Import from United Arab Emirates to UK

Why import from United Arab Emirates?


Countless UK businesses import from UAE because of its reputation as one of the Middle East’s central trade hubs. The total trade in both exports and imports came to £24.2 billion at the end of 2023, with the UAE being the UK’s 19th largest trading partner1.
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uae map

Strategic geographic location

Importing goods into the UK from United Arab Emirates offers strategic advantages due to its geographical circumstances. The UAE serves as a crucial gateway between Europe, Asia, and Africa, facilitating cost-effective logistics for UK businesses.
Over 5,000 UK companies already operate in the UAE, leveraging this strategic positioning to access broader markets across the Middle East and beyond​.

Economic diversification

The UAE has a rapidly diversifying economy. While traditionally reliant on oil, the country is investing heavily in sectors such as renewable energy, finance, tourism, and technology. Such diversification creates an attractive business environment for UK exporters2.
The UAE’s commitment to becoming a knowledge-based economy and its substantial investment in infrastructure projects also presents opportunities for UK companies, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, and advanced technologies​.

Favourable business environment

The UAE is characterised by transparent regulations and a supportive government stance towards international trade.
The country has established numerous free zones, such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)3 and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)4, which provide tax benefits and simplified business procedures.

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How to import from United Arab Emirates to UK

Those importing goods into the UK from United Arab Emirates need to have the proper legal paperwork in order. Learn more about the import process and what you need to prepare.

Find the right commodity code


Businesses that import from United Arab Emirates will need a commodity code for their goods. You can use these codes to make declarations and calculate the amount of import VAT and duty. They will, however, be used by customs authorities to determine the nature of the goods, whether they comply with safety regulations, and whether they are legal.
Businesses looking for the appropriate commodity code for their products should consult the UK Government Trade Tariff.

Find out your EORI number


A business importing goods into the UK from United Arab Emirates must apply for an EORI number through the government's online service; you will receive your EORI number a few days after submitting your application.
The Economic Operator Registration Identification Number (EORI) enables UK customs authorities to identify imported and exported goods.
documents and laptop
customs documentation

Check if you need a licence


To import from UAE, UK businesses may need a licence for their goods.
Those looking to bring high-risk foods, veterinary medicines, precursor or hazardous chemicals into the UK will need to check UK government regulations to see if they need a certificate or licence.
However, buyers must also be aware of the goods that cannot be exported out of the United Arab Emirates. Banned items include:

  • Controlled/recreational drugs

  • Counterfeit currency

  • Items used in black magic, witchcraft, or sorcery

  • Publications and artwork that contradict or challenge

  • Islamic teachings and values

  • Gambling tools and machines


Other items are restricted, like alcoholic drinks, cosmetics and personal care products and nuclear energy products5.

Include full details on invoices and labels


Your products should be properly labelled with the following information:

  • The sender and recipient of the goods

  • A detailed description of the goods being imported.

  • Total value of goods.

  • The quantity of goods

  • Commodity codes


Shipping options


The quantity and value of imported goods will determine your freight options.
sea freight shipping

Sea freight import from United Arab Emirates to UK

Sea freight is the primary mode of transportation for high-volume goods weighing more than 100 kilogrammes. Smaller shipments can be imported in a shared container, while larger shipments may require a full container. Sea freight from UAE may take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to arrive.

Air freight import from United Arab Emirates to UK

Goods imported by air freight from United Arab Emirates can take 5-7 working days to arrive; this goods option is ideal for smaller shipments. Items can be delivered directly to your preferred address.

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Customs and Duties

Duty and VAT must be paid when importing goods into the United Kingdom from United Arab Emirates. Such payments are required to have your goods released from customs. Businesses can hire a goods broker to help them calculate customs and duties. Alternatively, you can use the UK Government Trade Tariff to determine what you owe.

Paying duty


Any import from United Arab Emirates to the UK will be subject to an assigned duty rate, with the amount payable varying depending on the goods imported. To determine how much you owe, use the UK Government Trade Tariff online service.

Paying VAT


Businesses who import from United Arab Emirates to UK must also pay the relevant VAT charges.
The current UK rate is 20%, which is based on the shipping costs, customs duty, and value of the goods. After you or a goods broker pay the necessary duty and VAT fees, your goods will be released from customs.
container port

Tips for successful importing from United Arab Emirates

Establish strong supplier relationships

Establishing strong relationships with suppliers is crucial when importing from the UAE.
It’s essential to ensure suppliers are reliable and provide timely and responsive customer support.

Evaluating potential suppliers by requesting samples and inspecting their products can help verify quality and build trust. Additionally, conducting regular quality control checks can prevent potential issues with product quality and delivery timelines​.

Navigate regulatory requirements

To ensure a successful import from UAE, understanding regulatory requirements is fundamental.

The UAE has implemented streamlined electronic processes for import declarations and customs clearance, such as the Mirsal 2 platform6 used in Dubai.

UK businesses must ensure compliance with all relevant documentation, including trade invoices, certificates of origin, and detailed packing lists.

Calculate total landed costs

Accurately calculating the total landed costs is essential to ensure profitability when importing goods from the UAE. These will include considering all expenses such as taxes, duty fees, transportation, and shipping charges.

It’s also advisable to get quotations based on different Incoterms (International Commercial Terms), such as EXW (Ex Works), FOB (Free on Board), and CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight).

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of products can I import from United Arab Emirates to the UK?

The top 5 goods imported by the UK from United Arab Emirates in 2023 were:

  1. Refined oil (making up £1.6 billion or 44.6% of UK imported goods)

  2. Mechanical power generators (making up £512.1 million or 14.5%)

  3. Jewellery (making up £223.7 million or 6.4%)

  4. Telecoms & sound equipment (making up £204.4 million or 5.8%)

  5. Miscellaneous metal manufactures (making up £85.9 million or 2.4%)7.

How long does it take to import goods from United Arab Emirates to the UK?

The time it takes to import goods from United Arab Emirates depends on your chosen shipping option. Sea freight takes around 20-30 days to arrive, while air freight takes 5-7 working days.

What are the different shipping options available for importing from United Arab Emirates?

The main shipping options for importing goods into the UK from United Arab Emirates are sea and air freight.

What duties and taxes will I need to pay when importing from United Arab Emirates?

The amount of VAT, customs duty, and excise duty you must pay to receive your items is determined by the goods themselves, the shipping method you select, and the country of origin.

What are the risks associated with importing goods from United Arab Emirates?

Regulatory compliance challenges


Importing goods from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the UK involves navigating complex regulatory frameworks.
The UAE's regulatory landscape can be intricate, with varying standards and certification requirements depending on the type of goods being imported.
For example, food products must meet stringent safety and quality standards, often necessitating certifications that align with both UAE and UK regulations. Non-compliance with these requirements can lead to delays, fines, or even seizure of goods at customs​.

Currency fluctuations


Currency fluctuations between the UAE dirham (AED) and the British pound (GBP) pose a significant risk in international trade.
Sudden changes in exchange rates can affect the profitability of transactions, increasing costs unpredictably. The UAE's financial landscape, while robust, requires careful handling of payment terms and methods to mitigate risks such as non-payment or delayed payments.

Do I need to be registered for VAT when importing from United Arab Emirates?

Businesses that import goods from United Arab Emirates into the UK must register with HMRC for VAT. If you are importing items as an individual, you are not required to register.

How can I get a quote for shipping costs from United Arab Emirates to the UK?

Our straightforward tool allows customers to compare the price of shipping freight internationally. All you have to do is provide us with your import and export postcodes, shipping destination, and the origin of your goods.
Then, tell us the dimensions of your shipment: length, width, height, and weight (those comparing palette shipping costs must also choose from our palette size list).
After you’ve entered all the necessary shipment data, select "compare prices", and we'll show you the best courier quotes! With Freight Broker, finding the cheapest deals is a breeze.
[1] https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66e93881e4b40ed591881bd7/united-arab-emirates-trade-and-investment-factsheet-2024-09-20.pdf

[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/exporting-to-the-united-arab-emirates/exporting-to-the-united-arab-emirates

[3] https://www.difc.ae/

[4] https://www.adgm.com/

[5] https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/finance-and-investment/clearing-the-customs-and-paying-customs-duty

[6] https://www.dubaicustoms.gov.ae/en/mobile/pages/newsdetails.aspx?itemid=254

[7] https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66e93881e4b40ed591881bd7/united-arab-emirates-trade-and-investment-factsheet-2024-09-20.pdf

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