Customs clearance and customs broker in Dubai, UAEPaperwork right. Cargo released.

You usually need an invoice, packing list, certificate of origin and transport document. The transport document is a bill of lading or air waybill, and a delivery order is also typically required. Restricted goods need added permits, such as Emirates Drug Establishment approval for pharmaceuticals. Your broker confirms the complete list for your specific goods.

• Dubai Chambers issues certificates of origin for exports and re-exports.
• Documents must match each other exactly.
• Send copies before your cargo arrives.

Customs duty in Dubai is generally 5% of the CIF value. Dubai Customs lists 50% for alcohol and 100% for tobacco, and some goods are exempt. Import VAT of 5% usually applies as well, calculated on the CIF value plus duty. Your HS code decides the rate, so check it before shipping.

• CIF means cost, insurance and freight.
• On a CIF value of AED 10,000 at 5%, duty is AED 500.
• VAT on that example is 5% of AED 10,500, or AED 525.

Customs clearance time in Dubai depends on your cargo and documents. Timing changes with the type of goods, permits required, and whether customs selects the shipment for inspection. Inaccurate invoices or wrong HS codes are common causes of holds. Ask your broker for an estimate based on your goods, and share documents before the cargo arrives.

• Physical inspections can add time.
• Restricted goods need permits before clearance.
• Airlift Logistics reviews documents before your shipment moves.

A customs client code identifies your company with Dubai Customs. Also called an importer or exporter code, it links your business to its declarations and duty payments. Companies that trade physical goods across borders generally need one, including mainland and free zone businesses. Ask about your licence activity before you arrange your first international shipment.

• It is issued by Dubai Customs.
• Check that your trade licence covers the goods.
• Ask us if you are importing for the first time.

Yes, duty may apply when free zone goods move to the UAE mainland. That move is generally treated as an import, so it needs a customs declaration. Goods that stay in the free zone, or that are re-exported to another country, generally do not pay UAE duty. Correct paperwork is needed in each case.

• UAE free zones include JAFZA, DAFZA and RAKEZ.
• Bonded storage also suspends duty until goods are released.
• See our warehousing service.

An HS code is a number that classifies a product for customs. The first six digits follow the international Harmonized System, and countries add further digits for their own tariffs. The code affects your duty rate and whether permits are needed. A wrong code can cause delays or incorrect duty, so check it before shipping.

• Your supplier may already have the code.
• Use the same code across all documents.
• Ask us to review a code you are unsure about.

You clear customs by filing a declaration with Dubai Customs. Importers need a registered customs client code, or a broker who files on their behalf. Submit the invoice, packing list and transport document, pay duty and VAT, and then collect the release. Inspection or permits may be required, depending on your goods and HS code.

• Declarations are filed through the Mirsal 2 system.
• Permits should be arranged before the goods ship.

Customs clearance charges combine government costs and broker fees. Government costs include duty, usually 5% of CIF value, plus import VAT and Dubai Customs declaration fees. The broker charges a service fee per declaration, which varies with complexity. Permits, inspections and port storage can add more, so ask for each charge as a separate line.

• Use the duty and VAT estimator on this page.
• Late documents can lead to port storage costs.