Guide to Sending Parcels to the United Arab Emirates

In a period of 50 years, the United Arab Emirates has grown from a collection of Bedouin tribes into a country with the world's 7th highest per capita income.

The region's vast oil and gas reserves may be the foundation of the UAE's wealth, but the country is now also a business and finance centre as well as an international transportation and trade hub.

The result is that the UAE's most populous city - Dubai - can boast:

  • Being the world's 5th most popular tourist destination
  • Having an airport busier than London's Heathrow
  • Constructing the world's tallest human-made structure (Burj Khalifa)

Emeriti citizens have also become modern shoppers. They use their smartphones and the internet for easy and convenient e-commerce transactions. And since the lingua franca of the UAE is English, that makes it even easier for Canadians to sell and ship parcels there.

Information for this page has been taken from UAE customs and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

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Easily compare the best and cheapest shipping options to the United Arab Emirates through a variety of carriers using Secureship

Secureship provides safe and affordable shipping from Canada to the UAE in case you are an everyday shopper or a business, you can easily save up to 50% on your international shipping costs by way of accessing our group buying power.

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IconEasy Tracking Information

Shipments through Secureship come with full, easy to read tracking information to UAE


IconDisclaimer

While we have made every effort to ensure that the information on this page is accurate, Customs laws and procedures change regularly so it is important to consult a licensed broker in UAE before shipping any goods.

Full tracking information for parcels to UAE is available with Secureship
Tracking #:780123123123
Tel: 1-800-463-3339
Signed By: Pikwalia @ Residence
Oct 7, 2024
8:49 am
Ajman, AJ, AE
Delivered
Oct 6, 2024
7:18 am
Sharjah, SH, AE
In transit
Oct 5, 2024
9:03 pm
Dubai, DU, AE
International Clearance
Oct 5, 2024
8:14 am
Abu Dhabi, AD, AE
In transit
Oct 5, 2024
12:17 am
Toronto, ON, CA
In transit
Oct 4, 2024
4:30 pm
Ottawa, ON, CA
Pickup Scan

IconTypes of Shipments

Not all types of shipments are created equal. Shipping a television will require different paperwork, duties, and taxes than shipping an accounting statement, for example.

Shipping Documents Only to UAEDocuments Only

Documents shipped to the United Arab Emirates from Canada can be done without a commercial invoice if the parcel weighs 5 kg or less.

The following may be shipped as a document:

  • Advertising literature, brochures, and pamphlets
  • Airline tickets
  • Annual reports
  • Bids and proposals
  • Business cards
  • Cash letters and cheques
  • Charts and maps
  • Computer print-outs
  • Diplomas
  • Drawings
  • Driver's licence
  • Examination papers
  • Greeting cards and invitations
  • Manuscripts and publications
  • Mylars
  • Negatives and photographs
  • Negotiable bonds and drafts
  • Newspapers and periodicals
  • Passports
  • Price lists
  • Transparencies
  • Traveller's cheques
  • Visa applications

The following items may be shipped as documents if they abide by the conditions listed.

Item Restriction
Envelopes Only if they are blank
Event tickets for stage performances, football (soccer) games, and concerts Maximum shipment weight of 1 kg, and providing they are not shipped from a printing company or to the event organiser
games, and concerts organiser
Intercompany mail Must be for non-commercial purposes, i.e. no exchange of money occurs
Manuals Only if of a technical nature
Newsletters Only if they are for internal company use
Stationery Only if blank

Sources:
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US

Shipping Gifts to UAEShipping Gifts

There are no exemptions on gifts shipped to the United Arab Emirates. Customs examiners have the discretion to waive duties.

Generally but not always, shipments valued up to 1,000 dirhams (about $330 CAD) are considered to be of low value and will not incur duty charges. Above this value, a 5% duty will be charged.

Shipments from Individual-to-Individual

A gift shipment of any value to an individual in the UAE from an individual in Canada is subject to duty charges.

Low value shipments - up to 1,000 dirhams (about $330 CAD) - may enter duty-free at the discretion of the Customs examiner.

Shipments from Business-to-Business

There are no exemptions for gift shipments to the UAE from Canada including from business-to-business. However, at the discretion of the Customs examiner, low value shipments - up to 1,000 dirhams (about $330 CAD) - may enter duty-free.

Shipments from Business-to-Individual

A gift shipment of any value to an individual in the UAE from a business in Canada is subject to duty charges.

Low value shipments - up to 1,000 dirhams (about $330 CAD) - may be considered for duty-free entry at the discretion of the Customs examiner.

Gift Checklist

  • A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
  • The words 'Gift Shipment' or 'Unsolicited Gift' are included on the commercial invoice, even if the shipment is sent at Christmas time (see sample)
  • List the items in the parcel and write the value of each
  • Sending more than one gift in the parcel? Wrap and tag each one individually.

Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts

Ship To Invoice
Zayed bin Nahyan
Academic City
P.O. Box 19282
Dubai
United Arab Emirates

Phone: +971 4 402 1111
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal Shipment / Gift Shipment

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Gift Shipment: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set

CA $79.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $79.99
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge


Multiple Gifts in One Shipment

If you are shipping more than one gift in a package, be sure to wrap and tag them individually.

Sample Commercial Invoice for Gifts

Ship To Invoice
Zayed bin Nahyan
Academic City
P.O. Box 19282
Dubai
United Arab Emirates

Phone: +971 4 402 1111
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Unsolicited Gift: Consolidated Gift Package

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Gift - Roger: LEGO Star Wars Rebel UWing Fighter, 659 piece set

CA $39.99
1 Each Gift - Erica: Handwoven French Canadian Catalogne Blanket

CA $49.99
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Gifts
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $89.98
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Sources:
https://www.fca.gov.ae/En/HomeRightMenu/Documents/GCC%20Unified%20Guide%20For%20customs%20procedures.PDF
https://www.ups.com/ga/CountryRegs?loc=en_US

Shipping personal effects/belongings to UAEShipping Personal Effects

Personal effects may be shipped to the United Arab Emirates from Canada duty-free. This exemption is available to a UAE citizen living in Canada as well a Canadian taking upb residence in the UAE for the first time. (Expatriates are to prove they are moving to the UAE for work or residence for a period of at least 1 year)

Personal effects and household goods are subject to the following conditions:

  • They are used, and for the use of the person and his/her family only
  • The quantity of goods is in line with the size of the family, i.e. it cannot be mistaken for a commercial shipment
  • They have been shipped from Canada, the country of residence
  • The exemption does not apply to items of a special nature or the cost of shipment

Moving Temporarily

Students

There is no information at this time regarding students moving to the UAE temporarily.

Non-Students

Non-students moving to the UAE temporarily may ship their personal effects from Canada duty-free providing they are living or working there for a minimum of 365 days. Household goods and personal effects shipped must be used and for the use of the person and his or her family only. The amount of goods is clearly a non-commercial quantity.

Moving Permanently

There is no information at this time regarding shipments of personal effects for those moving permanently to the UAE.

Personal Effects Checklist
  • A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment
  • Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Personal Effects' (see sample)
  • A detailed description of each item is provided
  • For expatriates, a work or residence visa showing a commitment to stay for a minimum of 1 year

Sources:
https://www.fca.gov.ae/En/HomeRightMenu/Documents/GCC%20Unified%20Guide%20For%20customs%20procedures.PDF

Sample Commercial Invoice for Personal Effects

Ship To Invoice
Zayed bin Nahyan
Academic City
P.O. Box 19282
Dubai
United Arab Emirates

Phone: +971 4 402 1111
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Personal effects being delivered to my new address.

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
5 Pairs Personal Effects: 5 pairs of various types of shoes

IN $40.00
1 Each Personal Effects: Arc'terix Winter Jacket

CA $478.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Personal Effects
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $678.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Shipping Food, Chocolate, Candies to UAEFood, Chocolate, Candies

A wide-range of foodstuffs are allowed entry to the United Arab Emirates though with quantity limits as outlined below.

You May Ship

  • Special-purpose foods, e.g. for children (max. 10 kg)
  • Canned food (max. 25 kg)
  • Honey and sugar products (max. 20 kg)
  • Confectionary and bread (max. 10 kg)
  • Eggs (max. 11 kg)
  • Dates (max. 100 kg)
  • Grains and cereals (max. 30 kg)
  • Herbs and spices (max. 5 kg)
  • Saffron (max. 500 g)
  • Cooking oil (max. 50 L)
  • Yoghurt (max. 20 kg)
  • Red meat (max. 30 kg)
  • Seafood and fish (max. 10 kg)
  • Caviar (max. 500 g)
  • Drinks and syrups (max. 20 L)
  • Juice concentrates (max. 5 kg)

Do Not Ship

  • Cooked duck eggs
Food, Chocolate, Candies Checklist
  • Clearly indicate 'Food' on the commercial invoice in the General Description or Remarks section (see sample)
  • Ensure that your food, chocolate, or candies may be imported into the country
  • You are not shipping commercial quantities (for any duty & tax exemption)
  • Check with your carrier that they will accept food shipments

Sources:
https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/finance-and-investment/clearing-the-customs-and-paying-customs-duty#restricted-items-in-the-uae

Sample Commercial Invoice for Food, Chocolate, Candies

Ship To Invoice
Zayed bin Nahyan
Academic City
P.O. Box 19282
Dubai
United Arab Emirates

Phone: +971 4 402 1111
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Food Shipment - Assorted chocolate bars in their original manufacturer's packaging

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Box Nestle Chocolate Bars in original packaging expiring May 2021 (shelf life of 6 months or longer)

CA $20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent / Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Shipping Promotional Material to UAESamples

Commercial samples are sent abroad to promote products and elicit sales.

Commercial samples may be shipped to the United Arab Emirates from Canada exempt from duty and taxes. Samples may remain in the UAE for a maximum period of 6 months. This may be renewed but is not to exceed 365 days in total.

Samples destined for exhibitions must follow the guidelines below:

  • The amount of samples must be appropriate for the size of the exhibition
  • The samples conform to the type and quality expected for the exhibition
  • Samples of different products are clearly identifiable
Commercial Sample Checklist
  • A Commercial Invoice must be included with your shipment
  • Clearly indicate 'Commercial Samples' on the commercial invoice in the General Description & Detailed Description of Goods (see sample)
  • The item shipped has tearing, perforation, slashing, defacing, or has permanent marking clearing indicating the item as commercial sample

Sources:
https://www.fca.gov.ae/En/HomeRightMenu/Documents/GCC%20Unified%20Guide%20For%20customs%20procedures.PDF

Sample Commercial Invoice for Commercial Sample

Ship To Invoice
Zayed bin Nahyan
Academic City
P.O. Box 19282
Dubai
United Arab Emirates

Phone: +971 4 402 1111
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Commercial Sample - Not for Resale

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Box Commercial Sample - Advanced reading copy of Dan Brown's novel.

CA $20.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Commercial Sample
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $20.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Sending Promotional material to UAEAdvertising Material

Advertising material in the form of brochures, pamphlets, and other literature may be shipped to the United Arabl Emirates as a document shipment if it weighs 5 kg or less. Other material intended for exhibitions, meetings, demonstrations, and trade shows may be shipped using an ATA Carnet. (See Temporary Imports for details)

Advertising Material Checklist
  • Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'Promotional Material - Not for Resale' (see sample)
  • A detailed description of each item is provided
  • A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment

Sources:
https://www.fca.gov.ae/En/HomeRightMenu/Documents/GCC%20Unified%20Guide%20For%20customs%20procedures.PDF
https://www.dubaicustoms.gov.ae/en/Publications/Publications/Dubai_Customs_Services_Guide_EN.pdf

Sample Commercial Invoice for Promotional Material

Ship To Invoice
Zayed bin Nahyan
Academic City
P.O. Box 19282
Dubai
United Arab Emirates

Phone: +971 4 402 1111
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Promotional Material - Not for Resale

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Promotional Material: Not for Resale. Product pamphlets to hand out at trade show.

CA $163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Promotional Material
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Have your goods warranty repaired in UAERepairs

Equipment shipped to Canada from the United Arab Emirates for repairs will incur customs duty on the cost of the repair. Items must be returned to the UAE within 1 year of their exportation.

Goods Under Warranty

Items and equipment that are under warranty and were repaired in the UAE will not incur GST when returned to Canada.

Goods No Longer Under Warranty

An item that is no longer under warranty that is sent to the UAE for repair will incur GST when it re-enters Canada. GST will be applied to any parts used for the repair and on the value of repair work done.

Sending Product for Repair to the UAE

There is no information at this time regarding shipping equipment for repair to the UAE from Canada.

Returning Repaired Product to the UAE

Equipment shipped to Canada for repair from the UAE will incur customs duty on the value of the repair.

The following two conditions apply to the return of the equipment:

  • The item is to stay no longer than 1 year outside of the U.A.E
  • The returned equipment must be identifiable against the exported item
Repair Checklist
  • Commercial invoice must clearly indicate 'REPAIR & RETURN' under the General Description or Remarks, and include the estimated time of return(see sample)
  • Include repair contract with shipment
  • Serial or product number and the cost of repairs should be indicated under the Detailed Description of Goods section
  • Include the original shipping documents or tracking number from when the item was first exported to the United Arab Emirates or exported to Canada (depending on which case applies)
  • A commercial invoice must be included with your shipment

Sources:
https://www.dubaicustoms.gov.ae/en/Publications/Publications/Dubai_Customs_Services_Guide_EN.pdf
https://ticaret.gov.tr/data/5b8d287413b876125c08aef8/3d8b27e0999375e36f3ed3a9c07a2607.pdf

Sample Commercial Invoice for Warranty Repair

Ship To Invoice
Zayed bin Nahyan
Academic City
P.O. Box 19282
Dubai
United Arab Emirates

Phone: +971 4 402 1111
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Repair and Return - Watch being sent for repair

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 Each Fossil Watch being sent for repair - Model E5, serial # 789456FG7E2 - Repair Cost $76.00

US $163.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Warranty Repair
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $163.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Temporary Imports / Exports for shipments to UAETemporary Imports

Goods shipped as temporary imports to the United Arab Emirates may enter the country duty-free.

Goods allowed entry for temporary admission include:

  • Items required for a manufacturing process
  • Equipment for theatrical productions
  • Materials and items for exhibitions and fairs
  • Commercials samples destined for display at meetings and demonstrations

Goods admitted as a temporary import may stay in the UAE for a period of 6 months. This may be renewed but for no longer than a total of 1 year.

Qualifying for Duty & Tax Free Temporary Import

In order to import your goods duty and tax free into the UAE, you can pick from 1 of the 2 Temporary Import Methods listed below.

Each option has its pros and cons. Regardless, each of the following methods requires you to complete a commercial invoice. More details are shown in the table.

Option # Temporary Import Method Risk of paying
1 Commercial Invoice Only (no other documentation is provided) High - if broker cannot clear goods temporarily
2 Commercial Invoice + ATA Carnet Very Low
1. Complete a Commercial Invoice (CI) only


This is the simplest and quickest option. See example.

NOTE: You should be aware that shipping using this method doesn't guarantee that your items will be imported duty/tax free. Not all brokers will clear goods as temporary imports (i.e. UPS, Fedex, DHL) nor is it a guarantee that customs won't charge any duties and taxes.


2. Commercial Invoice (CI) + an ATA Carnet


Completing an ATA Carnet is great option for items that frequently travel in and out of the country. It's also great because once you have an ATA Carnet, it is accepted by 176 countries worldwide making the application process a one-time thing.

In addition to declaring your commercial invoice as a temporary import, you can get an ATA Carnet for the items that are of temporary nature.

ATA Carnets are beyond the scope of the article however, you can find more information here: http://www.chamber.ca/carnet/

NOTE: It is highly recommended to get an ATA Carnet for items that frequently travel in and out of the country and especially so when it is valued over $2,500 USD

In addition to choosing option 1 or 2, the following conditions must also be met in order to qualify for a duty and VAT free exemption:

  • The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
  • Stay no longer than 3 years in UAE

NOTE:

  • If the above conditions are not followed, duties and taxes will be charged as though the goods have been imported permanently
  • A shipment must be re-exported in its entirety, i.e. split or partial shipments are not allowed to return to Canada
  • Your Customs broker can clear goods of a temporary nature (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. typically CANNOT clear goods of temporary nature)
Temporary Imports Checklist
  • Commercial Invoice clearly stating 'Temporary Import'. This must be written in the General Description section and the Detailed Description of Goods. (see sample)
  • The goods arrive and leave in the same condition, i.e. they undergo no repairs nor are they used in manufacturing
  • Stay no longer than the period listed above
  • Include your ATA Carnet with your shipment (if applicable)
  • Include the expected return date or the date that it was originally received within the country (whichever applies)
  • Any above listed items not listed in this checklist

Sources:
https://www.fca.gov.ae/En/HomeRightMenu/Documents/GCC%20Unified%20Guide%20For%20customs%20procedures.PDF
https://www.atacarnet.com/advisory/UAE-special-rules-regulations-carnets
https://ticaret.gov.tr/data/5b8d287413b876125c08aef8/3d8b27e0999375e36f3ed3a9c07a2607.pdf

 

Sample Commercial Invoice for Temporary Imports

Ship To Invoice
Zayed bin Nahyan
Academic City
P.O. Box 19282
Dubai
United Arab Emirates

Phone: +971 4 402 1111
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment returning Jan 2020

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
1 box Temporary Imports - Trade show booth and display equipment

CA $1032.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Temporary Imports
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1032.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

Permanent Goods / Sold To an individual or business within UAEPermanent/Sold Goods

Goods that enter the United Arab Emirates permanently, such as sold items, will incur duty and taxes.

Occasional Shipper

Even if you only sell and ship goods to the UAE from Canada occasionally, they will incur duty and taxes.

Regular shipper

If you regularly ship sold goods to the UAE, we recommend you contact a licenced Emirati customs broker.

Sources:
https://www.economy.gov.ae/Publications/UAE%20Imports%20and%20Exports%20Guide.pdf

Sample Commercial Invoice for Permanent/Sold Goods

Ship To Invoice
Zayed bin Nahyan
Academic City
P.O. Box 19282
Dubai
United Arab Emirates

Phone: +971 4 402 1111
Carrier tracking number: 736534736
General Description:
Permanent/Sold: Parts and accessories for Canon B78n camera

Invoice number:

123456MGEP4916926


Customs Broker: UPS
Date: 28 May 2023
QTY Description of Goods C/O SubTotal
15 Each Camera Lenses: Canon EF 50mm, Canon EF 85mm & wide-angle lenses.

CA $132.00
Terms of Sale: None
Total number of packages: 1
Reason for export: Permanent/Sold
Contact Name: James Smith
Total Invoice Amount: $1980.00
Total Weight: 10.0 lbs
Declaration Statement: I hereby certify that information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge

IconRequired Documents

Shipping packages internationally requires a lot of documentation. This process alone can be confusing and time-consuming. So we’ve narrowed down what documents you might need and ranked them based on likeliness of being needed.

Document Type When? Details
Shipping Label / Bill of Lading Always required This is a label provided by the carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.). Always required because the carrier needs to know the parcel's destination.
Commercial Invoice Required for all non-document shipments
For all non-document shipments, you will require 3 copies of the commercial invoice (to be included with your shipping labels). These are for customs purposes and need to be included inside a document pouch outside of the box.

When creating a shipment through the Secureship website, the system will help you create this document automatically.

B13a Required if value exceeds $2,000 per shipment or is a controlled good
A B13a is required if your shipment exceeds $2000 CAD or is a controlled good
and is destined to a country other than the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands

Learn more about the B13a form here.
Certificate of Origin (COO) Infrequently required

Allows a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Canada has a preferential trade agreement with UAE. A COO proves that an item has been produced, manufactured or processed in Canada.

When an item with a COO is imported into UAE, it will incur a reduced or zero-rated import duty.
Certificate of Insurance (COI) Infrequently required

Shows that the shipment has been insured.
Banks may request a certificate of insurance when providing letters of credit for the goods. Otherwise, it is generally your choice whether to purchase insurance for the shipment.
ATA Carnet Infrequently required

Used to avoid duties and taxes on shipments of temporary nature.
If you ship goods of temporary nature to and from a country, you can obtain an ATA Carnet to expedite the customs clearance process and ensure that anything of temporary nature is not charged duties and taxes.

See Temporary import section
Packing list Infrequently required

No specific form is required, but generally includes information regarding:

  • The exporter, importer and transport company
  • Date of issue
  • Number of freight invoice
  • Type and number of packages
  • Contents of each package
  • Marks and numbers
  • Net weight, gross weight and measurements of each package

Prohibited & Restricted Imports

An item that is prohibited may not enter the United Arab Emirates while those deemed restricted may enter but must abide by quantity limits or other rules.

Prohibited Items

  • Drugs and narcotics (recreational and controlled)
  • Products with poppy seeds, opium, or betel leaves
  • Herbal products with tobacco
  • Counterfeit currency
  • Copied and pirated material
  • Artwork and publications (including electronic sources) that are offensive to Islamic values and teachings
  • Games of chance
  • Items used for sorcery or witchcraft

Restricted Goods

  • Cigars and cigarettes, alcoholic beverages
  • Medicine
  • Satellite phones, radio transmitters
  • Powerful cameras and binoculars
  • Body protection and related equipment
  • Weapons and ammunition

Sources:
https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/finance-and-investment/clearing-the-customs-and-paying-customs-duty#banned-items
https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/finance-and-investment/clearing-the-customs-and-paying-customs-duty#restricted-items-in-the-uae

Duty & Taxes

Duty and tax on imports to the United Arab Emirates is calculated using the CIF method: Sum of the customs value, insurance, and freight.

CIF Value = Customs Value + Insurance Amount + Freight Costs

By knowing the CIF value of a shipment, you will be able to calculate the duty and taxes owed by the recipient.

Thresholds

The threshold value on shipments to the United Arab Emirates is SR1,000 (about $335 CAD). This is also known as the de minimis value, and it means that a shipment valued 1,000 Saudi riyadh (about 980 AED) or less will not incur duty or taxes.


Currency United Emirates Dirham (AED)
Duty Exemption (De minimis Value) SR1000 (about $335 CAD)
Duty Calculation Method CIF
TAX (VAT)* 5%
Tax Exemption
(De minimis Value)
SR1000 (about $335 CAD)
Tax Calculation Method CIF

Duties on Imports

The duty rate on most imported goods to the United Arab Emirates is a flat 5% with 2 notable exceptions: alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.

The duty on alcoholic beverages varies depending on which Emirate it is imported to, but is around 50%. Tobacco products incur a 100% duty.

Excise Taxes

Certain products incur excise taxes. They can be placed in 2 groups based on the level of excise tax as shown below:

  • Carbonated drinks and products with sweeteners added (50%).
  • Tobacco products, energy drinks, and electronic smoking devices plus their liquids and tools (100%).
  • Candy5%
  • Chocolate5%
  • Spirits and Winesvariable*
  • Tobaccovariable**
  • Books0%
  • Documents0%
  • Video Games & Consoles5%
  • Computers & Laptops0%
  • Tablets0%
  • Mobiles0% - 9%
  • Cameras5%
  • Accessories for Electronics0%
  • Coats5%
  • Beauty Products & Cosmetics5%
  • Jewellery5%
  • Shirts & Pants5%
  • Home Appliances5%
  • Toys5%
  • Sports Equipment5%

*Duty rates vary based on each Emirate. In addition, each Emirate adds a sales tax.

**Duty is calculated based on either the quantity or weight of the product, whichever is higher.

Sources:
https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/finance-and-investment/taxation/valueaddedtaxvat
https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/finance-and-investment/clearing-the-customs-and-paying-customs-duty
https://www.fca.gov.ae/en/HomeRightMenu/Documents/EnglishHScode2017.pdf
https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/finance-and-investment/taxation/excise-tax

IconUAE Shipping Insurance

You can purchase insurance through Secureship, and it is provided by the carrier that will be transporting your shipment.

Each carrier will charge a different amount per $100 of declared insurance. If you indicate that you need insurance for your shipment, our system will automatically include the insurance costs for your shipment.

Insurance is great to have in case your package is accidentally lost or damaged by the carrier. But be careful, not everything you ship is insurable. Worse - even if your package contains items that are insurable, if it doesn't meet the ISTA 3A packaging standard, the insurance purchased through the carrier would not be available to you.

Here are some items that cannot be insured by the carrier:

  • Personal belongings
  • Antiques
  • Artwork
  • Liquids (including alcohol)
  • Televisions
  • Jewellery in excess of $500
  • Perishable goods
  • Glass or Ceramic
  • And many more items

For more information, please see the carrier's terms and conditions.

Questions about Shipping to UAE

Can I ship to the UAE?

Shipping to the UAE from Canada can take between 3-5 business days through the fastest carriers available on the Secureship platform. More economical services, such as Canada Post, can take up to 1-2 months to complete the delivery.

Find out how fast the Secureship trusted carriers can get your shipment delivered to the UAE by getting a quote now.


Does UPS ship to the UAE?

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How long does it take to ship from Canada to the UAE?

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How much is it to send a parcel to the UAE?

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What is the cheapest way to ship from Canada to the UAE?

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How do I send a package to the UAE?

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How can I ship my luggage?

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How do I ship gifts to the UAE?

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