Abu Dhabi: Restrictions have been imposed on the import of food items for personal use by the Ministry of Environment and Water.
Dr Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahd, Minister of Environment and Water, on Saturday issued ministerial resolution No 14 of 2016 pertaining to control on imported food for non-commercial purposes.
The resolution aims to facilitate and unify control procedures imposed on imported food for non-commercial purposes across the country, maintain a high-level of health protection, prevent the spread of diseases transmitted through food, strengthen food security and ensure food safety in local markets.
The resolution covers all imported food for non-commercial purposes, including personal food, studies and research food samples, promotion and marketing studies food and food needed for conformity purposes as well as non-sale foods for exhibitions and festivals.
According to the resolution, personal food is allowed to be imported through the country’s borders with a restriction on specific types and quantities. For example, a maximum quantity of 20kg of yoghurt is allowed, 50 litres of oil (including olive oil), 10kg of various types of vegetables and fruits, 100kg dates, 10kg sweets and bread, 30kg of grains, cereals and red meat, 10kg of fish, and seafood, and 500gm of caviar.
The maximum quantity allowed for eggs is 11kg, 20kg for honey and sugar products, 5kg for herbs and spices, including vinegar, orange blossom water and rose Water, and 500gm of saffron.
A maximum quantity of 10kg of special-purpose food such as children’s food is allowed, 20 litres of drinks and syrups, including water, 5kg of juice concentrates and 25kg of canned food.
The resolution stipulates the food packages should have clear and non-removable labels that include the name of stakeholders except for the food which passengers bring. Imported foods should enclose documents issued by the carrier in the country of origin. The documents should have full details of the imported foods.
Importing food for the purpose of conducting studies or research is also allowed after obtaining approval from the authorities concerned in the country. The relevant authority should be provided with documents issued by the sender in the country of origin with full details of the food sent.
Food for the purpose of promotion, conducting marketing studies or conformity is allowed to be imported after obtaining an approval from the relevant authorities in the country after providing them with detailed documents on the imported food
Non-sale food for festivals and fairs is allowed to be imported after obtaining an approval issued by the concerned bodies in the country. The authority should be provided with documents by the organiser of the event with a full description of the events and the participants as well as the period and location of the event.
Non-commercial purpose food banned by the country cannot to be imported. The concerned authorities should ensure the conformity of food is included in the resolution for the regulation in force in the country. Food that does not match the regulations of the resolution will be confiscated.
