The United Arab Emirates is known for its low car prices compared to other countries. Despite the availability of various types of cars within the country, many people still prefer to import their own cars from their home countries if they reside in the UAE. Importing cars to the UAE is a relatively easy and smooth process, but it is subject to certain conditions that must be met and complied with. Importing cars to the UAE is not limited to modern cars only, but importing a modern car to the UAE would be easier than importing an old model car. In this article, car shipping experts from Vervo Middle East outline and clarify the necessary documents you need to prepare before shipping your car into the UAE.
Detailed Overview Of Documents Required When Importing Cars to the UAE
Whether you choose to rely on a logistics partner or proceed with importing cars to the UAE on your own, you'll need to secure some documents and paperwork as soon as you begin the car-importing process. For both personal or commercial use, you can import a new or used car in accordance with the rules of import, while attaching the necessary documents and paperwork. Here are the most important documents that you may come across during the car shipping process:
An Original Sales/Purchase Receipt (Invoice)
When shipping a car to or from the UAE, the sales/purchase receipt (invoice) is a confirmation that you are the rightful owner of the vehicle and that you have the legal right to ship the vehicle. Also, it’s used to verify the value of the vehicle, which may be necessary for customs purposes or for insurance purposes. It’s also essential to ensure that there are no outstanding loans or liens on the vehicle, which could cause problems during the shipping process. Keep the sales/purchase receipt in a safe place and provide a copy to your logistics partner. If you do not have a sales/purchase receipt, you will need to obtain one from the previous owner of the vehicle or from the dealership where the vehicle was purchased.
The Certificate of Origin
The certificate of origin confirms the country of origin of the vehicle and is issued by the manufacturer of the vehicle. When shipping a car to or from the UAE, A certificate of origin is necessary to comply with customs regulations. It may be also necessary for insurance purposes. In addition, it ensures to know if the vehicle meets any import regulations or restrictions by the UAE. If you are unable to obtain the certificate of origin, you may need to contact the relevant authorities or your logistics partner to determine if there are any alternative documents that can be used to prove the country of origin of the vehicle.
Driver's License and Passport With Visa / UAE National ID
Driver's license and passport with visa or national id ensure that the vehicle is being shipped by an Emiri citizen or resident with an ongoing residency permit who has the legal right to export the vehicle from the country.
Packing List (If Shipping Personal Effects Along With Your Vehicle)
A packing list is a detailed document of the personal effects or household items being shipped along with your vehicle, their value, and any other relevant information. It is necessary to provide a detailed inventory of all of the items being shipped. It also ensures that all of the items are accounted for; nothing is lost or damaged during shipping.
Bill of Lading
The Bill of Lading outlines the terms and conditions of the shipment, including the type of vehicle being shipped, the destination, the shipping date, and the cost of the shipment. The Bill of Lading serves as proof of the contract between the shipping company and the owner of the vehicle. It can be used to track the progress of the shipment and to ensure that the vehicle is delivered to the correct destination. Further, it is essential to resolve any disputes or issues that may arise during the shipping process.
Export Certificate
The Export Certificate proves that the vehicle is allowed to leave the country and confirms that the vehicle has been legally exported from that country. This document is required by the UAE authorities to ensure that the vehicle is not stolen or subject to any legal disputes before it is imported into the UAE.
In the case of car import, you should get it from the country where the car is currently registered (country of origin); As it confirms that the vehicle has been exported from the country of origin and is no longer registered there. However, when exporting a vehicle from the UAE, the Export Certificate is issued by the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) and is also known as the Vehicle Export Certificate. The certificate contains information about the vehicle, including the make and model, the engine and chassis numbers, and the name and address of the registered owner.
If you are planning to ship a car from the UAE, you will need to provide the original Export Certificate to your logistics partner or shipping company. The shipping company will then present the certificate to the relevant authorities to obtain clearance for the vehicle to leave the country.
Insurance Certificate
An insurance certificate is proof of insurance coverage for the vehicle being shipped. It typically includes information such as the name of the insured party, the type and amount of coverage, and the effective dates of the policy.
It helps ensure that the vehicle is protected in the event of any damage or loss that may occur during transit. Car insurance provides peace of mind for the owner, as it ensures that they will not be held financially responsible for any damage or loss that occurs during the shipping process. You can ask your freight forwarder to provide guidance on the type and amount of coverage you need, as well as help you obtain the necessary insurance certificate.
Customs Declaration Form
A customs declaration form is an essential document for customs clearance and is used to declare the value, origin, and destination of the car(s). It helps ensure that the vehicle is properly declared and cleared through customs. The form typically includes information such as the make and model of the vehicle, the vehicle identification number (VIN), the value of the vehicle, and the country of origin.
Failure to properly declare the vehicle or provide accurate information on the customs declaration form can result in delays, fines, or even seizure of the vehicle. As such, it's important to work closely with your logistics partner or freight forwarder to ensure that all necessary documentation is in order and that the vehicle is properly declared and cleared through customs.
Import Permit/licenses
The import permit is an official document issued by government authorities in the UAE before importing a car that confirms the vehicle can be imported into the UAE by meeting all necessary regulatory requirements. Import requirements vary across products, and therefore the import permit specifies the specific requirements for the imported car that must be met to complete the import process. Thus, it serves as a certification that the goods being imported meet certain standards and requirements.
To obtain an import permit for a car, you will need to provide your original passport and UAE residence visa/ national ID, original car registration, original car insurance certificate, original purchase invoice, and export certificate from the country of origin.
You will also need to pay any applicable taxes and duties, as well as comply with any import regulations, such as restrictions on the import of certain types of vehicles.
When importing a car to the UAE, an import permit may be required depending on the age and condition of the vehicle. For example, vehicles that are more than five years old may require an import permit, and there may be additional requirements for vehicles that do not meet certain environmental or safety standards.
It's important to work closely with your shipping company or freight forwarder to ensure that all necessary documentation including the import permit is in order and that the vehicle meets all applicable standards and requirements to avoid delays, fines, or even seizure of the vehicle.
A Commercial License or Trade Register
A commercial license or trade register is required for individuals engaged in commercial activities in the UAE, including car dealers, and is issued by the Department of Economic Development in the emirate where the commercial activity is registered. The trade register includes information about the commercial activity being practiced, including the name of the business, address, trade registration number, and the industry classification category of the activity. In general, the trade register is used to confirm that commercial activities comply with local and international laws and regulations, and is provided to relevant government agencies to facilitate necessary procedures for clearance.
Customs Duty Payment Guarantee
The Customs Duty Payment Guarantee is an important document when shipping a car to or from the UAE. This document is used to confirm that the required customs duties for importing or exporting the car have been paid in advance.
This document allows the importer or exporter to confirm that the customs duties have been paid in advance by providing a financial guarantee to cover the cost of the required duties. Usually, this financial guarantee is provided by a bank or other financial institution.
The Customs Duty Payment Guarantee is used to facilitate the customs clearance process and avoid any delays or obstacles in releasing the car. This procedure is particularly important when shipping cars to the UAE, where high customs duties are imposed on imported cars.
If you are planning to ship a car to the UAE, you should check the customs duty requirements and necessary procedures with the shipping company or logistics representative you are working with. The shipping company can provide assistance in obtaining the necessary Customs Duty Payment Guarantee and financial guarantee.
Make sure you have these documents and paperwork before you start the process of importing a car to the UAE, and if they are available, you can then begin the steps on how to import cars to the UAE. The Customs Value Management evaluates the imported car, inspects it by customs inspectors, and collects the applicable customs duties, which amount to 5% of the original car value.
Car Shipping Paperwork and Customs Clearance with Vervo Middle East
In conclusion, shipping a car into the UAE requires careful attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the customs clearance process. It's important to have all the necessary documents in order to avoid delays and additional fees. The process can be a breeze from A to Z with the right documentation and customs clearance service.
Vervo Middle East is a trusted car shipping company in Dubai. As a logistics partner and authorized freight forwarder, we have been providing convenient car shipping solutions since 2008 across Europe and servicing in +120 countries around the world. With +15 yeast of expertise in customs clearance and documentation service, we ensure that your car is shipped into the UAE hassle-free.
Our freight team of logistics specialists and licensed customs brokers offers a wide range of logistics services. One of our key services is customs clearance and documentation. Vervo Middle East handles all the necessary paperwork and procedures, ensuring that your car is cleared through customs without any issues. Additionally, we offer insurance, tracking, warehousing, parking lots, special deliveries, and more to cater to all your car shipping needs.
What makes it easier when importing cars into the UAE is the available various transportation modes; we utilize sea shipping , air freight, and multimodal transportation to ship all types of cars worldwide into the UAE. Besides rail, and land delivery upon request to deliver cars within and around the UAE.
In short, Vervo Middle East acts as a one-stop shop for all your car shipping needs that provides a reliable and professional car shipping experience. So, if you're planning to ship a car into the UAE, don't hesitate to get your free car shipping quote here or contact a freight expert at +971508723352 or
