Reviewed 15 October 2026. This guide summarizes selected food-import requirements for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. Procedures differ by product and destination, and GCC member states do not share one complete import process. This is general information, not legal, customs or tax advice. The local importer and customs broker should confirm the requirements for each product and shipment.
Start with the destination and product classification
Before shipment, confirm the product description, ingredients, packaging, country of origin and destination-specific tariff classification with the importer and customs broker. Customs treatment and any preferential rate or restriction depend on the applicable tariff classification, origin rules and current national measures. Do not rely on a blanket GCC beverage-duty percentage.
Food registration and import clearance
United Arab Emirates
The UAE Government portal describes ZAD as the national food accreditation and registration system and states that imported food must be registered before it is handled in the UAE market. Confirm the current registration route and emirate-level clearance steps with the competent authority and importer. UAE Government: National Food Accreditation and Registration System.
Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) requires food importers to hold an account and register imported food products, subject to applicable rules and product-specific exceptions. Use the SFDA’s current food-import service and registration guidance; the importer or its authorized broker completes shipment clearance. SFDA Food Products Registration Guide.
Labels and supporting documents
For prepackaged food in Saudi Arabia, the SFDA states that the label and accompanying explanatory statements must be in Arabic. If another language is used, it must appear alongside Arabic and carry identical information. SFDA: food labels in English only.
For the UAE and other GCC destinations, confirm the current language, ingredient, nutrition, date-marking and warning requirements with the destination authority and importer before approving artwork. Do not assume that one label rule or date format applies across every country.
VAT and excise: verify the product-specific treatment
United Arab Emirates
The UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) states a 5% standard VAT rate, subject to the applicable tax treatment. From 1 January 2026, sweetened drinks moved to a tiered-volumetric excise model. The FTA lists AED 1.09 per litre for drinks with at least 8 g of sugar per 100 ml, AED 0.97 per litre for 5 g to less than 8 g, and AED 0 per litre below 5 g; drinks containing only artificial sweeteners are also listed at AED 0 per litre. Product definitions, testing, registration and exceptions apply, so these figures are not a tax quote for a particular VINUT SKU. FTA: UAE standard VAT rate · FTA: sweetened-drink excise model.
Saudi Arabia
ZATCA lists a 15% standard VAT rate for food and beverages where applicable. From the beginning of 2026, ZATCA calculates excise tax on sweetened beverages by graduated tiers: SAR 0 per litre for drinks with only artificial sweeteners or less than 5 g of sugar per 100 ml, SAR 0.79 per litre for 5 g to 7.99 g, and SAR 1.09 per litre at 8 g or more. ZATCA also states that sweetened drinks containing at least 75% milk are not subject to this excise tax. Confirm current definitions, product classification and exemptions with ZATCA and the importer. ZATCA: VAT · ZATCA: excise-tax FAQs.
Shipment readiness checklist
- Confirm importer eligibility and product registration in the destination system.
- Verify the product’s tariff classification, origin and clearance route with the customs broker.
- Approve destination-specific label artwork against the current food standards.
- Confirm which certificates and shipment documents apply to the product.
- Calculate VAT, customs duty and excise using current official rules and verified product data.
For product specifications or a distribution inquiry, contact the VINUT META team. Importers remain responsible for confirming current regulatory and tax requirements with the relevant authorities and their professional advisers.