How to import products into the UAE
Expand your business boundaries by importing goods into the richest country in the Persian Gulf
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Expand your business boundaries by importing goods into the richest country in the Persian Gulf
The strategic location and high level of income of the population make the Emirates one of the most promising destinations for the import of goods. The country imports 90% of the products it consumes. SORP specialists know how to address all local peculiarities, correctly build a scheme for importing goods into the region and find your customers.
Certain import categories require not only obtaining a license and the UAE import code, but also approvals, import permits and certification when being brought into the country. ESMA - Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology - is responsible for issuing conformity certificates , and specialized departments register the company/importer and the goods when issuing an import permit.
Regulates Customs Clearance procedures, prepares bills of lading, customs declarations, controls the entire import process into the country.
Carries out certification of controlled goods: meat-containing products, tobacco products, water, cosmetics and perfumery.
Issues permits for the import of aviation industry goods, including spare parts, and accredits the importing company.
Issues permission for the import of any medicines, such as pharmaceuticals and medical equipment as well as inspecting warehouses.
Regulates the import of any telecommunications equipment. This authority conducts testing for compliance with standards for importing permit.
Carries out registration and issues import permits for food, drinks, cosmetics, perfumery, and also accredits the importing company
Regulates the import and distribution of agricultural goods, as well as the transportation of live animals and plants.
Carries out control of import, storage and transportation of goods in the Hazardous Materials category, and also building materials.
Take advantage of the state’s policy of supporting businesses and the absence of major corporate and personal income taxes. Foreign investors can create a highly profitable business related to the import of goods into the Emirates. The UAE is a jurisdiction with an unprecedented level of economic stability and high consumer purchasing power. It is the largest showroom for dozens of countries, thanks in part to the unified tax, duty and customs space of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
SORP specialists will help you develop a concept for organizing the import of goods into the UAE based on your interests, on market research, and on competitive analysis. We will assist in incorporating a company and licensing it, obtaining the necessary certificates, approvals and permits. SORP Group provides ongoing consulting support at all stages of launching and operating the business in the United Arab Emirates.
We will identify a suitable business license, then select the best legal entity type for your activities.
Fast incorporation through our close collaboration with the state licensing authorities.
Administrative, tax, accounting, legal and PRO support by SORP Group experts 24/7.
Rent space in our SORP business center for office accommodation and fast licensing procedures.
We steer you through passing the KYC procedures using our close cooperation with banks
Nominee service from SORP Investment LLC protected by waiver of rights in the court.
Any import of goods into the UAE for the purpose of selling in the local market requires a local (Mainland) trade license. In this case, local company incorporation requires a nominee local partner with a 51% share, but who will be granted only minimal rights. You can also incorporate your business in one of the UAE’s FTZs but, should you need to sell goods in the local market, you will need to partner with a distributor.
The process of importing goods into the United Arab Emirates has its own characteristics and, in the absence of professional support, can take a lot of time and effort to organize. SORP Group will explain the details and help you through all the stages of setting up an import operation quickly and with minimum bureaucracy.
Company incorporation
Incorporation of a legal entity, obtaining an import code.
Registration
Registration in the Tax Refund system and with the Federal Tax Authority.
Assembly of the documents required for submission to state departments.
Payment of fees
Payment of customs and port fees and filling out customs declarations.
Permission to import controlled goods
A company registered as importers of some items needs permission to import.
Obtaining import permits
Registering the company with the authorities to obtain an import permit.
Delivery of goods to the port / airport
Customs clearance with the help of a customs broker.
Additional inspection
Some items are subject to inspection and laboratory tests upon arrival.
Delivery to the warehouse
Release of goods from the port and delivery to the importer's warehouse.