A Comprehensive Handbook for Importing US Cars to the Emirates

This 2024 release covers nearly everything related to the process of shipping your vehicle(s) from the USA into the UAE, so it is quite rich! Let’s see:

1. The UAE Market for US-made Cars
2. Top Imported American Cars into the UAE
3. UAE Car Shipping Regulations
4. Documentation and Paperwork
5. Customs Clearance Process in the UAE
6. Factors Influencing Car Shipping Costs
7. Shipping Modes From the USA to the UAE
8. Car Shipping - Time Estimates
9. American Specs vs. GCC Specs in Cars
10. Vervo Middle East: Car Shipping from the USA to the UAE

 

Per Trademap.org, the UAE imported 276,817 standard passenger cars (HS 8703)  from the USA in 2023 worth $3.85 billion, representing 24% of UAE auto imports, which vary between various car types and models. Last year, the average price per US car was valued at $13911. From 2019-2023, the annual growth rate of the UAE-US standard car trade was 22% per annum.

 

The UAE: A Prime Market for US Auto Exports

 

While cars like Range Rovers, Nissan and Toyota Cars are the most popular in the UAE, the US market serves a variety of import needs, too! U.S. auctions like Manheim and Adesa offer a vast range of vehicles, making it easier for UAE importers, whether individuals or traders, to find cars that suit their budget and preferences. There is a focus on pre-owned vehicles, with significant demand for brands like Ford and Chevrolet.  To note, a significant portion of imports are salvage cars sourced from auctions like Copart and IAA. While the UAE recently banned the registration of salvage vehicles, neighboring countries still use the UAE as a transit point. These vehicles are either repaired in the UAE or shipped to other countries.

 

Top Imported American Cars into the UAE

 

As shown, the UAE is a hotspot for American-made cars, which are in high demand for their performance, iconic style, and value. Below are the top US car models imported into the UAE, including their key specs and features:

 

✅ Jeep Wrangler: The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most popular off-road-focused SUVs in the UAE, particularly in Dubai. Key specifications of the Wrangler include engine options like a 3.6L V6 or 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder, transmission choices of an 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual, and exceptional off-road capabilities stemming from advanced 4WD systems like Rock-Trac, Dana axles, high ground clearance, specialized off-road tires, and skid plates. It also features removable doors and roof panels, along with optimized AC systems. Popular trims are the Sport, Sahara, and Rubicon.

 

✅ Ford Raptor: The Ford F-150 Raptor is an extremely capable and popular high-performance off-road pickup truck in the UAE. Under the hood is a 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, pumping out 450 horsepower, mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Its specialized long-travel suspension with FOX Racing Shox and massive tires make it ready for dune bashing straight from the factory. The Raptor is considered a prestige vehicle in the UAE and serves as the range-topping performance variant of Ford's bestselling F-150 pickup line. The Raptor also features an aggressive exterior style, a crew cab configuration with four full doors, and a reinforced chassis.

 

✅ GMC Sierra: The GMC Sierra is valued for its combination of rugged capability and luxury features. Engine options consist of 5.3L and 6.2L V8 gas engines or a 3.0L Duramax turbo-diesel, providing power and max towing capacities up to 12,500 lbs. Higher-end Denali trims offer premium interiors with leather seats, Bose audio, and advanced infotainment. The Sierra also comes equipped with safety features like forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and trailer controls.

 

✅ Chevrolet Tahoe: The Chevrolet Tahoe features a spacious and luxurious interior that can seat up to 8 passengers. Under the hood, it packs V8 power with engine options of a 5.3L or a more powerful 6.2L V8 featuring dynamic fuel management technology. The Tahoe comes equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission, leather-appointed seats, large infotainment screens, and premium audio. It also offers adaptive cruise control, magnetic ride control for a smoother drive, and robust towing capabilities.

 

Regulatory Requirements for Importing Cars From the USA to the UAE

 

Before choosing a carrier to ship US cars into the UAE, importers must be aware of the regulatory requirements for importing cars from the USA to the UAE. The Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) ensures that all imported vehicles meet the safety, quality, and environmental standards of the UAE. Cars that do not comply with ESMA's guidelines will be denied entry. All imported vehicles must go through UAE Customs, where documentation and tariff requirements must be fulfilled. The documentation process includes verifying the car's origin, ownership, and its conformity to UAE standards. Importers are required to submit a detailed list of pre-shipment and post-shipment documents, which we will show later.

 

UAE Car Shipping Regulations

 

Vehicles older than 10 years may be prohibited from entering the UAE. It is generally easier to import newer vehicles to Dubai as they meet the UAE's standards. There are no age restrictions for diplomatic shipments. Older, vintage, or classic cars require special permits, especially if they are over 25 years old, which can make the process more complicated. Additionally, only left-hand drive vehicles are allowed in Dubai unless the vehicle is more than 25 years old. Imported vehicles must be in good condition and free from major damage, which could affect the approval process.

 

Documentation and Paperwork

 

To successfully import a vehicle from the USA to the UAE, you must provide several key documents during the shipping and customs clearance process. Key documents needed include:

 

• Bill of Lading: The official shipping document that confirms the transportation of the car from the USA to the UAE. It includes details such as the vehicle's description, the shipping method, and the origin and destination ports.
• Purchase Invoice or Bill of Sale: Proof of the vehicle's purchase price, showing the transaction between you (the buyer) and the seller. This is essential for customs valuation and duty calculations.
• Certificate of Origin: Verifies the country where the vehicle was manufactured. It's important for determining import duties and compliance with international trade agreements.
• Export Certificate from the USA: Required by U.S. Customs to clear the vehicle for export, this certificate confirms that the car is legally allowed to leave the U.S.
• Certificate of Title: An official legal document that serves as proof of ownership for a vehicle, issued by the state Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Import Permit: From the Federal Transport Authority (FTA) in the UAE to grant you permission to bring the vehicle into the country.
• Original Title: The original Certificate of Title ensures that there are no liens or outstanding financial obligations tied to the car.
• Registration Documents: These documents provide proof that the vehicle was legally registered in the country of origin (USA) before being exported.
• Car Shipping Insurance Coverage (If Available): Verifies that the vehicle is insured against damage or loss during shipping, whether by sea, air, or land.
• Insurance Documentation: Once the car arrives in the UAE, you’ll need to arrange for insurance before you can register or drive the vehicle.
• Vehicle Inspection Certificate: Confirms that the vehicle has passed necessary inspections and is in good condition before being exported/registered in the UAE.
• Certificates of Conformity (CoCs): Confirms that the vehicle complies with UAE safety, environmental, and emission standards.
• Additional Personal Documents: UAE Residence Visa or Emirates ID, Passport Copy, and Proof of Address in the UAE

 

Customs Clearance Process in the UAE

 

Documentation can be submitted online or in person, and customs duties need to be paid. This can be handled through a reliable customs brokerage service in the UAE.

 

The most common entry points for US-imported vehicles include Jebel Ali and Abu Dhabi Port. Once the car arrives at the UAE port, you’ll be required to pay handling fees, which vary depending on the port and the size of the vehicle. These fees cover the cost of unloading, storing, and processing the vehicle at the port, and can go up to AED 5,000.

 

The UAE charges a 5% import duty on the vehicle’s declared value, which includes the car’s purchase price, shipping costs, and any applicable insurance charges (known as the CIF value). In addition to customs duty, you will also be required to pay a 5% VAT on the total cost of the vehicle, which is calculated as vehicle value + customs duty.

 

The RTA inspects vehicles to ensure they meet local standards. After inspections and clearance, the vehicle can be registered, and insurance is mandatory before driving. This also involves paying registration fees and obtaining license plates.

 

To set a realistic estimate for the whole process, shipping by sea takes 20 to 35 days depending on the size of the vehicle and the U.S. port of origin. The documentation and clearance take an additional 7 to 14 days, depending on the availability of inspections and the completion of paperwork.

 

Factors Influencing Car Shipping Costs

 

Indeed, the cost of shipping cars can vary based on the make, model, weight, and dimensions of the vehicle. Similarly, the car shipping cost from the USA to the UAE differs between container shipping and RO-RO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) shipping. Age restrictions also affect shipping costs. Additionally, cars that require special handling, such as non-running vehicles, add costs for services like forklift assistance. The additional fees typically include documentation, customs duty, port, and brokerage fees.

 

Knowing the rates in advance, based on oil prices, vehicle dimensions, weight, and port location, helps you manage expectations and budget. It is always advisable to email us with your shipment description, so we can calculate your exact shipping quotation. At Vervo Middle East, we offer you a comprehensive car shipping quote with no hidden fees along the way! Just fill out the shipping quotation request form.

 

Car Shipping Modes From the USA to the UAE

 

✅ The common car shipping mode is Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) sea shipping, which offers lower costs and is suitable for bulk or large cars. However, vehicles are exposed to the elements during transit.

✅ You can also ship your car in an enclosed container shipping, which is safer but more expensive, as you must charter the container or a space inside it.

✅ Indeed, air freight is an option, used for time-sensitive imports and ultimate safety, yet it costs more than ocean freight.

✅ Multimodal shipping is a combination of the two methods and land freight. You can benefit from the fast air delivery, while the cargo continues the journey by sea/road to lower costs.

 

Remember, choosing the right shipping method, along with the right insurance coverage, is key to protecting your car in transit. Consult with our team today to determine which options are best for your US-UAE car shipping: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

Car Shipping - Time Estimates

 

For average transit time estimates, shipping a car from the USA to the UAE can take between 3 to 5 weeks. This allows importers to plan their timeline and manage expectations around the delivery of the vehicle. Ports like New York and Baltimore offer faster shipping routes (30 to 35 days). Ports like Washington, Los Angeles, and Tacoma have longer transit times (up to 50 days). The table below breaks down specific shipping routes from U.S. ports to the UAE, along with estimated port-to-port transit times:

 

Port of Origin	Port of Destination	Transit Time (Days)
New York	Jebel Ali	30
Newark	Dubai	30
Baltimore	Abu Dhabi	35
Jacksonville	Jebel Ali	39
Savannah	Dubai	40
Miami	Abu Dhabi	42
Houston	Jebel Ali	40
Los Angeles	Dubai	45
Washington	Abu Dhabi	50
Tacoma	Jebel Ali	45

 

American Specs vs. GCC Specs in Cars: Key Differences and Considerations for UAE Buyers

 

Though American and GCC-spec vehicles may appear similar, several differences make them distinct. When purchasing a vehicle in the UAE, one important decision involves choosing between American-spec and GCC-spec cars. Here’s an in-depth look at whether U.S.-made cars can truly withstand the extreme climate of the UAE:

GCC-spec cars are built to handle the extreme heat, dust, and humidity of the Gulf region. However, many U.S.-made cars can survive well in the Gulf, especially with some adaptations (e.g., upgrading the cooling system). 

The key is getting the right model! Consider powerful air conditioning, tinted windows, and dust filtration systems to help cope with the heat and dust. American V8 engines have ample power to run the AC constantly, but 4-cylinders may struggle.

Interior materials like leather seats handle heat better than cloth/fabric alternatives. Also, body panels and paint should be thick enough to resist corrosion and fading under sun exposure. Parts availability may be lower for U.S. brands compared to Japanese/Korean cars popular in the Gulf. 

Lastly, the resale value of U.S. cars tends to be lower than that of GCC-spec or Japanese cars. To identify if your car is GCC-spec, look at the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). A GCC-spec car often has a VIN that starts with "W", though this is not a universal rule.

 

Advantages of American-spec Cars in the UAE

 

While American-spec cars have their challenges in the UAE, they also offer some advantages. American-spec vehicles are often up to 30% cheaper than GCC-spec cars, making them an attractive option for cost-conscious buyers. Additionally, the U.S. market offers a wider range of models, trims, and features, giving buyers more options to choose from. Certain American-spec cars, such as muscle cars (e.g., Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger), offer higher performance and more powerful engines compared to their GCC-spec counterparts. However, you should be aware that U.S. warranties are typically not valid in the UAE, and repairs may not be covered by some local dealers.

 

Are American-Made Cars Survivable in the UAE and Gulf Region?

 

Yes, American cars can survive in the UAE with upgrades like better air conditioning, cooling systems, heat-resistant fluids, and reinforced suspension for the extreme heat and desert roads. U.S. vehicles often require modifications to comply with the UAE's strict safety and emission standards to gain entry, including:

 

• Adjusting headlights to meet local lighting regulations.
• Upgrading emissions systems to satisfy GCC environmental rules.
• Converting speedometers from miles per hour (MPH) to kilometers per hour (KPH) to match UAE road laws.

 

To be fully prepared, make sure to take a look at these facts before shipping your car into the UAE!

 

Vervo Middle East: Car Shipping from the USA to the UAE

 

It is simple!

 

1️⃣ We arrange pick-up of the car and transport it to the nearest port warehouse; storage is provided until shipping.

2️⃣ The car is shipped via air, container, or RoRo to your destination. Our licensed customs broker clears the car through import customs.

3️⃣ Vervo Middle East's broker contacts you when the car arrives to arrange release from the container while providing all documentation and car keys for handover.

4️⃣ You pay the relevant import taxes and duties directly to the broker to complete the import process.

 

Vervo Middle East provides end-to-end assistance, from picking up your car(s) to facilitating shipping, customs clearance, and final delivery to you. To get your car shipping quotation, reach out to our logistics team: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..