Every international shipment has to clear customs, and a missing document or an incorrect tariff code can lead to delays, storage charges and penalties. Belsped Shipping provides customs clearance in Dubai for imports, exports, transit shipments and re-exports, with the documentation prepared alongside your freight so that cargo is released without unnecessary hold-ups.
With our head office in Dubai, our warehouses in Al Qusais and the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), our team works close to the port and the free zone and coordinates with Dubai Customs and the relevant authorities on your behalf. We support traders, manufacturers, free-zone companies, project contractors and private clients, whether the goods arrive by sea, air or road.
Our Customs Clearance Services
- Import clearance: preparing and submitting the import declaration, arranging payment of duty and VAT, and securing release of the goods.
- Export and re-export clearance: declarations for goods leaving the UAE, including re-exports of cargo previously imported or stored in a free zone.
- Transit clearance: documentation for goods passing through the UAE on their way to another country.
- Free-zone and mainland movements: clearance for cargo moving between Jafza, other free zones and the UAE mainland.
- Documentation: checking and preparing commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, air waybills and certificates of origin.
- HS classification support: help identifying the correct Harmonised System (HS) code, which determines the duty rate and any controls on the goods.
- Duty and VAT handling: calculating and settling customs duty and import VAT, so there are no surprises when the goods arrive.
- ATA Carnet: clearance and documentation for temporary imports such as exhibition goods, samples and professional equipment.
- Permits and approvals: coordination with the relevant authorities when goods need an import or export permit.
How the Clearance Process Works
- Document review: we check the invoice, packing list and transport documents against the cargo details.
- Classification and valuation: HS codes and the customs value are confirmed, and duty and VAT are calculated.
- Declaration: the customs declaration is submitted with any permits or approvals that are required.
- Payment and release: duties and taxes are settled, any inspection is attended, and the goods are released.
- Delivery: cargo is collected from the port, airport or free zone and delivered to your premises.
Documents Required for Customs Clearance in Dubai
Requirements vary with the type of goods and how they are shipped, but most clearances rely on the following documents.
| Document | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Shows the seller, buyer, description, quantity, value and origin of the goods |
| Packing list | Details the contents, number of packages and weight of each package |
| Bill of lading or air waybill | The transport document issued by the shipping line, airline or forwarder |
| Certificate of origin | Confirms where the goods were made, which can affect how they are treated for duty |
| Permits or approvals | Required from the relevant authority for certain restricted or controlled goods |
Commercial importers and exporters also need a valid trade licence and customs registration. We review your documents before the cargo arrives, so any gaps can be fixed while the goods are still in transit.
Customs Duty and VAT in the UAE
Most goods imported into the UAE attract the standard GCC customs duty of 5% of the CIF value, which covers the cost of the goods, insurance and freight. Import VAT at 5% also applies. Some goods are exempt or carry different rates, and certain items need permits from the relevant authorities before they can be cleared.
Goods held in a free zone such as Jafza generally do not attract customs duty until they enter the UAE mainland, which makes free zones useful for storage, re-export and regional distribution. If you need storage while goods are cleared or await re-export, see our warehousing facilities. We explain the duty and VAT position for your shipment before it moves, so you can price and plan with confidence.
Why Work with Belsped on Customs Clearance
- One team for freight and clearance: because we also manage ocean freight, air freight and land transport, clearance is planned as part of the move rather than added at the end.
- Local presence: our Dubai head office and our Al Qusais and Jafza warehouses keep us close to Jebel Ali Port, the free zone and your cargo.
- Experience you can rely on: a founding team with 21 years of freight-forwarding experience, trusted by more than 2,480 clients.
- Clear communication: quick responses, 24/7/365 availability and plain explanations of duties, taxes and requirements.
Have a shipment arriving soon or a question about duties? Contact our customs clearance team in Dubai with your documents and cargo details, and we will advise on the next steps and provide a clear quote.
