IOR Africa
IOR Africa

Importing to United Arab Emirates (UAE)

IOR Africa: Your Importer of Record Experts in United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Taxes: 5%

Duties: Up to 12%

Lead Time: 1 Week

Best carrier option: Freight Forwarder

  • Gambling tools
  • machineries and devices of all kinds
  • Nylon fishing nets
  • Live swine
  • Used
  • reconditioned and inlaid tires
  • Radiation and nuclear fallout contaminated substances
  • Items that contradict Islamic faith and public morals
  • Paan and betel leaves
  • Transmitters and radio equipment
  • Rough diamonds
Documents Required

Documents Requirements for United Arab Emirates (UAE) Customs:

  • Commercial Invoice

  • Packing List

  • Air Waybill or Bill of Lading

  • Certificate of Origin (Chamber of Commerce approved)

  • Import License for restricted or high-tech goods

Common Challenges When Importing to United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE offers world-class infrastructure and serves as a global logistics hub, but foreign businesses still face strict compliance hurdles when importing high-value IT, telecom, and medical equipment. Without the right approvals and licenses, shipments risk delays, penalties, and even rejection at customs.

1

Strict Regulatory Conformity

Approvals from ESMA (Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology) and the UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority are mandatory for tech and telecom goods. Missing documentation can stop shipments at the border.

2

High-Value Equipment Delays

Servers, routers, and medical devices often undergo extended inspections. These prolonged clearance times add costs and complicate delivery schedules.

3

Penalty Risks

Improper assignment of HS codes, misdeclared duties, or missing approvals can lead to heavy fines, non-compliance, and reputational damage during the multi-step customs clearance process.

4

Local Entity Requirement

Foreign companies without a UAE trade license cannot import directly. A local entity or Importer of Record is essential for legal compliance in UAE imports.

How to Overcome These Challenges

By working with IOR Africa, businesses can:

Secure approvals from ESMA, TDRA, and the Federal Customs Authority.

Manage permits, documentation, and HS code compliance end-to-end.

Handle VAT, duties, and regulatory requirements without delays.

Avoid penalties, hidden costs, and non-compliance risks.

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