The UAE has introduced a temporary four-month ban on exports of steel scrap, alongside selected non-ferrous scrap, to secure domestic raw material availability.
Under Customs Notice No. 13/2026, issued by Dubai Customs, the restriction is effective from 10 June 2026 to 8 October 2026 and applies to a range of scrap materials classified under GCC tariff codes, in line with Cabinet Resolution No. 105 of 2026 and directives from the Ministry of Foreign Trade.
The measure primarily targets iron and steel scrap under HS code 7204, covering waste and scrap of cast iron, stainless steel scrap, other alloy steel scrap, tinned iron or steel scrap, as well as turnings, shavings, chips, milling waste, sawdust, filings, trimmings and stampings, other ferrous waste and scrap, and remelting scrap ingots of iron or steel.
The ban also covers copper scrap (HS 7404) and aluminum scrap (HS 7602), though steel scrap remains the key focus of the measure.
Authorities stated the restriction will remain in place for four months and will be automatically extended unless a new notice is issued. Exemptions may be granted by the Ministry of Foreign Trade for shipments linked to pre-existing international contracts or cases deemed to serve the public interest. Applications must be submitted directly to the ministry.