Customs Clearance UAE
Licensed Dubai & Abu Dhabi Customs Broker — Fast, Accurate, Compliant
Emirates Freight provides complete UAE customs clearance services for imports and exports through all UAE ports and airports. Avoid delays, fines, and cargo holds.
UAE Import & Export Customs
The UAE operates one of the world’s most efficient customs systems, managed by Dubai Customs, Abu Dhabi Customs, Sharjah Customs, and the Federal Customs Authority (FCA). Most commercial imports require a customs declaration (bill of entry), duty payment, and physical or documentary inspection.
The UAE applies a 5% VAT on most imported goods and a 5% customs duty on most non-GCC imports (with exemptions for GCC free trade zones). Certain goods require special permits from regulatory authorities before clearance.
Step-by-Step UAE Customs Process
Documents Required for UAE Customs Clearance
Commercial Invoice
Seller and buyer details, full goods description, HS code, unit price, total value, country of origin, payment terms.
Packing List
Item-by-item breakdown: description, quantity per carton, gross and net weight, dimensions. Must match invoice.
Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
Issued by carrier. Original B/L required for ocean imports (telex release or OBL surrender).
Certificate of Origin
Confirms country of origin. Required for GCC preferential duty rates and certain goods.
Product Permits & Certificates
Food: ESMA/MoHAP registration. Pharmaceuticals: MoHAP. Chemicals: EPA. Electronics: TRA. We advise on all requirements.
UAE Trade License
Importer must have valid UAE trade license. We can assist with consignee TL verification.
UAE Customs Duty & VAT
The UAE applies the GCC Common Customs Law. Standard import duty is 5% on CIF value (cost + insurance + freight). VAT is 5% on most goods. Some categories are exempt or have higher duty rates.
Standard Duty: 5%
Applies to most commercial goods. Calculated on CIF (Cost + Insurance + Freight) value.
Zero Duty Items
Goods within UAE Free Zones (JAFZA, DIFC, DAFZA) are typically duty-free on re-export.
Higher Duty Categories
Tobacco: 100% | Alcohol: 50% | Energy drinks: 100% | Vehicles: may vary.
UAE Free Zone Customs — Duty-Free Advantage
The UAE operates 45+ free zones including Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA), Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA), and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). Goods imported into free zones are exempt from UAE customs duty on arrival — duty is only payable when goods enter the UAE mainland.
JAFZA — Jebel Ali Free Zone
Adjacent to Jebel Ali Port — largest free zone in the world. Ideal for re-export and regional distribution.
DAFZA — Dubai Airport Free Zone
Adjacent to Dubai International Airport. Perfect for air cargo, high-value goods, and tech companies.
Abu Dhabi Free Zones
KIZAD, Khalifa Port Free Zone, twofour54 — growing industrial and trade free zones.
US Customs Compliance for Dual-Trade
For shipments that transit between the UAE and the United States, US customs compliance is required at the US end. This includes ISF filing, customs entry, and potential Section 301 tariff obligations for goods of Chinese origin transiting via the UAE.
Our US customs compliance partner FreightClear.com handles all US customs requirements for shipments arriving in the USA.