One of the major business sectors in Dubai is trading. The Export and Import to and from the international markets support UAE’s economic growth as well acts as a constant growth driver for the UAE’s business landscape.

Machinery, precious metals, foodstuffs and equipment trading occupy the largest share of imports to the UAE.

The United Arab Emirates is the most preferred location for foreign entrepreneurs who look for business expansion due to logistics support and extensive business infrastructure.

Streamline the export or import process in UAE and fast track the trading activities, as certain regulations set by the UAE Customs for trading companies operate in this region.

Logistics hub of the Middle East – Dubai

Logistics and infrastructure support where Dubai offers seems exceptional. It has robust and well-built transportation, distribution network and storage in place to support international trading activities in the United Arab Emirates.

Important trade partners of UAE for imports are India, Japan, Thailand, Singapore and South Korea. It exports to the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Germany and Italy as the top trading partners.

To start an Import Company in Dubai

The foreign entrepreneurs could open trading companies in Free zones of UAE or Dubai mainland.

As the company forms, the business owner should apply for an import-export permit with Dubai Customs. The import enables the trading company to bring goods from outside of UAE.

Export allows for exporting or re-exporting locally made goods to other countries. All the export and import businesses of the UAE must get customs registration before initiating any trading activity. The imported goods of UAE must pass through the customs check at sea ports or airports of UAE and pass the clearance from UAE Customs.

All the Export or Import to and from the Free Zone has no Customs Duty payable as Free Zones are out of the Customs scope in the United Arab Emirates.

The import and export companies in Freezones are subjected to strict guidelines specified by the Freezone authorities and UAE customs.

Register with Dubai Customs for Export and Import activities

The initial step of a trading business after obtaining your trade license and company formation documents is to register with Dubai Customs for receiving the export or import permit.

You would get an export or import code from the UAE Customs Department after the registration.

The company has to apply for a trade license from the Mainland of Dubai or Free Zones of UAE and register the company with the Customs Department of Dubai to initiate the export or import business.

The customs registration clearance is processed with the approval of the trade license. Then the Export or Import code is issued from the customs department. Companies with a valid trade license should obtain export or import codes for initiating any type of import or export activities in and out of the UAE.

Documents needed to import goods to Dubai

Following documents are submitted to Dubai Customs to import goods to Dubai

• The declaration form for importing goods
• The permit for importing certain restricted goods
• The delivery order with the details of the shipment
• The invoice accompanying the merchandise details
• The detailed packing list
• The certificate of origin for the shipment
• The trade license of the importer
• The DFSA (Dubai Financial Services Authority) declaration issued by Dubai Customs Services

Import or Export in Dubai Free Zones

The United Arab Emirate’s Free Zones are within the territory of UAE geographically and are considered outside the scope of UAE Customs territory.

Certain requirements and conditions are needed to conduct import-export business through a Free Zone in UAE.

The Import or Export Business Between the Free Zone Company and a Local UAE Company

The importer must have an importer code and goods to be the same as mentioned in the trade license of the company. The goods should reach the destination within 72 hours of the customs declaration. The goods are checked by the customs before entering the Free Trade Zone.

Customs-Clearance Letter must be submitted to the concerned Freezone Authorities for storing goods in Freezone warehouses to trade in the UAE market. For trading in the local UAE market, the Free Zone company should appoint a local distributor or open the branch of Freezone company in the mainland or can export the goods to a mainland company with the UAE Customs regulations. For Export or Import business between Freezone and a foreign company, the Freezones can be exempted from customs duties to ship your goods to the UAE.

Dubai is the easiest place to start a trading company. Their process is hassle-free and streamlined. Along with the help of expert business consultants, the complete process of opening an Export or Import company would make a reality at the fastest possible time.

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