Service 01 / Customs clearance
Customsclearancein Dubai.
Import, export, transit and free-zone declarations, handled by World Link. We confirm the HS code, duty and VAT before your cargo lands, then file, clear and deliver.
What we handle
Every declaration type, one desk.
Import to the UAE mainland
Goods declared, duty and VAT paid, released for sale or use in the UAE.
Export from the UAE
Export declaration and exit certificate so the goods leave cleanly and your records match.
Transit
Cargo that passes through the UAE to another country, declared so duty is not charged on the way through.
Free zone entry & exit
Moving goods into, between and out of free zones such as JAFZA, with duty suspended until they enter the mainland.
Re-export
Goods brought in, stored or split, then shipped on to the next market.
Holds & inspections
When a shipment is stopped, we find out why, supply what is missing and push for release.
The process
Six checks between
the ship and your door.
Documents in
YouSend the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading or airway bill.
World LinkCheck values, weights and descriptions match across all three.
HS code & duty
YouTell us what the goods are and what they are used for.
World LinkClassify each line, and confirm the duty and VAT before arrival.
Permits
YouShare any certificates you already hold.
World LinkFlag goods that need a permit from another authority and arrange it.
Declaration
YouApprove the draft.
World LinkFile the declaration and pay duty and VAT on your behalf, if agreed.
Inspection
YouNothing, unless asked.
World LinkAttend any physical or document inspection at the port or airport.
Release & delivery
YouConfirm the delivery address.
World LinkCollect the release, book the truck and send proof of delivery.
Documents
What to have ready.
- Commercial invoiceSeller, buyer, goods, value, currency, Incoterm
- Packing listPackages, weights and dimensions per line
- Bill of lading / airway billIssued by the carrier, matches the invoice
- Certificate of originNeeded for preferential duty and some goods
- Importer code / trade licenceFor goods entering the UAE mainland
- PermitsOnly for controlled goods: food, chemicals, medical, telecoms and others
Delays
What holds cargo up.
- 01Invoice value or description that does not match the packing list
- 02An HS code that is too general, or wrong for how the goods are used
- 03A missing permit for controlled goods, discovered after arrival
- 04No importer code on file for the consignee
- 05Original documents still with the bank or the seller
- 06Storage time running at the port while questions go back and forth
Each of these can be fixed before the vessel arrives. That is where most of our work happens.
Duty & VAT basics
What you pay, in general.
Indicative only. The rate for your goods depends on the HS code, origin and regime. We confirm it in writing before shipping.
| Item | Typical rate | Applied to |
|---|---|---|
| Customs duty, most goods | 5% | CIF value: cost, insurance and freight |
| VAT on import | 5% | CIF value plus duty |
| Goods held in a free zone or re-exported | Suspended | Payable only on entry to the UAE mainland |
| Exempt or higher-rate goods | Varies | Set by HS code; confirmed per shipment |
FAQ
Customs questions.
01How much customs duty is charged in Dubai?
Most goods carry 5% customs duty on the CIF value (cost, insurance and freight), plus 5% VAT on import. Some goods are exempt and a few carry higher rates, so we confirm the rate for your HS code before the cargo ships.
02How long does customs clearance take?
It varies by shipment: the mode, the goods, the regime and whether an inspection is called all play a part. Documents checked before the cargo arrives are the biggest factor we control, so that is where we start.
03Do I pay duty if goods stay in a free zone?
No. Duty is suspended while goods stay in a free zone or are re-exported from it. It becomes payable when the goods enter the UAE mainland.
04Can you clear goods if I do not have a UAE company?
Goods entering the mainland need a consignee with an importer code. If you do not have one, tell us in the brief and we will set out the options that fit your shipment.
05Which ports and airports do you cover?
Jebel Ali and Port Rashid, Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum (DWC) airports, and the UAE land borders for road freight to and from the Gulf.
06What does a clearance quote include?
Clearance service fee, duty, VAT, and any port, inspection or delivery charges, each on its own line. Anything that depends on storage time or an inspection is flagged in advance.
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