Market entry
Importing HNB Products: A Compliance Checklist
By KOKEN Editorial Team · Published · Updated · 3 min read
Before importing HNB products, confirm how your market classifies them, whether registration or approval is required, the labelling and health warning rules, excise and tax treatment, age and sale restrictions, and the documents customs will ask for.
The checklist
| Area | Question to answer |
|---|---|
| Classification | Is the product a heated tobacco product, a herbal product, or another category in my market? |
| Legality | Is the category allowed to be imported and sold? Are flavours restricted? |
| Registration | Does the product need registration, notification or approval before sale? |
| Ingredients | Are there ingredient disclosure requirements or banned ingredients? |
| Labelling | What health warnings, languages and mandatory text are required? Is plain packaging required? |
| Tax | What excise and import duties apply, and are tax stamps required? |
| Sale rules | What are the minimum age, channel and advertising restrictions? |
| Documents | What will customs require at the border? |
Documents commonly requested
- Commercial invoice and packing list.
- Bill of lading or air waybill.
- Certificate of origin.
- Product specifications and ingredient information.
- Import licence or permit where required.
Exact requirements vary. Share your list with your manufacturer early so it can be prepared alongside production.
Tobacco vs herbal classification
Because herbal sticks contain no tobacco, some markets treat them under different rules from heated tobacco sticks. Do not assume either is easier; confirm both separately.
Next steps
Once the rules are clear, design your packaging accordingly (see our packaging guide) and plan shipping (see shipping from the UAE). When you send your quote request, include your destination market so KOKEN can advise on a suitable product and packaging pathway.
This checklist is general information, not legal advice. Buyers are responsible for confirming and meeting local regulations.