Operational Restrictions in the United Arab Emirates

1. Road Limitation

  • Maximum width: 2.44 meters (anything out of gauge prior approval from police)
  • Maximum height: 5 meters
  • Maximum weight (cargo + container + tractor + chassis): 37 tons Skeletal Chassis
  • Maximum weight (cargo + container + tractor + chassis): 70 tons Platform Chassis
  • Cargo weight should not exceed container maximum payload weight
  • Two 20 footers on one chassis is allowed but the maximum weight is restricted to above mentioned.
2. Terminal Limitation

  • Gantry crane maximum capacity: 40 MT
  • Non-working days:Jan 01 - New Year's Day#
    Jan 10 - Pilgrimage expected to begin
    Jan 19 - Arafat Day (1 day)*
    Jan 20 - Eid Aal Adha (3 days)*
    Feb 10 - Islamic New Year’s Day*
    Apr 21 - Birthday of Prophet Mohammed*
    Aug 06 - Accession of H. H. Sheikh Zayed#
    Sep 01 – Lailat Al Mi’raj*
    Oct 04 – Ramadan expected to begin
    Nov 03 - Eid Al Fitr (3 days)*
    Dec 02 - U.A.E National Day (2 days)#

    * Islamic Hols/ # Fixed Hols
3. Transshipment Restrictions

  • None except DG restrictions as mentioned below:
    • Port Rashid: Class 1 cargo not allowed. Class 7 is allowed only upon prior approvals from various Government Departments.
    • Jebel Ali: Class 1 & 7 are allowed only upon prior approvals from various Government Departments
    • Port Rashid & Jebel Ali: Class 2 to 9, no restrictions.
    • Dangerous Cargoes IMCO classes 1.4/2.1/3.1/4.2/6.1 are allowed to be transshipped at Jebel Ali but subject to prior approval.
    • With new IMCO DG Rules in force wef 1st January 2004, feeder operators have imposed restrictions on DG cargoes. Prior approval is a must before accepting booking.
    • All Gas Lighter shipments require prior approval from feeder operators.
4. Customs Requirements

  • Full name and address of Inbound Consignee/Notify Party/Also Notify Party in the country are required. PO Box is not acceptable.
  • Actual piece count must be declared. The unit of Package, Skid, Pallet and Bundle are not acceptable.
  • Import and import transshipment cargo manifests must be submitted to the concerned authorities 48hrs prior to vessel arrival as per Port & Customs Regulations. Hence, details have to be submitted to local office at least 72 hrs prior to vessel arrival.