored to meet diverse needs.

For Thai businesses eyeing the Middle Eastern market, DHL Express Thailand isn’t just a shipping provider; we’re a partner in your growth and expansion. Opening a business account with us means access to top-tier shipping and delivery solutions, expert support, and a gateway to new opportunities in these emerging markets. With DHL Express, navigate the intricacies of international shipping with ease and confidence.