IMPORT AND EXPORT SERVICES IN UAE

The UAE’s strategic location continues to boost its import-export industry, making it a powerhouse with access to a market of over 2 billion people from both the West and East, all within just four hours of travel. As a leader and key player in the logistics and re-export hub for the entire Middle East, the UAE offers unparalleled opportunities.

If you are a business owner planning to import or export goods into the UAE, navigating customs clearance is crucial. It’s one of the most critical aspects of the process, ensuring your goods move smoothly and legally through the borders.

With a mountain of documentation, inspections, submissions, and payments to deal with, this process can become quite hectic. That’s where Ryan Worldwide comes in! In this blog, you will find out all the import-export services that we provide to make it easy for you.

 

Overview of import-export services in UAE: 

 

Import customs documentation

 

One of the most important aspects of import and export is organizing all the necessary documents. The documents are required according to the type of goods that is imported or exported. 

 

What are the common documents needed?

 

• Certificate of Origin

This document confirms that the goods meet all criteria to be considered of a certain nationality, and it is crucial for international trade. Only exporters can issue this document, and it is submitted to customs at the port of entry in the importing country.

• Commercial invoice

It  includes all necessary details such as the type of goods being sold, their price, value, and quantity. This document serves as proof of sale issued by the seller to the buyer and is used by customs to determine the duties and taxes owed for the shipment.

• Import Permit

An import permit is an official government-approved document that authorizes a company to import goods into the country.

• Packing List

The packing list provides details such as measurements, weight, and a comprehensive list of items in each package. This list is prepared by the person responsible for packing and shipping the goods.

• Letter of duty exemption (where needed)

A letter of exemption can be  issued by authorities to grant specific companies or individuals an exemption from paying customs duties or taxes on specific goods. The duty exemption depends on the goods being imported. 

• Bill of Lading

The bill of lading contains details such as the quantity, nature, weight, packaging, and the names and addresses of the shipper, consignee, and carrier. It serves as a contract between the shipper and the carrier, which is the shipping company.

• Original health certificate (for food products)

An original health certificate from the relevant government agency in the exporting country is required. This document certifies that the food meets the standards set by UAE and  is fit for human consumption.

• Original Halal Slaughter Certificate (for food products)

Halal slaughter certificates are mandatory for meat and poultry items imported into the UAE. Food products containing meat and dairy must also have a halal slaughter certificate. It is to be issued from the country of origin, where the meat is slaughtered. 

Navigating these requirements can be overwhelming for a business. To streamline the process, consider seeking help from an experienced company. Contact Ryan Worldwide confidently to handle all your documentation needs.

 

Special Approvals for Cargo Clearance

Some goods require special approvals from authorities for clearance in the UAE. These items are carefully controlled, inspected, and their import or export quantities are regulated. Here’s a quick guide to what needs special approval:

• Pharmaceuticals: Require approval from the Ministry of Health. Pharmaceutical products must be registered under the Ministry of Health and Prevention. The registration process and the documents needed depends on the type of product imported. To get more details about this, reach out to our expert team for details.

• Live Animals and Plants: Require approval from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment Live animal consignments must be shipped directly from the export country to the UAE. A permit, valid for 30 days, is required before the animal enters the UAE. Plants and plant products must undergo inspection at the time of arrival

• Electronics and Technology: Require clearance from the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.

Type Approval is needed for Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment (RTTE) to meet certain technical standards. The equipment must be registered with TDRA before it can be used, sold, or distributed in the UAE.

• Books, Magazines, DVDs, CDs: Need approval from the Ministry of Culture.

The items will only be released after they have been inspected and approved by the Ministry of Information and Culture. Any item that contradicts the values, traditions, or morality of the country will be banned.

• Meat and Poultry Products: Must have an Original Halal Slaughter Certificate. The halal certificate must be issued by a certification body registered with ESMA in the country of origin. To apply in the UAE, log in or register on the Ministry Services digital platform and apply for the “Registration of Halal Certification Bodies”.

• Food Products: Must have an Original Health Certificate. A food product sample will be taken from one in ten consignments for testing, as required by the importing country. A health certificate will be issued only after satisfactory test results. The certificate will be valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.

 

Customs Inspection Services

Import/ Export of products in the UAE must undergo a thorough inspection to clear customs. To navigate this process, you’ll need to book an inspection service, submit an application, pay the service fee, and secure a slot for the inspection. Ryan Worldwide ensures that all necessary documents are in order and that your goods meet all required inspection standards, making the process smooth and hassle-free.

Food Imports and Re-Export Services

The import and re-export of food products in the UAE have seen significant growth in recent years. Given the strict regulations for food imports, Ryan Worldwide has obtained the necessary approvals from Dubai Municipality to guide you confidently through this process. Importers must meet several requirements at all ports of entry, including:

• Registering with Dubai Municipality’s E-government system.
• Registering with the Food Import and Re-export System (FIRS) program.
• Obtaining food label approval.
• Complying with other FIRS registration and classification requirements.

Food products that do not meet the state’s standards—whether related to labeling, shelf life, or compositional quality, may be rejected. In such cases, they will either be re-exported to their country of origin or destroyed under the supervision of the Food Control Section. 

 

Express Shipment Documents Collection

What is Express Shipment?
Express shipment refers to the delivery service that offers a faster alternative to standard shipping.

With Ryan Worldwide, you can rest knowing that your consignment will clear customs and be delivered within a maximum of four hours from the time it is received. All the necessary documents will be collected and cleared. 

Deposit Against Customs Declaration for Bonded Cargo Movement

What is Bonded Cargo?
Bonded cargo consists of imported goods that are subject to customs duties and penalties. To defer these charges, these goods can be stored in a bonded warehouse, a secure facility controlled by the authorities.

Ryan Worldwide offers a deposit facility of up to AED 1 million to facilitate the documentation for bonded movements of consignments within free zones or for export purposes. This service ensures that your goods are securely handled and compliant with all regulations.

 

Controlling Authority Clearance in UAE

In the UAE, various authorities oversee different types of consignment clearances. Navigating these approvals requires expertise, especially when dealing with entities like Dubai Municipality, Customs, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), Dubai Police, Emirates Standardisation and Metrology Authority (ESMA), the Ministry of Information, and others. Only an experienced team can efficiently manage the clearance processes that involve these controlling authorities.

 

Importer/ Exporter of Records 

What is IOR/EOR?

IOR (Importer of Record) and EOR (Exporter of Record) refer to entities responsible for all customs-related documents for goods entering or exiting a country. This service simplifies global operations for companies, eliminating the need to establish legal entities in every country where they wish to operate. IOR/EOR services include customs clearance, compliance with local regulations, storage, and warehousing.

For companies looking to expand globally, having a strong IOR/EOR partner is crucial. Ryan Worldwide offers robust and cost-effective solutions, supported by a professional and experienced team. With agents across the GCC, we ensure seamless cross-border movement without the expense of setting up legal entities. Our services are ideal for trading, manufacturing, exhibitions, and more, making global expansion smoother and more efficient.

Conclusion

As one of the leading logistics companies in the UAE, Ryan Worldwide boasts a team of skilled professionals who can streamline the entire process for you. With the wide range of Import and export services that we provide and the expertise of our team, you can breeze through customs clearance in no time, leaving you free to focus on growing your business worldwide. Partner with Ryan Worldwide to take your business to the next level.