Sending a package to Dubai – costs, duration and customs

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Record the product description, customs tariff number, product value and origin during the booking process.

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Keep track of the transport and current status of your shipment until delivery in Dubai.

Shipping from

14.95 €

Delivery in

2-8 days

Guaranteed total cost for Platinum customers

DDP shipping to Dubai for predictable total costs

Dubai is located outside the European Union. Therefore, customs duties, VAT, and other fees may apply upon import.

With a DDP shipment, the sender covers the agreed import costs. This means the recipient is not asked to pay only upon delivery.

DDP is therefore particularly suitable for:

• Online shops with end customers in Dubai
• high-quality spare parts deliveries
• time-critical business broadcasts
• Deliveries with a fixed agreed total price
• Merchants with recurring shipments

However, DDP does not replace an authorized importer. For certain commercial goods, a company with valid import authorization in the UAE may still be required.

Alternatively, shipment can be made as DAP (Delivered at Place). In this case, the recipient usually takes care of the import duties and local customs clearance.

What are the customs duties for shipments to Dubai?

The regular import duty in Dubai is [amount] for many goods. 5 percent of the CIF valueThe CIF value includes the value of the goods as well as the costs for transport and insurance up to the point of import.

However, higher duties apply to certain product categories. Dubai Customs, for example, cites a 50 percent duty on alcohol and 100 percent on cigarettes. Other goods may be duty-free or subject to a different rate. Dubai Customs

The specific amount of the tax depends on several factors, including:

• the customs tariff number
• the exact type of goods
• the value of the goods
• the country of origin
• the transport costs
• the insurance costs
• the intended use
• the import procedure

Therefore, the customs duty should be checked against the actual goods before shipping.

Import VAT in Dubai

The standard VAT rate in the United Arab Emirates is 5 percentThe tax generally also applies to imported goods. UAE Government

Import VAT is not calculated solely on the value of the goods. Customs duties and other costs can also be included in the calculation.

However, different rules may apply to certain goods or special import procedures. Therefore, the exact tax burden should be calculated in advance, especially for DDP shipments.

What documents are required for Dubai?

For shipments of goods to Dubai, a commercial invoice or pro forma invoice is usually required.

It should contain the following information:

• complete sender details
• complete recipient details
• detailed product description
• Quantity and unit price
• Total value and currency
• Net weight and gross weight
• Customs tariff number
• Country of origin
• Reason for dispatch
• selected Incoterm
• Invoice number and date

Depending on the shipping method, a packing list, certificate of origin, transport document, or import permit may also be required. Dubai Customs lists commercial invoice, certificate of origin, packing list, and transport document as examples of required documents for regular imports. However, the exact requirements depend on the shipping method. Dubai Customs Customer Guide

Select the customs tariff number carefully

The GCC states are introducing a uniform twelve-digit customs code structure. Therefore, for import clearance in Dubai, a more precise code than the usual six-digit HS code may be required. Dubai Customs

The sender should therefore provide the correct HS code. The subsequent assignment to the required local tariff number will then be carried out in conjunction with the importer or customs partner.

Typical mistakes when shipping to Dubai

Delays often arise from incomplete addresses or unclear import data.

The most common problems include:

• Dubai is incorrectly listed as a separate country.
• The United Arab Emirates were not chosen as the destination country.
• The building name or apartment number is missing.
• The recipient's mobile phone number was not provided.
• Any postal code can be entered.
• The product description is too general.
• The customs tariff number does not match the goods.
• The value of the goods cannot be verified.
• The mainland and the Free Zone are being confused.
• The importer was not predetermined.
• DDP or DAP is not clearly agreed upon.
• A required import permit is missing.
• Batteries or hazardous materials are not declared correctly.
• Trade fair merchandise is treated like a final sale.

General product descriptions such as "parts", "samples", or "gift" are often insufficient. A better option is, for example, "three aluminium replacement brackets for industrial packaging machine".

What goods are frequently shipped to Dubai?

Dubai is a major destination for international trade goods. Technical products and high-quality consumer goods are particularly frequently shipped.

Typical goods include:

• Machine components
• Spare parts and tools
• Vehicle electronics and accessories
• Computers and IT accessories
• Fashion, shoes and textiles
• Jewelry and watches
• Cosmetics and personal care products
• Hotel and catering supplies
• Promotional materials and product samples
• Trade fair and exhibition goods
• Medical equipment
• Business documents

Additional regulations may apply to pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, radio equipment, drones, batteries, and medical products. Therefore, import regulations should be checked before shipping.