There are unique characteristics to the procedure for goods import into the UAE and without any professional assistance, organizing can be lengthy and need much effort. In this blog, we will describe the key considerations when importing and selling goods into the UAE and the major shipping ports & airports. We describe the UAE custom clearance procedure, rates for Dubai custom duty and discuss the procedure for import export in UAE.
Goods Import into the UAE can be done via air, sea or road. The choice of which mode fits best for your requirements will be determined by some factors- budget, time limitation, storage requirements, weight, size, brittleness of the goods should be taken into account.
Major shipping ports include Jebel Ali port, Khalid port, Port Rashid, Khor fakkan port, and Zayed port.
The region is also home to several airports such as Dubai airport, Abu Dhabi airport, Fujairah airport, and Ras Al Khaimah airport.
These provide easy access to global markets for import-export businesses as well as several choices for transporting freight across the UAE and globally.
When it comes to sea freight imports into the UAE, the below documents need to be provided to the importer by the exporter:
Original BoL copies, packing list, Declaration of origin, and Commercial invoice.
A delivery order will be published following presenting of the original BoL certificate by the importer to the shipping agent. The former must also manage every cargo clearance condition and when it comes to Dubai, present the import declaration application via the website of Dubai trade. This is for customs clearance in the UAE.
CDR accounts and banking cards can be used to pay customs duties and related charges. After this step has been accomplished, the distributor can print the Customs Import Declaration. The data submitted will then be checked by the UAE Customs and they will also scrutinize the cargo before its release. During this point, the importer can arrange for freight forwarders to be responsible for delivering freight to a port.
Importing goods by air is a more time-efficient method of transporting goods to the Emirates. Most air shipments arrive at their end location within 48 hours. Adopting air freight reduces the necessity for physical handling of cargo and thus minimizes the possibility of damage to the shipment as well. But, for oversized or very hefty shipments, it can be more pricey and less practical.
The importer will need the below documents for the Air Freight Imports Into the UAE- original AWB, commercial invoice, Declaration of origin, and packing list.
Some products like live animals, foodstuffs, medications, makeup products, etc are affected by more rules and may need other paperwork and permits besides those mentioned above. After the shipment has cleared customs, been properly documented, and has been paid, it can be sent to the final destination.
Road transport accounts for five percent of all UAE exports. It is required as a means to transport goods by road from a factory to a port or airport, even if the preferred mode of goods shipped globally is via sea or air freight. As a result, it affects all import-export processes. Transporting goods via road is typically cheaper when compared to air or sea freight, and transit times can frequently be brief, especially if imported from a nearby nation. In addition to functioning door-to-door, road haulage companies need lower documentation, thus simplifying the importation process drastically. For Road Freight Imports you will require the following documents, A BOE sanctioned by customs, a BoL, and a commercial invoice.
Custom Clearance Procedure in UAE
To advance the process seamlessly after establishing the import-export business, various things need to be done. The shipment clearance of goods in Dubai is among the formalities required for goods to be shipped into Dubai. Export and import of trading goods are the major procedures in the UAE. Clearance from Dubai customs is required for every imported product. A trading company must be registered with Dubai customs before this can be accomplished.
To clear shipments from Dubai, an in-detail and transparent process is followed. The first step is to enter all the specifications of the goods into the Montaji online portal.
As part of the Dubai municipality’s efforts to streamline consumers’ registration of consumer products, they have created an online product registration portal. Before entering Dubai’s market, sellers now must register their products in montaji, which is made obligatory.
The details must be submitted to Dubai Customs by the traders after registering in Montaji and filling the details. Upon clearance from the online product portal, it will become effortless for businesses to get approval from Dubai customs and they will deliver custom code registration upon acceptance of the application. This code will let registration of the business from Dubai customs, subsequent to which every shipment of the business will be eligible to be imported and exported.
Importing goods in Dubai is subject to specific customs duties levied by Dubai Customs. Despite the standard of 4%, the custom duty rates can differ. When the shipments leave the UAE free trade zones and are shipped to the mainland, they are subject to customs duties.
Based on the variety of shipments imported, the custom duty rates vary. Therefore, the set import duty when it comes to high-end merchandise is 10%, whereas in Dubai the custom duty for cigarettes and liquor is 50%.
Additionally, many varieties of imported goods are free from duty in the UAE. 734 products are exempt from customs duties. Some medical equipment, wheelchairs, and accessories for the handicapped are also exempt. Excursion boats, cruise ships, and helicopters have also been relieved from the restrictions to boost the tourism industry.
Each country has its own requirements for who can be the Importer of Record(IOR). In the majority of the situations, the consignee can act as the importer of record. The consignee is the person who owns the items during the time of import.
Occasionally, especially in Transactions that are more difficult, it’s important to assign an agent/broker, or any corporate body in the Land of Destination to act in this role on their behalf. Assigning an IOR can eliminate confusion regarding who actually owns the shipment when suppliers, distributors, and customers are engaged in a transaction. The Importer of Record turns out to be the provisional owner of the shipments till they have been received by the distribution hub.
Over the years DDU Express has been rendering IOR Services In conjunction with World-class logistics services. DDU Express acts as IOR for many nations across the world, meaning that DDU has the legal entity withstanding the administrative, lawful, and monetary perils related to importing scientific stuff and IT infrastructure into an overseas nation.
As the Top Cargo Company in Dubai, DDU Express delivers a wide range of services from commercial imports and exports to Importer of Record IOR for meeting your domestic and international transport and logistics requirements. If you require same day, door to door, warehousing or last mile delivery, we will make sure that your shipments are delivered on time, consistently.
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