Customs Duty

You are here:

Home
Services
Customs Duty

Customs duty affects every shipment that enters or leaves the UAE, and even small errors in declarations, valuation, or HS classification can lead to delays, penalties, and extra costs. Prema Consulting helps importers, exporters, and trading businesses move goods smoothly across borders while staying aligned with UAE and GCC customs rules.

Customs Duty in the UAE

In the UAE, customs duty is generally charged at 5% of the CIF value (cost, insurance, and freight) of imported goods, with higher or special rates applying to certain categories such as alcohol and tobacco, and exemptions for some GCC‑origin or essential items. Goods moving into Free Zones may be exempt on entry, but duty can apply when they are released into the UAE mainland, making correct treatment and documentation essential.

Our Customs Duty Services

Customs Registration

Obtain or update your customs code and link it correctly with your trade and tax registrations for all relevant Emirates.

Tariff Classification

Analyse your product portfolio and assign accurate HS codes to minimise classification disputes and apply the right duty rates.

Duty Calculation

Review invoices, Incoterms, and CIF values to ensure customs duties are calculated correctly, including any exemptions or preferences.

Declaration Support

Assist with preparing and reviewing customs declarations, documentation, and certificates of origin for imports, exports, and transit shipments.

Refunds & Exemptions

Support applications for duty refunds, industrial exemptions, Free Zone movements, and reliefs available for specific projects or inputs.

Audit & Dispute Help

Provide guidance and representation during customs audits, queries, and disputes to resolve issues efficiently and protect your position.

Who needs Customs Duty Advisory Services in UAE?

Customs duty advisory is critical for:

Trading and distribution companies importing finished goods into the UAE.
Manufacturers bringing in raw materials, machinery, or equipment.
E‑commerce and logistics businesses handling frequent cross‑border shipments.
Free Zone entities shifting goods into or out of the UAE mainland or re‑exporting to third countries.

These businesses must manage customs registration, declarations, and documentation accurately to avoid delays at ports, storage charges, or seizure of goods.

Why Customs Compliance Matters?

Customs duty is closely linked with VAT, excise, and corporate tax, so mistakes in customs treatment can cascade into wider tax risks. Strong customs compliance helps you:

Reduce unexpected duty costs and penalties.
Keep goods flowing quickly through ports and Free Zones.
Benefit from exemptions, Free Trade Agreements, and industrial reliefs where available.
Demonstrate robust governance to banks, suppliers, and international partners.

With Prema Consulting as your customs duty partner, you gain practical guidance, accurate calculations, and responsive support that keeps your supply chain moving and your business fully aligned with UAE customs rules.

Why choose us for Customs Duty Compliance Services in UAE?

Prema Consulting helps you move goods across borders with confidence, combining customs expertise with a practical, business-friendly approach. Your team gets clear answers, accurate calculations, and responsive support, so shipments clear faster and you avoid costly surprises at the border.

UAE Expertise

Deep insights of customs rules, Free Zones, and GCC regulations.

End‑to‑End Support

Help with registration, declarations, exemptions, refunds, and audits.

Accurate Classification

Careful HS code and valuation reviews to apply the right duty.

Risk Reduction

Focus on preventing penalties, delays, and disputes.

Business-Focused

Solutions designed to fit your existing supply chain flows.

Ongoing Guidance

Regular advice when customs rules or trade agreements change.

FAQs

What is customs duty in the UAE?

Customs duty is a tax charged on goods imported into the UAE, usually calculated as a percentage of the customs value (often around 5% on most standard goods, with higher or special rates for specific items).

Who is responsible for paying customs duty?

The importer of record is normally responsible for declaring the shipment and paying customs duty, even if a freight forwarder or customs broker handles the documentation on their behalf.

Are all goods subject to customs duty?

No. Some goods are exempt or subject to reduced rates, including certain raw materials, industrial inputs, GCC‑origin goods meeting rules of origin, and items covered by specific relief schemes or Free Trade Agreements.

How is customs value calculated?

Customs value is generally based on the CIF value of the goods – cost, insurance, and freight, plus any dutiable charges, using the applicable Incoterms and documentation to arrive at a correct taxable amount.

What is an HS code and why is it important?

The HS (Harmonised System) code is a standard tariff classification used globally; it determines the correct duty rate, any restrictions, and documentation requirements for each product.

How do Free Zones affect customs duty?

Goods entering a UAE Free Zone are usually not subject to duty at that point, but customs duty may become payable when they are moved from the Free Zone into the UAE mainland or released for local consumption.

What happens if customs declarations are incorrect?

Errors in value, HS code, origin, or quantity can lead to reassessments, penalties, shipment delays, or even seizure of goods, especially if customs views them as misdeclaration or under‑valuation.

Can customs duty be refunded or exempted?

In certain cases such as re‑export, temporary imports, industrial use of raw materials, or specific government‑approved projects, businesses can apply for exemptions or refunds if conditions and documentation requirements are met.