UAE is known for its strict rules and regulations, and as a business person, I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t want to get caught with breaching any policy. Therefore, to help out all those businesses who are planning on bringing goods from across the border into UAE, I have compiled a small guide.
The first and foremost things that you need at your desk while importing goods are accurate documents. These documents are what’ll keep you safe from paying any fine in the future when all records are audited for the UAE export data by an agency.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR STANDARD CARGO IN ABU DHABI:
1.Original commercial bill
• The shipper needs to stamp and sign the bill with blue ink manually
• The currency of sale needs to be mentioned
• Must clarify all sales terms like Ex-works, FOB, C&F, CIF, etc
• Country of origin should also be mentioned
2.Packing list: This list should signify all the packages and weight of the goods. It also needs to tally with the House Air Way Bill (HAWB).
3.Original certificate issued by the chamber of commerce of the origin country
4.Bank endorsed bill for all bank through shipments
5.For all hazardous goods, a Marine Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) needs to be
issued.
6.Personal Effect cargo: For all own products the visa page, passport copy and
Emirate’s ID needs to be provided.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR CLEARANCE IN DUBAI:
1.Duly endorsed express/original or sea waybill.
2.Original certificate issued by the chamber of commerce of the origin country.
3.Original shipper’s invoice on shipper’s letterhead that’s signed and stamped.
4.All shipping docs need to reflect the value of goods, currency, weight, the
number of packages and H.S code number.
5.Original signed and sealed Packing list on shipper’s letterhead.
CUSTOMS DUTY IN UAE:
The standard rate set by the government is 5% for most goods. However, specific IT products are allowed relief and are charged only 1%. It’s always better to verify with an agent first.
TIME DURATION OF CLEARANCE FROM CUSTOMS:
Usually, it takes a couple of hours to clear most goods from customs after filing the declaration with all required docs and delivery is made the next day. Although, particular products need extra time to get through the process.
POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND:
• All importers need to have a valid importer code and VAT/TRN. (the importer
code is provided to those individuals who have registered with the customs
department after giving all required docs)
• Certain goods need special approval from specific governing bodies. For
example, all pharmaceutical products need approval from the Ministry of Health.On the other hand, food products need permission from the Abu Dhabi.Food Control Authority or Dubai Municipality according to where you import.
• Many goods are forbidden to cross the border like drugs pornographic material and products intended to be imported from boycotted countries.
TAKEAWAY:
Though UAE customs are difficult to deal with, if you have all the right documents required for clearance, you should face any difficulties in getting your shipments passed. Follow our checklist to see if you have all the required docs ready before shipping your goods to UAE so that you don’t have to face any delays, fines or penalties from custom agents.
