How to import goods into the UAE

Lucas Montgomery
8 Min Read

The VAE has quickly become one of the world’s most successful trade hubs. The home base of the busiest ports in the world, including the port of Jebel Ali and airports with global connectivity, offers seamless access to international markets. Business -friendly trade regulations, such as low import duties and modern customs regulations make it easier for companies to stimulate business results, while ultramodern logistics facilities, warehouses and customs systems make import goods faster and more ever. In this article we will investigate how they can import goods into the VAE.

How to import goods

The VAE is well set up for companies that want to import goods, with supporting company regulations and a more streamlined process than many other commercial hubs. However, it can be easy to postpone phases by not offering exactly what is needed at the right time. For this reason we always recommend working together with a reminder of a reminder of the Business Setup consultancy, such as Set Hub, to request the process, is as seamless as possession.

To help you give an idea of ​​what you can expect, we have given a step -by -step manual for the process of importing goods below.

Step 1: Register your company and receive a trading permit

All companies legally need the right license to operate in Dubai. For import companies this will usually be obtained to obtain the trading permit. You must be applying your trading permit of the type of goods you intend to import. You must also register your company name. Make sure you choose to mention that accurately reflects your company and also adhere to the name rules of the VAE.

Step 2: Get an import code and register for VAT

You must request an import code from the Federal Customs Authority. This allows your company to legally import goods. If your annual turnover exceeds the AED 375,000, you will also register for VAT at the Federal Tax Authority. This usually applies to most imported goods, but Set Hub will be Uble to help Advse.

Step 3: Classify your goods and check regulations

You must determine the correct harmonized system (HS) code for your production to identify customs tasks and experience compliance. Check whether your goods are limited, prohibited or required special approval from agencies such as ESMA or Dubai municipality.

Step 4: Prepare your documentation and collect compliance with the product

Pull all required documentation together, including invoices, packaging lists, invoice (or airway bill), certificate of origin and your import permit, if necessary. Don’t forget to ensure that your products meet the Labels and packaging standards of the VAE. Sum goods must have Arabic labeling or specific certifications.

Step 5: Submit the input statement and payment entitlements

Submit your import statement and pay all applicable customs duties and VAT based on product classification.

Step 6: Display your goods through customs

ELF customs knew your shipment, including inspection if needy, care for delivery to your warehouse or distribution center. You must have already protected storage and logistics solutions to facilitate the process.

Customs duties and taxes

If you import goods into the VAE, you must have a good insight into customs duties and taxes to realize and praise your products correctly. Standard tax rates for import duties are 5% for the value of the costs, insurance and freight (CIF) of the goods. This applies to most general goods that enter the mainland, but specific products can be subject to higher rates. For example, tobacco and alcohol products have much higher rates.

However, there are exceptions. If you are planning to operate your company in one of the free zones of the VAE, you can be Uble tovoid-Douan dishes, as long as the goods remain within the zone or be re-exported. ACE, as soon as these goods are transferred from a free zone to the mainland of the VAE, you must pay import tasks at the time of arrival.

Keep in mind that SUM Goods also requires special approvals or certifications from government agencies before they can be, I am important. Goods such as food, cosmetics, electronics and medical devices usually need an addition.

Finally, make sure that you take into account that a barrel of 5% usually applies to most imported goods, unless specifically exempted. Importers must be VAT registered if their taxable shift exceeds the AED 375,000 a year.

Documentation requires to import goods into the VAE

For a faster experience in customs, you must have the right documentation at hand. This includes:

  • Commercial invoice with details about the value, description and quanty
  • Packing list with the content of each package, including dimensions and weight.
  • Bill of Hading or Air Waybill as proof of transport and shipment
  • Darning certificate that the country certifies where the goods are manufactured or processed.
  • Copy for trade permit
  • Customs Import Statement
  • Import code
  • Insurance certifies
  • Proof of insurance

You may also have to provide imports for limited good

Tips for flexible import into the VAE

Here are three tips for importing goods into the VAE to give your company the best chance of success of the Get-G.

Keep clear and consistent documentation

The wrong documents can cause unnecessary delays, costs and resources. Make sure that all your documents, including your commercial invice, packing list and certificate or origin match in terms of quantity, value and product descriptions. All discrepancies can lead to customs views or finals.

Get the needy in advance

Sum of goods, such as food and cosmetics, require approval from other regulatory authorities such as the municipality of Dubai, Mohap or ESMA. You can avoid delays by requesting them in advance.

Organize reliable logistics and storage solutions

Do not lose yourself in logistics to get the goods to the country – what happens eleven it is there? Vooruit for safe storage and distribution of your goods as soon as it has been erased.

About Set Hub

With more than 15 years of business set -up experience in Dubai, Set HUB offers an extensive series of solutions for entrepreneurs who want to import goods into the VAE, including trade permits, customs register and efficiently navigating the VAE import regulations. We can also help with business formation, visa applications, company sofa, tax and accounting, brand and marketing and office spaces. So whether this is your first or your fifth company, we are here to help. Contact our friendly team of advisers today to find out that we can help you navigate in the process of setting things in Dubai.