Courier medicines to UAE (Dubai) from India — MOHAP controlled list, documents and charges

Rules & rates last verified: 15 August 2026 · by Mrs. Madhu Satija, Managing Director, CargoCharges

Yes, with a critical caveat — the UAE's Ministry of Health (MOHAP) controlled-medicines list is far wider than most countries and includes everyday Indian prescriptions like tramadol, codeine combinations and pregabalin. We screen every medicine against the list before booking; clean shipments go on DHL, UPS or Self with a ₹2,000 medicine premium.

The rules that apply

MOHAP controlled list covers many medicines that are ordinary prescriptions in India (tramadol, codeine, pregabalin, some sleep aids) — these are refused: UAE penalties for unlicensed controlled medicines are severe.
Non-controlled prescription medicines: personal quantities (up to 3 months) with prescription are accepted.
A ₹2,000 medicine handling premium applies; carriers: DHL, UPS, Self network.
We check your medicine list against the MOHAP list at booking, free — this is the step that protects your receiver.

Charges: standard rate + ₹2,000 medicines premium

Your parcel is charged at the normal UAE rate for its weight — from the carriers that accept medicines on this lane (DHL, UPS, Self) — plus a one-time ₹2,000 handling premium. Worked example: 2 kg ≈ ₹1,953 (Self) + ₹2,000 premium = ₹3,953, excl. 18% GST. Express option: 2 kg ≈ ₹3,621 (DHL, 2-3 Working Days) + ₹2,000 premium = ₹5,621, excl. 18% GST. Economy transit: 5-6 Working Days from Delhi dispatch, with free pickup across Delhi NCR.

Documents you need

Prescription in the receiver's name
Doctor's letter with diagnosis (strongly recommended for UAE)
Pharmacy bill
Receiver's UAE address, PO Box/Makani and phone

Limits & what is not accepted

Nothing on the MOHAP controlled list — screened at booking, no exceptions
Maximum 3-month personal supply
Original packaging with visible ingredient names (customs matches against the list)
No cold-chain items

📞 Unsure about your specific items? Send us the list on WhatsApp +91 97186 61166 — we confirm shippability before you pack, free.

Medicines to UAE — FAQs

Which common Indian medicines are banned in the UAE?

Tramadol, codeine-based cough syrups and painkillers, pregabalin, certain anxiety/sleep medicines and any narcotic-class drug. Send us your medicine list on WhatsApp before purchasing — the MOHAP check is free and takes minutes.

The receiver has a UAE prescription for a controlled medicine — can we ship it then?

No — a personal import permit from MOHAP is needed and courier parcels do not qualify. The receiver should fill that prescription at a UAE pharmacy.

What do medicine shipments to the UAE cost?

For example: 2 kg ≈ ₹1,953 (Self) + ₹2,000 premium = ₹3,953, excl. 18% GST. GST of 18% applies on the total bill.

How fast do medicine parcels reach the UAE?

5-6 Working Days from Delhi dispatch. UAE customs clears documented pharma quickly; the MOHAP pre-screen we do prevents the holds.

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Mrs. Madhu Satija — Managing Director, CargoCharges. 25+ years in international logistics; these rules reflect what our carriers and customs partners enforce on real shipments, updated as carrier policy changes.