How To Clear a Shipment From Customs In Dubai?

Clearing customs in Dubai & UAE involves registering with Dubai Customs, preparing documents like (invoice, packing list, bill of lading), submitting a declaration via the Dubai Trade portal, paying 5% duty (plus 5% VAT), & obtaining clearance. Most importers use a licensed customs broker to handle the process.

The process of shipping goods via the Dubai customs is of paramount importance to any business that is involved in international trade. Whether the consignment is a small or huge business, the business should be accurate, planned, and it must be aware of the rules of the UAE.

Most ventures start by seeking the services of a customs clearance broker in Dubai as a way of ensuring that they are not stalled, imposed with fines, or denied any documentation. The customs system of Dubai is also well-structured and strictly controlled, while being efficient.

International shipping does not end at the port or airport. The delivery can only be completed after it has cleared all customs.

It is at this point that the need to coordinate with the best shipping company comes in because established logistics security companies know how to coordinate with the transportation schedule and the regulatory customs schedules.

What Is Customs Clearance?

Customs clearance refers to a formal procedure of getting permission from the customs authorities to either bring in goods or take out goods from a country. In Dubai, this includes cargo identification, checking of documents, and such other inspections as necessary, services, and evaluation of duties and taxes. The process is applicable to imports, exports, and goods in transit via the UAE.

Who Is A Customs Broker?

A customs broker is a licensed agent that has the mandate to perform the tasks of the importers and the exporters in the clearance process. The brokers arrange and present declarations, organise inspections, compute posted fees, and communicate directly with the customs authorities. Services related to the provision of a logistics solution usually include freight forwarders who offer brokerage services.

The need to comply with numerous approvals and high standards of documentation in UAE customs processes makes many companies use the services of those brokers who do not want to make expensive errors in their work and lose time.

How To Get Started With Customs Clearance In The UAE

The UAE has a custom system in each emirate, and it is controlled by the federal customs authority. Dubai Customs deals with clearance in the emirate without exception to the GCC Common Customs Law. Even though the systems differ slightly in each of the emirates, the basic procedures are harmonised.

A professional freight forwarder would also help in planning routes, carrier management, and regulations within the Emirates, particularly when a firm decides to use more than one port in the United States.

Apply For An Import-Export Code

International trade requires an Import-Export Code to be used by companies that engage in international trade. This code, which is issued by the appropriate customs authority, enables businesses to import or export goods legally. To do so, a company must possess a valid UAE trade licence and provide identification documents using the online customs portal.

The trade licence is associated with the customs code that has to be renewed the moment the trade licence is renewed to stay valid.

Connections Between FTA TRN And Dubai Customs

Businesses registered under VAT should be connected with Dubai Customs using the Tax Registration Number. This connection is used to grant fraud paying status on VAT, and in the event that it pertains, it is allowed to clear customs without paying VAT at the port. To the contrary, VAT is covered in periodic tax returns, which enhances cash flow and accelerates its clearance.

Documents Needed For Customs Clearance

Clearance can only be successful when well-documented. The most common documents are the bill of lading or airway bill, commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of origin. Some goods can have extra certificates, which include health or phytosanitary certificates, especially food. The originals are obligatory, and their absence may lead to delays or extra payments.

Import Customs Clearance Procedure

The clearance of imports is based on the type of goods, their value, and the trade agreements. When the order is shipped, and the delivery order is provided, the customs broker goes through the import declaration.

When the cargo is inspected and delivered, duty is paid, and it is released by the customs so that it can be collected at the port or airport and transported to its destination.

Export Customs Clearance Procedure

Export clearance is not that difficult compared to import clearance. The exporter will supply the required invoices and packing lists, and the best shipping company will do the export documentation. After the declaration is accepted by the customs, the cargo is shipped to a port or an airport, and it is then shipped off.

ATA Carnet Clearance In Dubai

The ATA Carnet permits the importation and exportation of non-perishable goods at no duty temporarily, such as exhibition tools or work gear. The carnet inspection process and stamping and voucher maintenance are organised at Dubai customs, whether in the importation or exportation of goods and services, to encourage a seamless flow of goods on a temporary basis.

Important Customs Laws And Duties In The UAE

The majority of goods incur a standard customs duty of 5% in the UAE on CIF value according to the GCC Common Customs Law. Some goods are charged with more excise, and some pharmaceutical and farm goods have no taxes.

Goods that are not entering the mainland get the privilege of the Free Trade Zones, which are duty-free. A 5% VAT is currently applied to registered businesses whose threshold is as required.

Conclusion

The process of clearing shipment via Dubai customs is a detailed, sensitive procedure with some organisation and needs regulatory knowledge and special attention. All the documentation and duty calculations up to the inspections and approvals will have to be taken care of properly.

At the latter point of your shipping process, a reunion with a trusted customs clearance broker in Dubai will see to it that all the requirements are met and the procedures are business-efficient.

About Author

DL Cargo Transport is a reliable logistics and freight services company in the UAE that provides customs services, transportation, and end-to-end cargo services. Through Dlcargotransport.ae, the company provides companies that maintain compliant, efficient, and reliable shipping services in Dubai and the UAE in general.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the customs clearance in Dubai?

It is the legitimate procedure of acquiring permission at Dubai Customs to accept imports or make exports of goods within the boundaries of the UAE.

Does a customs code either require or forbid importation or exportation of goods?

Yes, it should have a valid Import-Export Code issued by UAE Customs, which is needed to conduct commercial import and export.

What is the average clearance period of goods in Dubai?

Customs clearance can take a period of one to two working days if the documents are correct and complete.

Are there any shipments that do not need the payment of customs duty?

The UAE law exempts most goods and levies higher excise taxes on other goods.

Is it possible to avoid VAT at the customs in Dubai?

Businesses registered under VAT are eligible to pay customs at an agreed time by connecting their FTA TRN to that of Dubai Customs.

Is the employment of a customs broker obligatory in Dubai?

No, however, engaging the services of a licensed customs broker assists in avoiding mistakes, time loss and compliance risks when undertaking clearance.