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.

Travel to UAE for a better impression

The best preparation for doing business in any country is visiting it. This way you can experience the culture, check the shops and build your network.

With Trip.com you can compare flights and also book your hotel.

Hotellook compares different hotel sites so you always have the best rate.

Localrent connects you to national rental car providers per country.

Importing goods into UAE

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

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.
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.
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.
Inspection and Clearance
- Customs inspections may be conducted to ensure compliance. Processing typically takes 1-2 business days for complete submissions.
Release of Goods
- Cleared goods are released for delivery or storage in a free trade zone.

Service Providers for Assistance

Agility Logistics UAE – agility.com
DP World Logistics – dpworld.com
Aramex – aramex.com
Freightworks (Dubai) – freightworks.com
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 clearance for UAE

Getting your products imported and delivered in a specific country can be a challenge. I have good experience with Tecex, who can act as your importer of record and even physical distributor. If you leave your details, they will contact you.

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Our consultants typically charge between 3.000 and 15.000 Euro on fees for market research or a partner search, depending on the complexity and country.

Frequently asked questions

How to find an importer in UAE for your product?

The best way to find an importer in UAE is to understand the sales channel for your product, and what parties are involved. Then find the right importers or wholesalers at the beginning of that chain. Before starting to push your product, approach a number of them to ask what they need. This way you can position your product better before you reach out to a broader group.

How to find a web shop for your product in UAE?

First check whether your product normally is sold through web shops in UAE or that other distribution structures are more common. Then determine the characteristics of your ideal web shop, and find a number of these, or outsource this search. When you approach the first few, you will learn what they find important and who your competitors are.

How to convince an importer in UAE to work with you?

As in any country, convincing an importer or wholesaler to put your product in his assortment is difficult. Importers in UAE look at the rotation of the product, how easy and often they can sell it, and multiply this with the margin they can make on it. The result should be higher than they earn now from any competing product. Only if you have proper sales data, for example from other countries, they will engage in a discussion with you.