10 easy steps to import into Dubai

1. 10 easy steps to import into Dubai Dubai has successfully cemented its position as a regional trade hub. The Emirate imported goods worth 880800 AED Million in 2014. An all-time high for the Emirate. As of 2013, Dubai was the 24th largest importer in the world. Gold and jewellery are the top imports of the nation accounting for 7.6% and 7.6% respectively. Other top import items include machinery, sound recorders, chemicals, transport vehicles, etc. The Emirate mostly imports from India, China, United States, Germany, Japan and South Korea. So it is indeed lucrative to start an import business in Dubai. To import from foreign countries into Dubai it is mandatory that you hold a valid trade license issued by any license issuing authority in UAE. Import procedures can be initiated online through the Dubai Trade website (http://www.dubaitrade.ae/) or manually at ports and customs documentation centers. In this article, we will outline the process to be followed for online import process through Dubai Trade. To start the import process online you will have to first register your company with Dubai Trade. Once you are done with the registration there are 10 steps to be followed to get your goods successfully imported into the Emirate. 1. You must get the original version of the following documents from the exporters: Original bill of lading copies Commercial invoice Packing list Certificate of origin

2. You will then have to submit the original bill of lading to the shipping agent as per the vessel arrival date and settle dues. After which, the shipping agent will issue a delivery order to you. The delivery order is usually issued about 3-4 days before the vessel arrival date. So it is crucial that step 3-8 is completed before the delivery order expiry date. In case you fail to complete the formalities before the expiry date, DP World will withhold your cargo. You can, however, request the shipping agent to extend the date of the delivery date. Additional fee may be applicable for the same. 3. Next, you will submit your application for Dubai customs clearance. Login into Dubai Trade and make payment for customs duties and other duties by using the CDR account or e-payment using a credit card or direct debit. If the goods you are trying to import are restricted or duty exempted, you must make arrangements for permits from the designated permit issuing authority before completing the customs import declaration. You will also need to furnish the commercial invoice provided by the exporter, original certificate of origin, detailed packing list and import permit from respective agencies. 4. Dubai Customs will then evaluate the information you have provided while paying for customs duties and import approval. The authority might call for examination, checking and inspection of the goods before allowing you to gain access to the goods. 5. If you have opted to pay using your CDR account when submitting your import declaration, then you can go ahead and print the customs import declaration immediately after it is approved. In the case of e- payment, you can print the customs import declaration after the payment has been made successfully. 6. You can make the payment to DP World immediately after you receive the delivery order from your shipping agent. For this, you will have to use the DP World Payment e-service within the Dubai Trade portal. The payment can be done using the advanced deposit account or e-payment gateway. E-payments can be made using a debit card, credit card, dirham card or direct debit. 7. The vessel enquiry and container enquiry e-service can be used to check the vessel arrival status and container discharge status. 8. If the container is discharged, then you can immediately get a transport company to deliver the cargo/container from DP world. You will have to use the Haulier Nomination service for this in the Dubai Trade portal. 9. Now you can go ahead and generate an e-token. E-token number is a unique number created by the trade portal when you choose a particular day and time slot to pick containers from Jebel Ali Port via a registered truck. This number should be shared with the haulier you have nominated. As the haulier can only enter the port by providing the e-token number or presenting the e-Token slip to the security. Equipment Interchange Receipt (EIR) will then be provided by DP World for each container released from the port. 10. In case inspection is necessary the cargo/container must be taken by the haulier to the inspection area of the respective authority. After the goods are cleared, the haulier can exit the premises by displaying a copy of the EIR to security personnel posted at the free zone gates. Additional documents required:

3. If you are importing processed foods, then you will have to obtain a phytosanitary certificate to prove that the product is safe for human consumption. Meat ingredients require a halal certificate A non-radiation certificate in case of some products* The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates and the Chamber of Commerce in the country of origin of the products must attest the documents marked with a *. Meat being imported need to be accompanied by a health certificate that has been provided by the country of export and a “halal” slaughter certificate by a recognized Islamic center from the country of export. Customs Duties and Taxes on Imports Shipments valued below AED 500 and less are free from duty and tax. Many products are exempt from customs duty mainly food and pharmaceutical products. Goods imported through Duty Free Storage Area (DFSA) at Port Rashid and free zones are also not taxed. Average Customs Duty (excluding agricultural products) has been fixed to 5% of the CIF value of the product.