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United Arab Emirates

Important Information

Find crucial insights about taxes, tariffs, restricted goods, and weight and dimension regulations between the UAE and other countries.

UAE Tariffs and Taxes

The UAE imposes customs duties ranging from 0% to 5% on most goods, with some exemptions for free zone activities. VAT is set at 5% on most goods and services, with certain sectors like healthcare, education, and specific food items being exempt or zero-rated.

Restricted/Licensed Goods

Overview of goods requiring special permits or licenses for import/export in the UAE:

Military and defense equipment
Chemicals and hazardous materials
Pharmaceutical products
Religious materials
Communication devices
Live animals and plants
Cultural artifacts
Precious metals and stones

Permissible Weights and Dimensions

Cargo transport regulations for the UAE may have limitations based on vehicle size and load. Ensure compliance to avoid penalties or delays.

Standard Truck
Length: 12.0 meters
Width: 2.5 meters
Height: 4.0 meters
Maximum Weight: 25 tons
Maximum Axle Load: 10 tons
Driven Axle Weight: 8 tons

Heavy Duty Truck
Length: 16.5 meters
Width: 2.5 meters
Height: 4.5 meters
Maximum Weight: 40 tons
Maximum Axle Load: 12 tons
Driven Axle Weight: 10 tons

Trailer
Length: 18.0 meter
Width: 2.6 meters
Height: 4.8 meters
Maximum Weight: 50 tons
Maximum Axle Load: 15 tons
Driven Axle Weight: 12 tons

Local Holidays

Be aware of significant holidays in the UAE, as they may affect trading schedules, customs operations, and cargo processing times.

January 1: New Year's Day
Varies: Eid al-Fitr
Varies: Eid al-Adha
December 2-3: UAE National Day
Varies: Al-Hijri (Islamic New Year)
Varies: Prophet Muhammad's Birthday

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the major airports in the UAE and their cargo capacities?

The UAE hosts several key airports including Dubai International Airport (DXB) with a capacity of over 2.8 million tonnes annually, Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) with 46,284 tons annually, and Dubai World Central (DWC) which handles 1.2 million tonnes annually.

What are the significant seaports in the UAE and what features do they offer?

Major UAE seaports include Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, handling 19.3 million TEUs annually, Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi with a capacity of 7.8 million TEUs, and Port of Fujairah which handles 1.3 million tons of general cargo annually. These ports offer advanced facilities like direct rail links and state-of-the-art warehousing.

What documents are required for importing goods into the UAE?

Essential documents for importing into the UAE include a Commercial Invoice, Certificate of Origin, Packing List, Bill of Lading/Airway Bill, Import Customs Declaration, Health Certificate for food products, and a Conformity Certificate for regulated products.

What are the export commodities of the UAE?

The top five export commodities from the UAE are petroleum and petrochemical products, gold, jewelry, and precious metals, aluminum and steel products, machinery and equipment, and textiles and fabrics.

What payment methods are supported for international trade in the UAE?

The UAE supports various payment methods for international transactions, including bank transfers (SWIFT), letters of credit (LC), documentary collections, and online payment gateways. For large transactions, escrow accounts and financial instruments like bank guarantees are also used.