NEVA LOGISTICS • UAE Import Customs Guide

Import Customs Guide — United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Last updated on 5 Feb 2025.

Key operational notes (UAE)

  • UAE residence visa is compulsory for customs clearance and for obtaining the delivery order from the shipping line.
  • Almost all shipments will go through physical inspection / X-ray.
  • To speed up inspection, pack and mark similar media items (books, CDs, videos, DVDs, magazines) separately so customs can identify them quickly.
  • Physical examination may generate additional charges (warehouse handling) issued by UAE customs / port authority.

Goods Documents required Customs prescriptions Remarks
Removal goods
  • UAE Emirates ID
  • Inventory / packing list copy
  • Express or Original BL
  • Passport copy and valid UAE residence visa
  • Authorization letter to moving company for clearance and collection of documents from shipping line / airline
  • Authorization letter addressed to the shipping line for release of delivery order
  • Importation is allowed provided the shipment consists of personal effects and used household goods only.
  • All used personal effects and household goods are exempted of duty.
  • Brand new items will attract Custom duty at 5% of the CIF value.
  • If the invoice is not provided, Customs Inspectors will assess a value; on assessed value 5% duty will be levied, plus 5% VAT on the duty amount and processing charges.
  • If the original invoice is missing for brand new item, a fee of USD 300 will apply.
  • UAE residence visa is compulsory for customs clearance and to get delivery order from shipping line.
  • Almost all shipments will go through a physical inspection / X-ray.
  • Pack similar items (books, CDs, videos, DVDs, magazines) in separate cartons and mark clearly for quick identification and release if in order.
  • Physical examination may generate additional charges (warehouse handling) issued by UAE customs / port authority.
Diplomats removals
  • Same as above, and below:
  • Original Letter from Ministry of Foreign Affairs for exemption of customs duty with importer code
  • B/L should mention that it is Diplomatic Cargo
  • Same as above.
  • —
Commodity shipments
  • All original documents required:
  • Legalised CIF invoice
  • Certificate of Origin from Chamber of Commerce in origin country (can be omitted if the invoice mentions the country of origin)
  • Inventory / packing list
  • BL / AWB
  • Importers Code with UAE customs
  • 5% duties on the CIF / invoice value evaluated by UAE Customs; 5% VAT plus processing charges as per government regulation.
  • If the original documents are missing, a fee of USD 300 will apply.
  • Flat duty on all kinds of items imported as new and having commercial value.
Motor vehicles
  • Commercial invoice / purchase invoice / ownership proof
  • Express or original OBL
  • Passport copy
  • Residence visa
  • Proof of ownership
  • Importation is allowed provided the vehicle meets UAE specifications of left-hand drive and other basics.
  • Vehicles new or used are subject to 5% duties on CIF (discretion at Government Authorities), plus 5% VAT and processing charges as per government regulation.
  • If the original documents are missing, a fee of USD 300 is applicable.
  • B/L should specify engine no., chassis no., make, model and colour etc. in detail.
  • Only 1 car is allowed for each consignee per shipment in a year; prior to exportation, the registration of the car should be de-registered near the local traffic authority.
  • Ownership proof from origin country is required (title deed or similar document).
  • After customs clearance in the UAE, customs will issue a vehicle clearance certificate which must be submitted to the local traffic authority to register the car in the name of the Owner/Consignee only.
Pets
  • AWB
  • Original Export Health certificate (competent Veterinary Authority)
  • Original proof of vaccination
  • Rabies Antibody Titration Test (laboratory approved by competent authorities of the State of export) —
    except pets originated from the following countries:
    Australia, Austria, Andorra, Barbados, Bahamas, Bahrain, Belgium, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, Fiji, Finland,
    French Polynesia, Falkland Islands, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kuwait,
    Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Mauritius, Malta, Macedonia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore,
    San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vanuatu, Netherlands, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Palau, Latvia,
    Albania, Croatia, Maldives, Spain (except Melilla), Cyprus, Korea, Montenegro, Seychelles, Suriname,
    Micronesia, Greece, Marshall Islands.
  • Duty and VAT are applicable.
  • Vaccination records must include breed, colour, DOB, sex and microchip number.
  • No import of dogs/cats under 4 months of age into UAE.
  • First vaccination / discontinuity: wait ≥ 21 days after rabies vaccination.
  • Non-compliance: pets will be rejected at owner’s expense or confiscated.
  • Export Health Certificate, Rabies Serum Neutralization Test certificate, and proof of vaccination must be obtained at origin.
  • Import permit is issued by destination agent, sent to origin; valid 1 month.
    A copy of the Import Permit + all other originals must be attached to the AWB accompanying the pet.
  • Private individuals: max 2 pets. Agents can import unlimited number of pets.
  • Banned breeds:
    Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully,
    Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasiliero), Argentinian Mastiff (Dogo Argentino), Tibetan Mastiff,
    Neapolitan Mastiff, French Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux), Boerboel, Bullmastiff,
    Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff), Bully Kutta (Alangu Mastiff, Indian Mastiff),
    Perro De Presa Canario (Canary Mastiff), Japanese Tosa, Presa Canario.
  • Proof of internal and external parasite treatments in the 2 weeks prior to the flight.
  • —
Prohibited items
  • —
  • Weapons
  • Firearms (real or ornamental)
  • Ammunition
  • Fire crackers
  • Swords, daggers, spears, etc.
  • Military uniform or equipment
  • Alcohol, spirits
  • Radio transmitter or communication equipment
  • Statues and figures of animals with religious undertone
  • Carvings and statues of humans, especially nude
  • Pornographic materials
  • Gambling material
  • Foodstuff in large quantities
  • Religious books other than dealing with Islamic beliefs; controversial political literature and materials contrary to an Islamic State’s principles
  • If any prohibited items are found during inspection, they will be confiscated; in some cases explanation will be requested from consignees and severe punishment may be imposed including fine or imprisonment.
Restricted items
  • —
  • Records, tapes, films, photographs, books, magazines, periodicals, 2-wheel hover board etc.
  • Live plants, seeds, fresh fruits and flowers are restricted; if found objectionable, authorities will destroy them and never return to consignee.
  • Drones — licence from Dubai Civil Aviation Authority is required.
  • Printed material (brochures, advertising leaflets) — authorisation from the National Media Council is required.
  • These items will be subject to review and censorship by the UAE Ministry of Information.
  • Items will be released if nothing abnormal is found. Procedure takes 10–15 days.
  • —
Dangerous items
  • —
  • Combustible liquids, corrosives, explosives, flammable, compressed gases
  • Please contact your agent if you have any questions concerning dangerous items.
  • If any dangerous items were shipped, this would put you and your company liable for damages and compensation under international tax, which is also applicable in UAE.
  • —

Removal goods

Documents required
  • UAE Emirates ID
  • Inventory / packing list copy
  • Express or Original BL
  • Passport copy and valid UAE residence visa
  • Authorization letter to moving company for clearance and collection of documents from shipping line / airline
  • Authorization letter addressed to the shipping line for release of delivery order

Customs prescriptions
  • Allowed if personal effects and used household goods only.
  • Used personal effects and household goods are duty exempt.
  • New items: 5% duty on CIF value.
  • No invoice: customs may assess value; 5% duty + 5% VAT on duty + processing charges.
  • Missing original invoice (new item): USD 300 fee.

Remarks
  • Residence visa is compulsory for clearance and to get delivery order.
  • Most shipments inspected / X-ray.
  • Pack media separately (books/CDs/DVDs/magazines) and label clearly.
  • Inspection may add warehouse handling charges.

Diplomats removals

Documents required
  • Same as Removal goods, plus:
  • Original Letter from Ministry of Foreign Affairs for exemption of customs duty with importer code
  • B/L should mention Diplomatic Cargo

Customs prescriptions
  • Same as Removal goods.

Remarks
—

Commodity shipments

Documents required
  • All original documents required
  • Legalised CIF invoice
  • Certificate of Origin (can be omitted if invoice mentions country of origin)
  • Inventory / packing list
  • BL / AWB
  • Importers Code with UAE customs

Customs prescriptions
  • 5% duty on CIF/invoice value + 5% VAT + processing charges.
  • Missing originals: USD 300 fee.

Remarks
  • Flat duty on new items with commercial value.

Motor vehicles

Documents required
  • Commercial/purchase invoice / ownership proof
  • Express or original OBL
  • Passport copy
  • Residence visa
  • Proof of ownership

Customs prescriptions
  • Allowed if vehicle meets UAE specs (left-hand drive and other basics).
  • 5% duty on CIF (authority discretion) + 5% VAT + processing charges.
  • Missing originals: USD 300 fee.
  • B/L must show engine/chassis numbers, make/model/colour.
  • Only 1 car per consignee per year; de-register before export.

Remarks
  • Ownership proof required (title deed or similar).
  • Customs clearance certificate required for local registration (in consignee’s name only).

Pets

Documents required
  • AWB
  • Original Export Health certificate (competent Veterinary Authority)
  • Original proof of vaccination
  • Rabies Antibody Titration Test (approved lab) — except origins:
    Australia, Austria, Andorra, Barbados, Bahamas, Bahrain, Belgium, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, Fiji, Finland,
    French Polynesia, Falkland Islands, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kuwait,
    Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Mauritius, Malta, Macedonia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore,
    San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Vanuatu, Netherlands, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Palau, Latvia,
    Albania, Croatia, Maldives, Spain (except Melilla), Cyprus, Korea, Montenegro, Seychelles, Suriname,
    Micronesia, Greece, Marshall Islands.

Customs prescriptions
  • Duty and VAT are applicable.
  • Records must include breed/colour/DOB/sex/microchip number.
  • No dogs/cats under 4 months.
  • First rabies vaccination/discontinuity: wait ≥21 days.
  • Non-compliance: rejected at owner’s expense or confiscated.
  • Origin must provide all originals (health cert, rabies test cert, proof of vaccination).
  • Import permit by destination agent (valid 1 month) + originals attached to AWB.
  • Private: max 2 pets; agents unlimited.
  • Banned breeds:
    Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bully,
    Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasiliero), Argentinian Mastiff (Dogo Argentino), Tibetan Mastiff,
    Neapolitan Mastiff, French Mastiff (Dogue de Bordeaux), Boerboel, Bullmastiff,
    Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff), Bully Kutta (Alangu Mastiff, Indian Mastiff),
    Perro De Presa Canario (Canary Mastiff), Japanese Tosa, Presa Canario.
  • Parasite treatment proof (internal & external) within 2 weeks prior to flight.

Remarks
—

Prohibited items

Customs prescriptions
  • Weapons
  • Firearms (real or ornamental)
  • Ammunition
  • Fire crackers
  • Swords, daggers, spears, etc.
  • Military uniform or equipment
  • Alcohol, spirits
  • Radio transmitter or communication equipment
  • Statues/figures of animals with religious undertone
  • Carvings/statues of humans, especially nude
  • Pornographic materials
  • Gambling material
  • Foodstuff in large quantities
  • Religious books other than Islamic beliefs; controversial political literature/materials contrary to Islamic State principles

Remarks
If found during inspection, items are confiscated; explanation may be requested and severe punishment may be imposed including fine or imprisonment.

Restricted items

Customs prescriptions
  • Records, tapes, films, photographs, books, magazines, periodicals, 2-wheel hover board etc.
  • Live plants, seeds, fresh fruits and flowers (may be destroyed if objectionable; not returned).
  • Drones: licence from Dubai Civil Aviation Authority required.
  • Printed material (brochures/advertising leaflets): authorisation from National Media Council required.
  • Subject to review/censorship by UAE Ministry of Information.
  • Released if nothing abnormal is found; procedure takes 10–15 days.

Dangerous items

Customs prescriptions
  • Combustible liquids, corrosives, explosives, flammable, compressed gases.
  • Contact your agent for questions concerning these items.
  • Shipping such items can make you/company liable for damages and compensation under international tax (also applicable in UAE).

Note: Regulations and enforcement can change. Always confirm details with the destination agent before dispatch.