Full-service business setup support in the UAE
Personalised guidance and strategic advice
Decades of experience across our expert team
Broad range of services beyond business setup
Customs Clearance Dubai
Custom clearance is an essential for UK business owners looking to set up in Dubai.
Whether you are importing goods to a Free Zone, distributing within the mainland UAE or using Dubai as a re-export hub, you must ensure that customs compliance is aligned with your license structure, VAT position and long-term strategy.
Dubai Pivot offers strategic advice and coordination to ensure your customs framework is accurately structured from the beginning.
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Discover how we have supported UK businesses to establish compliant and strategically structured operations in Dubai.
Customs Clearance UAE
When operating in the UAE you must comply with the federal custom regulations. Through having proper customs clearance your business can:
- Register with UAE customs
- Obtain an importer/exporter code
- Classify goods correctly under HS codes
- Understand duty and VAT exposure
- Comply with controlled goods regulations
- Structure re-export operations efficiently
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FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually, UAE customs clearance takes around 1-3 working days. Provided that:
- Documentation is accurate
- Goods are correctly classified
- No inspection or regulatory approval is required
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or airway bill
- Certificate of origin
- Valid trade licence
Specific goods, such as food, cosmetics, electronics, pharmaceuticals etc. may need additional approvals from relevant UAE authorities.
Usually, goods imported into the UAE are subject to a standard customs duty of 5% of the CIF value. But, this is not always the case:
- Certain goods may be exempt
- Some categories have higher duties
- Free Zone imports may receive duty suspension
- VAT at 5% may also apply