1. Your category in United Arab Emirates
Pick your category and this section shows what we actually hold for United Arab Emirates: how many potential buyers we have verified, what roles they play in the supply chain, and how well they fit. Switch back to All industries at any time.
“Potential buyers” means the buyers we have verified and listed in our own directory — not every importer in the country. Buyer roles are our own grouping of the roles recorded in that directory. (12 of these records do not yet carry a recorded buyer role.)
2. Entry gate
The UAE gate is low on tariffs and moderate on conformity. Duty is a flat 5% across the GCC and VAT is 5%, so the numbers are simple; what decides whether a product can be sold is GCC conformity marking for regulated electrical goods, and whether you trade through the mainland or a free zone. Get those two decisions right and the rest is logistics.
| Requirement | Status | What it involves | Lead time | Cost | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G-Mark (GSO conformity mark) | Mandatory for regulated goods | Low-voltage electrical equipment and other regulated categories must carry the G-Mark under the GCC Technical Regulation, evidencing conformity with the applicable GSO standards. Certification is issued through an approved conformity assessment body | 4–10 weeks | Pending | Pending |
| ESMA / ECAS conformity | Regulated categories | Products regulated by the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology require an ECAS conformity certificate and product registration before customs release. Confirm whether your HS line is in scope | 2–6 weeks | Pending | Pending |
| Customs duty (GCC CET) | Always applies | The GCC applies a common external tariff — a flat 5% on the CIF value for most goods. Over 800 strategic and essential goods are at 0%, and a small number of goods (tobacco, alcohol) carry much higher rates | — | 5% of CIF (most goods) | 2026-10 |
| VAT | Always applies | VAT at the 5% standard rate is charged on imports, calculated on the customs value plus duty. A VAT-registered business can normally recover it as input tax | — | 5% of CIF + duty | 2026-10 |
| Mainland vs free zone | Structural choice | Goods entering a free zone (such as JAFZA) are not subject to duty or VAT while inside the zone and can be re-exported duty-free, but moving them into the mainland market triggers duty and VAT. Choose the route based on whether the goods are consumed locally or re-exported | — | Depends on route | Pending |
| Importer of record & customs broker | Mandatory | A licensed UAE importer of record and a customs broker are required. Foreign sellers normally appoint a local distributor or use a free-zone company; the exporter cannot act as importer of record | 1–3 weeks | Pending | Pending |
| Arabic labelling | Mandatory | Product and packaging labelling for consumer goods must be in Arabic (or bilingual Arabic / English), including origin and specification details | — | — | Pending |
Certification, tariff and clearance figures change. Every row above carries a verification date, and the current requirement is confirmed with your nominated local agent before each shipment.
3. Buyers and channel partners
Leading buyers and channel partners
Every company below is a real business in United Arab Emirates taken from our own buyer research, and we have verified that its website is reachable. Names and business types are public; decision-makers, direct emails and phone numbers are reserved for members of the Buyer Directory.
How to use this list: do not mass-mail. Gulf trade is relationship-led — a local distributor or agent, met in person, converts far better than a cold price list, and the re-export function means one good partner can open several downstream markets.
4. Demand and import profile
Select your HS code and this block shows the import performance of your own category in the UAE — not the country's macro numbers.
Import size & growth
Example: the UAE is a major re-export platform as well as a consumer market — imports into Jebel Ali often move onward to Africa, the Gulf and South Asia.
Example values · to be replaced with OEC / WITS data for your HS line
Source-country mix
Example: China, India, the United States, Germany and Japan lead the source list, with China dominant in electrical and consumer goods.
Example values · to be replaced with OEC / WITS data for your HS line
Price band
Example: the market is competitive and price-aware, but buyers pay for speed, stock availability and after-sales — the re-export function rewards suppliers who can support onward distribution.
Example values · to be replaced with customs / trade data
What we can supply to this market
These are the lines we have found the strongest fit for the United Arab Emirates. Specifications are on the product pages; tell us your application and we will confirm the model.
5. Landed-cost calculator
A static table cannot persuade anyone. Enter your own numbers and see the landed cost. Duty rate, freight and VAT are editable so you can test mainland and free-zone scenarios.
Your shipment
Estimated landed cost
Illustrative calculation only. It excludes anti-dumping duty, excise, port storage and any category-specific surcharge. Confirm the duty rate and local charges with your forwarder before making a commitment.
6. Logistics and customs
Transit and throughput figures change; treat as indicative and confirm before quoting.
7. Payment, currency and tax
8. Localisation and communication
These are the details nobody tells you, and one mistake can cost you a customer.
9. Risks and timing
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a certification to import into the UAE?
Regulated electrical goods must carry the G-Mark under the GCC Technical Regulation, and products in ESMA-regulated categories need an ECAS conformity certificate and registration before customs release. Confirm whether your HS line is in scope before you ship.
What is the import duty and VAT?
The GCC applies a common external tariff — a flat 5% on the CIF value for most goods, with over 800 strategic and essential goods at 0%. VAT at 5% is then charged on the customs value plus duty, and is recoverable by a VAT-registered business.
Should I use a free zone or the mainland?
It depends on where the goods are consumed. Goods entering a free zone are not subject to duty or VAT while inside the zone and can be re-exported duty-free, but moving them into the mainland market triggers duty and VAT. Choose the route based on whether the goods are sold locally or re-exported.
Can I be the importer of record?
No. A licensed UAE importer of record and a customs broker are required. Foreign sellers normally appoint a local distributor or use a free-zone company.
What payment terms are normal?
L/C and T/T are common, with open account for established distributors. Invoice in USD or AED — the dirham is pegged to the dollar. Screen new counterparties.
Which port should I ship to?
Jebel Ali in Dubai is the region's largest container port and the usual choice, with Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah as alternatives. Tell us the final destination and we will quote to the right port.