The property has to be registered with the relevant authority, and only approved apartments and villas can be listed for short-term rentals
life and living1 week ago
With 10 Filipino flight attendants facing smuggling charges after being caught with onions in their suitcases, many expats in the UAE were left confused about what they can and cannot carry for their families back home.
Many argued that the quantities of onions seized could still be considered "for personal use", especially since the price of the staple vegetable had soared to Dh40 per kilogramme. So, why was it considered illegal when it appeared like they wouldn't be selling them anyway?
Even senators in the Philippines are questioning the Customs' inspections, saying the confiscation was 'unacceptable', even 'cruel'.
The Bureau of Customs (BoC) has been following a 2015 memorandum, which states that bringing in fresh, unprocessed food — even in quantities for personal use — is not allowed, unless prior clearance from the Department of Agriculture is obtained. An official at the Philippine Consulate in Dubai and the Northern Emirates explained the process in a previous Khaleej Times report.
The same memo — a four-page circular — contains other important details on the items that overseas Filipinos are allowed to bring. It was released by the BoC, in partnership with the Department of Health and the Food and Drug Administration.
Certain limits have been set on items like perfume, soap, and even toys. The advisory specifies the quantities that are considered 'for personal use'.
Here's the list of items that can be packed into a luggage or sent to the Philippines via cargo boxes (without having to secure permits):
| ITEM | QUANTITY ALLOWED |
| Childcare articles | 5kg |
| Toys | 10 pieces |
| Perfume | 5 pieces |
| Lipstick | 10 pieces |
| Shampoo | 2kg (2 litres) |
| Lotion | 2kg (2 litres) |
| Bar soap | 2kg |
| Assorted cosmetics | 1kg |
| Household substances (such as detergents, fabric conditioners/softeners, dishwashing liquid) | 5kg |
| In-Vitro Diagnostic products | 1 piece of each type |
| Medical devices (except those used as maintenance, such as insulin needles and lancets which are sold by packs of up to 100 pieces) | 1 piece of each type |
| Over-the-counter drugs | 50g |
| Prescription drugs | The quantity should correspond to what was written on the prescription |
| Vitamins, health supplements | 500g in total |
| Processed/ cooked food | 10kg |
| Wines/liquor | 2 bottles but not exceeding 1.5 litres |
The Customs said the covered products — whether declared or undeclared — will be seized if they are brought in beyond the limits and without clearance from the food and drug and health authorities.
"Those within the specified limit shall be allowed without FDA-DOH clearance subject to payment of customs duties, when necessary," it added.
ALSO READ:
The property has to be registered with the relevant authority, and only approved apartments and villas can be listed for short-term rentals
life and living1 week ago
Are partial payments allowed? What if you don't have a bank card to pay online? This guide answers some of frequently asked questions
life and living1 week ago
The trees will be handed along with a guidebook to ensure they are planted and maintained correctly
life and living1 week ago
In February 2024, during a visit from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to UAE, an agreement was signed, NRIs to make UPI transactions
life and living1 week ago
There are several apps that can help — however, most scholars agree that slight errors in direction would be forgiven
life and living2 weeks ago
A student behaviour policy in schools must outline acceptable corrective actions, which are proportionate, age-appropriate, and aligned with disciplinary guidelines
life and living2 weeks ago
From theatre and live entertainment to galleries and conferences, this versatile building in Downtown Dubai hosts a wide variety of events
life and living2 weeks ago
The city has an efficient marine transport system apart from buses, metro, tram and taxis
life and living2 weeks ago