CONTEXT
Medications that are legally prescribed and freely available in other countries may be classified as controlled or prohibited substances in the UAE. Importing them without prior authorisation — even in small quantities, even with a valid foreign prescription — can result in detention and criminal proceedings. This applies to substances including but not limited to CBD oil, codeine-based medications, certain sedatives, and other psychotropic compounds.
LEGAL BASIS
- Federal Decree-Law No. 30 of 2021 on Combating Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, and its implementing regulations
Key principle: A prescription issued in another country does not in itself guarantee the legality of importing the medication into the UAE. UAE law governs what may be brought into the country, regardless of the legal status of the substance in the country of origin.
REQUIREMENTS FOR LAWFUL IMPORTATION OF CONTROLLED MEDICATIONS
To legally import a controlled or restricted medication into the UAE, a traveller must have:
- The original prescription issued by a licensed medical professional
- A ...