Sea & Air Import Clearance

The core documents typically required include the original Bill of Lading or Telex Release, commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and any applicable product-specific certificates (such as health certificates for food, or conformity certificates for regulated products). For certain goods, you may also need an import permit from the relevant authority — for example, the Food Control Department for foodstuffs, or the Ministry of Health for pharmaceuticals. We will advise you on the exact document requirements once we review your shipment details.

Import duty is calculated on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value of the goods — meaning the product cost plus insurance and freight charges to the port of entry. The standard rate under the GCC Common External Tariff is 5%, though certain items carry different rates. Some goods are duty-exempt, including medicines, specific food items, and personal effects under qualifying conditions. VAT at 5% is applied separately on the duty-inclusive value at the point of importation.

If Dubai Customs assigns your shipment for physical inspection, the cargo must be presented at the inspection area within the terminal. Our team coordinates this directly with the terminal operator and attends the inspection where required. You will need to ensure the packing list accurately reflects the contents, as discrepancies between declared and actual goods can result in penalties, additional duties, or seizure. We prepare all documentation ahead of inspection to minimise the risk of complications.

Yes, though restricted goods require additional steps before or during clearance. Restricted items in the UAE include certain food products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, weapons, narcotics, and goods subject to specific labelling or conformity requirements. Some items are prohibited outright. We assess your goods before the shipment arrives and advise on which permits or approvals are required. If a permit is needed, we can assist with the application process in advance so clearance is not delayed.

Yes. Any business importing goods into Dubai must have a registered Dubai Customs import code. Individuals importing personal goods may clear shipments under their Emirates ID in some cases, but businesses must register. If you do not have an import code, we can assist with the registration — see our Import Code Registration service. Without a valid code, your declaration cannot be submitted and your shipment will remain on hold at the port.

Demurrage refers to the daily charges applied by shipping lines when a container is not returned within the free-time period after arrival. Storage charges are levied separately by the terminal for cargo that is not collected within the permitted free days. Both can accumulate quickly — particularly at Jebel Ali where storage tariffs are significant. The best way to avoid them is to ensure all documents are ready before the vessel arrives so we can submit the customs declaration promptly. We monitor free-time deadlines for all active shipments.

Yes. LCL shipments are consolidated with other importers' cargo into a single container and must be de-consolidated at the destination freight station before customs clearance can proceed. This adds a step to the process but does not change the documentation requirements. We coordinate with the freight station operator and the consolidator's agent to ensure your cargo is identified and your declaration is submitted as soon as de-stuffing is complete.

The UAE has a detailed list of restricted and prohibited goods maintained by the Federal Customs Authority and Dubai Customs. Product categories that commonly require special permits include food items, cosmetics, health supplements, electrical equipment, chemicals, and goods of dual-use nature. When you engage us, we review your product details against the current restricted goods list and advise you before the shipment departs the origin country — so there are no surprises on arrival.

If you are importing regularly, you will also need a valid Dubai Customs Import Code and a TRN-to-Customs Code link if your business is VAT-registered. For food products, cosmetics, or health goods, product registration with Dubai Municipality is often required before or at the point of importation. If your cleared cargo needs to move to a warehouse or final destination, our Transportation service covers last-mile delivery after port release.