Importing goods into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is an important part of doing business in the region. Whether you’re a small business looking to expand your operations, or a larger business looking to establish a presence in the UAE, understanding the UAE import requirements and documentation is essential to ensure that your goods safely and efficiently make it to their destination. In this guide, we’ll provide an overview of the essential requirements and documentation for importing goods into the UAE.
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Overview of the UAE Import Requirements
When importing goods into the UAE, the first step is to be aware of the UAE import requirements and regulations. The UAE is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and is therefore subject to WTO import regulations. Additionally, the UAE Customs Authority requires all goods to be accompanied by specific documentation in order to be cleared for entry into the country.
This includes a commercial invoice, certificates of origin, shipper’s export declarations, bills of lading, air waybills, and packing lists. Depending on the type of goods being imported, additional documents may also be required, such as licenses, permits, and certificates of conformity. Furthermore, importers must be aware of any customs duties, fees, and taxes that may be imposed on the goods being imported. Finally, it is essential to be aware of any prohibited or restricted items that are not allowed to be imported into the UAE.
The Purpose of Customs Policies
Customs policies are designed to protect the local economy, protect the country’s security, and generate government revenue. As such, customs policies cover various topics, ranging from the type of goods that can be imported and exported to the taxes and duties that must be paid for the importation of certain goods, to the enforcement of sanctions against certain countries and entities.
Customs policies are also designed to ensure that goods entering the UAE are safe and of good quality, as well as to prevent the illegal smuggling of goods into the country. Customs policies are updated on a regular basis as the needs and conditions of the country change, in order to ensure that the country’s customs policies are in line with international standards.
Who Sets the UAE’s Customs Policies?
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country made up of seven emirates, each of which is responsible for governing itself independently in many areas. This includes customs policies. The UAE’s Federal Customs Authority (FCA) sets the country’s customs policies. In addition to the federal government, each emirate may have its own customs authorities.
Customs offices are located at airports, seaports, and land borders in the UAE to enforce these policies. The FCA’s mission is to develop and manage the UAE’s customs policies, as well as provide guidance to the emirates’ customs authorities. The FCA’s website is the go-to source for all the latest information on the UAE’s customs policies and procedures. It provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s customs regulations, including information on the clearing of goods, customs tariffs, and trade agreements.
The customs authorities also play an important role in protecting the country’s national security. They are responsible for preventing the import of contraband, such as drugs and weapons, as well as the export of prohibited items. They also work to ensure that goods imported into the UAE meet the country’s safety and quality standards.
UAE Import Requirements and Documentation
When importing goods into the UAE, companies must adhere to the UAE import requirements set by the Department of Economic Development (DED) and the UAE Federal Customs Authority. Companies must have the correct trade license from the DED from the emirate and may either set up a business office in the UAE or appoint a UAE national as a sponsor, agent, or distributor, to do business in the UAE “mainland” (that is, not in the free zones).
Businesses that are set up in an FTZ can also utilize their trade license to import goods into that FTZ. To import goods, the UAE-based company (consignee/agent) must get a delivery order from the shipping agent and submit the following original standard trade documentation:
- A commercial invoice issued by the exporting company to the importer with info on quantity, item description, and the total value of each imported product should be included.
- A certificate of origin, authorized by the Chamber of Commerce in the country of origin, declaring the country of origin should also be provided.
- A comprehensive packing list including weight, packing method, and harmonized system code (HS Code) for each item is required.
- If restricted or duty-exempted goods are being imported, an import permit from the relevant agency should be included.
- A bill of entry or airway bill must also be included.
Food products need to be accompanied by the following certificates:
- A health certificate issued by a government agency in the country of export is essential to confirm that the item is safe for human consumption.
- Halal slaughter certification is necessary for any meat or poultry products.
All shipments of goods to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) excluding food products necessitate a two-step “legalization” process of the accompanying documents. First, documents must be verified by Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, the exclusive verification agent of the UAE Embassy. After confirmation, companies must then submit the necessary paperwork for legalization to the respective Consulate covering the state in which the exporter company is based.
For further information about the UAE import requirements and documentation, visit the UAE Embassy website.
Import to the UAE with Ease: Get Professional Assistance from DFreight Today!
Exporting to the UAE can be a complex process, but it doesn’t have to be. With the help of DFreight, you can ensure that you meet all the necessary UAE import requirements and that your goods are imported into the UAE efficiently and in compliance with all the necessary regulations. DFreight provides comprehensive services to help you every step of the way—from obtaining the necessary paperwork to ensuring that your goods are cleared for entry. With DFreight’s expertise and experience, you can be sure that your goods will make it to their destination safely and on time. Contact us today to get a free quote.
What documents are required to import goods into the UAE?
A commercial invoice, certificates of origin, shipper’s export declarations, bills of lading, air waybills, and packing lists. Depending on the type of goods being imported, additional documents may also be required, such as licenses, permits, and certificates of conformity.
What is the purpose of the UAE’s customs policies?
The UAE’s customs policies are designed to protect the local economy, protect the country’s security, and generate government revenue.
Who sets the UAE’s customs policies?
The UAE’s Federal Customs Authority (FCA) sets the country’s customs policies. Additionally, each emirate may have its own customs authorities. Customs offices are located at airports, seaports, and land borders in the UAE to enforce these policies.
What is required for importing goods into the UAE?
Companies must have the correct trade license from the Department of Economic Development (DED) from the emirate and may either set up an office in the UAE or appoint a UAE national as a sponsor, agent, or distributor, to do business in the UAE “mainland” (that is, not in the free zones). Businesses that are set up in an FTZ can also utilize their trade license to import goods into that FTZ.
Does DFreight help with exporting goods to the UAE?
Yes, DFreight provides comprehensive services to help you export goods to the UAE efficiently and in compliance with all the necessary regulations and requirements. DFreight can provide assistance every step of the way—from obtaining the necessary paperwork to ensuring that your goods are cleared for entry.
What type of documents are required for air freight to the UK?
The documents required for air freight to UK include proof of export, commercial invoice, packing list, air waybill, and any other documents required by customs.
What documents are required for shipping goods from Canada to the United Arab Emirates?
The documents necessary for shipping from Canada to UAE include a commercial invoice, a packing list, a Certificate of Origin, and a Bill of Lading. Depending on the goods, additional documents may be required.
Who is responsible for the document preparation for ocean freight from India to UAE?
The responsibility for document preparation for ocean freight from India to UAE lies with the shipper/exporter.
