Importing goods and customs clearance in the UAE and Dubai

If you want to ship your goods to UAE then you have to get them through customs and formally import them. This article describes a number of important aspects.

Please note that if you need help, there are various parties available to support you.

Shipping your products

If you sell physical products, you need to get them delivered into UAE. Depending on the country you are in, this may be a challenge.

First of all you may have to pay import duties or settle VAT. There are certain thresholds for both of these charges, e.g. while importing in the EU you don’t have to pay import duties on any shipment worth less than € 150.

There may also be non-financial bariers, like certifications or approvals to be obtained. Especially for food, cosmetics or medicine this may be the case. Check this in advance, even before you invest in your marketing.

Container terminal where goods are cleared through customs

Importing goods

The UAE, including Dubai, operates under a centralized customs system managed by the Federal Customs Authority (FCA), with local customs departments like Dubai Customs overseeing specific regions. Dubai serves as a major trading hub, making the process efficient and business-friendly. Visit Dubai Customs – English for official information.

General Import Process

  1. Customs Declaration
    • File a customs declaration through the Dubai Trade Portal (Dubai Trade).
    • Required documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (or airway bill), and certificate of origin.
  2. Import Duties and VAT
    • Import duty: Generally 5% of the goods’ CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value.
    • Exemptions: Many goods, such as raw materials and medicines, are duty-free.
    • VAT (Value-Added Tax):
      • Standard rate: 5%.
      • Certain goods, like basic food items and medical supplies, may be zero-rated or exempt.
  3. Additional Non-Financial Requirements
    • Compliance with the UAE’s safety and quality standards is essential. Specific goods may require approval from regulatory bodies like the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA).
    • Use the Access2Markets Portal to verify product-specific requirements.
  4. Inspection and Clearance
    • Customs inspections may be conducted to ensure compliance. Processing typically takes 1-2 business days for complete submissions.
  5. Release of Goods
    • Cleared goods are released for delivery or storage in a free trade zone.

Service Providers for Assistance

  1. Agility Logistics UAE – agility.com
  2. DP World Logistics – dpworld.com
  3. Aramex – aramex.com
  4. Freightworks (Dubai) – freightworks.com
  5. Kuehne+Nagel UAE – kuehne-nagel.com

Importing Small Parcels

For small parcels, couriers like DHL, FedEx, UPS, and Aramex are highly efficient. Typical shipping costs for a 2kg parcel:

  • From the USA: $25-$50 (AED 90-180) for economy shipping.
  • From China: $20-$40 (AED 75-150) for economy shipping.

Express shipping options (2-4 days) are available at higher costs. Prices vary based on the provider, destination, and urgency. Confirm rates with service providers for accurate quotes.

Customs looks at three things

Whatever you ship, customs checks the same three things. The classification: the HS code that sets the duty rate. The customs value: the price plus, depending on the Incoterm, transport and insurance. And the origin, which can lower the rate under a trade agreement.

On top of that come the registrations: an importer number or EORI, a VAT registration or a local importer of record, and product certificates for food, cosmetics, medical devices and electrical goods.

VAlidate the HS-codes you use for shipping

Almost every country or trade block in the world has its own detailing on the international HS-code list. With our report you strongly reduce the risk on misclassifications, delays and higher custom duties than expected.

Tell us what you want to ship and where to and we ask you all relevant questions to get to the most likely code.

Get your HS code VAlidation Report for only € 39

Importing into UAE in three steps

Step 1

Classify and check

Determine the HS code for every product, look up the duty rate, and check which certificates or approvals the country asks for before you ship anything.

Step 2

Arrange papers

Make sure there is a registered importer, and prepare the invoice, packing list, transport document and, where it lowers the duty, a certificate of origin.

Step 3

Ship and clear

Let a customs broker file the declaration, pay duties and import VAT, and keep the documents. Customs audits can go back several years.

Import and customs in other countries