According to the UAE tobacco market's latest statistics, in 2022, the United Arab Emirates imported $384M in Raw Tobacco, mainly from China, Zimbabwe, Brazil, India, and Bangladesh. The market in the UAE is projected to grow by 4.81% (2024-2029) resulting in a market volume of US$3.2bn in 2029. Here is an in-depth look at the technical logistical considerations for properly shipping tobacco's easily damaged, high-value products and factors that impact tobacco cargo.
Tobacco Shipping Logistics Considerations
- Leaf Cut Width
The cut width of processed tobacco leaves matters for how they are packed. Longer cuts are more prone to breakage versus shorter cuts. Cut widths influence ideal packaging dimensions as follows:
✅ Long cut widths (over 50mm) require sturdy cardboard inserts to prevent bending and breakage during transit. Shorter cuts (under 25mm) can be packed more densely without inserts.
✅ Ideal packaging dimensions account for greater settling of bundles with longer cut widths. We optimize box size to minimize empty space while preventing damage.
✅ Long cuts also require more specialized bale wrapping to constrain leaves without damaging edges. We use wide, low-elasticity polymer bands.
- Tobacco Dust
Handling of processed tobacco creates dust particles. The build-up of tobacco dust can create a fire risk, particularly in high temperatures. Special vacuums and air filters are used in transit. Also, packaging needs to prevent dust escape. The key logistical considerations include:
✅ Using specialized HEPA vacuums and air filtration units during tobacco processing to capture fine particulates.
✅ Dust particulate emissions are continuously monitored to identify any packed product with the potential to generate dangerous dust levels.
✅ We hermetically seal tobacco packaging with micro-porous membranes that vent moisture but contain dust particles.
- Pest control
Tobacco is vulnerable to infestation by insects and vermin. We may use Fumigation, controlled atmospheres (low oxygen), freezing, and pesticide sprays or sheets to prevent infestation based on the temperature fluctuations in transit. For pest control, the key logistical considerations include the following:
✅ All shipping containers are fumigated with specialized high-dose insecticide fog prior to tobacco loading.
✅ We use controlled-release insecticide sheets layered in packaging that provide residual protection.
✅ Shipping containers have low oxygen atmospheres that deter insect survival, supplemented with CO2 infusion.
- Package Integrity
Tobacco is susceptible to picking up odors and flavors from packaging material. For packaging, we use taint-free boxes, papers, and liners. Waterproof packaging prevents moisture damage and tamper-evident seals ensure product integrity. Key considerations to ensure packaging integrity include:
✅ We use food-grade poly-coated cardboard and ink to prevent odor/flavor transfer to tobacco contents.
✅ Packaging includes inner polyethylene liners and exterior polyurethane coatings for waterproofing.
✅ Tamper-evident holographic security seals are applied to packaging and tracked by seal ID in our system.
- Temperature Control
Different types of tobacco require different temperature ranges for optimal freshness during shipping. Cigarettes and pipe tobacco do best around 60-65°F. Cigars often require more precise humidity and temp control like 65-70°F and 65-70% relative humidity. Key considerations include:
✅ We pre-cool shipping containers to 60-65°F for cigarettes/pipe tobacco using refrigerated unit airflow prior to loading.
✅ For cigars, we maintain 65-70°F using precision temperature sensors connected to cooling units to adjust container temp.
✅ Temperature data loggers with probes in cargo record conditions throughout transit to ensure stability.
- Humidity control
In addition to temperature, humidity needs to be regulated depending on the type of tobacco. Cigars need more humid conditions as mentioned above. Too much humidity can cause mold, while too little can dry out the tobacco. Humidity can be controlled through the use of humidors or moisture absorbers like desiccants. The key considerations include:
✅ Humidity control packs are inserted in packaging to regulate RH to 65-70% for cigars based on content weight.
✅ For pipe tobacco, we use lower equilibrium RH silica gel sachets to prevent mold growth by controlling moisture.
✅ Hygrometers monitor in-container humidity and activate humidification/dehumidification equipment as needed.
- Air circulation
Stagnant air leads to mold growth during shipping, particularly for long journeys. Circulation is important and can be achieved through ventilated packaging or containers. How do we maintain air circulation on long journeys?
✅ Ventilation holes and channels in packaging allow airflow. Container circulation fans continuously cycle air.
✅ We avoid fully hermetic sealing and use gas permeable membranes to prevent CO2 buildup and allow O2 for aerobic processes.
- Curing Method
Tobacco can be air cured, fire cured, sun cured, etc. The curing method affects the moisture content and how the tobacco needs to be stored and shipped. Shipping parameters are optimized based on lab testing of moisture content for each curing method. Also, shipping containers need to take the curing method into account. For example, fire cured tobacco is more prone to mold and it is shipped in breathable packaging to allow moisture escape and prevent mold. For air cured tobacco, moisture barrier packaging retains inherent humidity to avoid drying out.
Regulations and Customs Related to Importing Tobacco Into the UAE:
Tobacco in general is considered a restricted good in the UAE. Any tobacco imported into the UAE is subject to a substantial federal tax, along with additional local duties that vary across the Emirates. Here are the key regulations and customs-related details for importing tobacco into the UAE:
1️⃣ To import goods, companies need the appropriate trade license from the Department of Economic Development (DED) or operate in a Free Trade Zone (FTZ).
2️⃣ Standard import documentation is required, including commercial invoices, certificate of origin, packing list, import permits if applicable, bill of entry, Health Certificate, and Excise Tax
3️⃣ Federal Law No. 11 of 1981 levies a federal customs duty of 70% on the import of tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars, and raw tobacco.
4️⃣ 50% of the tax revenue goes to the federal Ministry of Finance, the other 50% to the local government where the tax was collected.
5️⃣ Imports are exempt from the tax if they are re-exported within 1 year. The importer must provide a cash deposit or bank guarantee for the tax amount.
6️⃣ Violations can result in fines up to 2 times the tax amount and confiscation of goods.
7️⃣ The law does not override local customs duties and taxes applied by each Emirate.
8️⃣ Exemptions in double taxation agreements do not apply.
9️⃣ An executive regulation provides details on tax calculation, collection procedures, and required forms.
🔟 Products are subject to the tax when arriving in UAE ports or when manufactured/finished in the UAE.
The UAE has strict tobacco control laws, such as bans on the sale of single cigarette sticks, vending machine sales, and internet sales of tobacco products. Compliance with these regulations is also crucial. Contact us to know what are the banned or prohibited tobacco products into the UAE
Shipping Tobacco With Vervo Middle East
As outlined above, numerous technical intricacies are involved in properly handling the sensitive cargo of tobacco leaves, cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco formats. Besides the considerations mentioned above, there are other factors, for example, tobacco moisture testing, fermentation monitoring, and light exposure that also need specialized techniques.
With extensive experience transporting such easily damaged, high-value shipments, Vervo Middle East’s global team develops specialized solutions for maintaining optimal conditions regardless of tobacco type or variability in transit. We ensure your temperature-controlled containers maintain ideal conditions while secure tracking provides visibility at every step.
Once shipped, our customs clearance process leverages longstanding relationships with authorities across the globe. We coordinate any inspections or document legalization required to minimize port delays with a network of compliant, bonded warehouses to provide secure interim storage with continuous climate control prior to final delivery.
Describe your tobacco load and get a free quote today: