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Importing to United Arab Emirates

Customs duty, VAT, and import regulations — updated 2026

Key facts at a glance

Customs authority
Federal Tax Authority / UAE Customs
De minimis threshold
AED 300 (~$82 USD)
VAT / sales tax
VAT at 5% — one of the world's lowest rates
Typical duty range
5% standard customs duty on most goods
Code system
8-digit GCC Unified Customs Tariff
Currency
AED

⚡ 2026 tariff update

UAE-India CEPA and UAE-Israel FTA in force. Major re-export hub for Asia-Africa-Europe trade.

Overview

The UAE operates a low-tariff environment. Standard customs duty is 5% on most goods, with 0% on 800+ strategic categories including food, medicines, and raw materials. VAT at 5% — among the world's lowest — was introduced in 2018. Dubai's Jebel Ali Free Zone is a major global re-export hub.

Import process

1. Goods arrive at UAE port (Jebel Ali, Dubai, Abu Dhabi) 2. Customs declaration via Mirsal 2 system 3. 5% duty + 5% VAT on CIF value 4. Payment and release 5. Clearance typically 1–3 days

Practical tips

✓ Use Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) for deferred duty if re-exporting
✓ UAE-India CEPA: Indian goods have preferential access
✓ Halal certification required for meat and food products
✓ Electronic advance declaration (e-manifest) required before arrival

⛔ Restricted & prohibited goods

Pork products (restricted), alcohol only via licensed channels, VoIP services, gambling materials

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