Export Documentation

Export Documentation for United Arab Emirates: Required Documents

Documents for shipping to or from United Arab Emirates: core documents, certificates, restricted goods, and customs procedures.

Country
United Arab Emirates
Customs authority
Federal Customs Authority / Dubai Customs
Trading bloc
GCC
Currency
AED
Estimated clearance
1-2 days at Dubai/Abu Dhabi

Import license required for commercial imports

VAT (5%) on imports

Different regulations for free zones vs mainland

Halal certification for food

Core documents

  • Commercial Invoice (required): Arabic or English
  • Packing List (required): Detailed contents
  • Bill of Lading / Air Waybill (required): Transport document
  • Certificate of Origin (required): Legalized by Chamber of Commerce

Additional documents

  • Halal Certificate: For food products Mandatory for meat products
  • ESMA Certificate: For regulated products
  • Import License: For commercial importers

Special certificates

  • Halal Certification: applies to Food products, issued by ESMA-accredited bodies.
  • ESMA Conformity: applies to Various consumer goods, issued by ESMA.

Customs procedures

  • EDI filing
  • Different rules for free zones
  • Dubai Customs among most efficient

Restricted goods

  • Pork products
  • Alcohol (permit required)
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Media content

Prohibited goods

  • Israeli goods
  • Narcotics
  • Weapons
  • Blasphemous materials

Tips

  • Free zones have different rules
  • Certificate of Origin usually requires legalization
  • Halal mandatory for meat

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between free zones and mainland?

Free zones offer different licensing, ownership, and customs rules compared to UAE mainland.

Is COO legalization required?

Many shipments require Certificate of Origin legalized by the exporting country's Chamber of Commerce.