Cars and Vehicles

If you're planning to import a vehicle into the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it's important to understand the customs clearance process. This article will guide you through the steps involved in customs clearing vehicles in the UAE, key documents required for clearance, information about duties and taxes, common challenges, and tips for a smooth customs clearance process.

Understanding the UAE Customs Clearance Process: Verification with INTERPOL database

When a vehicle arrives at a UAE port, it goes through a rigorous customs clearance process. This process is designed to ensure that the vehicle meets all the necessary requirements and is fit for use on UAE roads. The customs authorities carefully examine the documentation and physically inspect the vehicle to verify its compliance. One of the primary reasons for customs clearance is to prevent the entry of stolen vehicles into the country. By thoroughly checking the documentation and conducting physical inspections, the authorities can identify any discrepancies or signs of theft. The VIN number, make model and other details of the vehicle are verified with INTERPOL database by Dubai Customs officers before initial approvals are accorded.

Collection of Taxes by UAE Government:

Import taxes in the UAE includes customs duties (5% CIF), value-added tax (5% CIF), and other applicable fees. It's essential to stay informed about the latest customs regulations and tax rates to ensure smooth import operations. If you have specific questions or need assistance with customs clearance, it's advisable to call us at +971557910800 or the relevant customs authorities in the UAE for accurate and up-to-date information.

The customs clearance process of Vehicles in the UAE typically includes the following steps:

1. Interlink Freight Agency submitting the required documents to the customs authorities
2. Verification of documents and realistic valuation of Vehicles as per customs database by Authorities.
3. Payment of customs duties and taxes.
4. Initial approval of import vehicle declaration.
5. Customs inspectors conduct a physical examination of vehicles to validate the accuracy of the initial submissions.
6. Final approval and release of Vehicle Clearance Certificate.

Common Challenges in Customs Clearing of Vehicles:

• importing commercial quantities

If you plan to import vehicles for sale in Dubai, it is advisable to acquire your trade license in the UAE. We've observed cases where customers brought numerous cars under their personal names. Past instances indicate that customs authorities may withhold the release of cars, as importing commercial quantities of any item as an individual is not permitted according to regulations.

• Dealing with Delays in Clearance

Clearance delays can occur due to factors such as incomplete or inaccurate data & documentation, valuation objections by authorities, large quantity of shipments, INTERPOL objections, shipping liner data error, holidays etc. To avoid delays, it is crucial to ensure that all necessary data and documents are complete and accurate.

• Consignee in the Bill of Lading (BL)

We've observed instances where customers designate their brokers as the final consignee in the Bill of Lading (BL). In such scenarios, the Vehicle Clearance Certificate (VCC) is issued with the broker identified in the BL as the true owner of the vehicle. Numerous reports indicate that many unscrupulous brokers disassociate themselves from clients and assert full ownership of those imported cars. To avoid such situations, we strongly advise our clients to consign the car to their own company or person and issue an authorization letter to the customs broker for vehicle clearances.

• Removal and replacement of spare parts by spurious brokers

The unauthorized removal and replacement of spare parts by unscrupulous brokers pose a significant concern. It is crucial to be vigilant and cautious when dealing with brokers to prevent any unauthorized alterations to your vehicles. Clients should thoroughly vet and choose reputable brokers, and consider implementing safeguards such as consigning the vehicle to their company and providing clear authorization letters for customs clearance. Staying informed and maintaining transparency in transactions can help mitigate the risks associated with the removal and replacement of original spare parts by dishonest brokers.

How is Interlink Freight Agency Customs Brokers different from other brokers:
In addition to upholding transparency and honesty with our customers, we have implemented systems to guarantee that our customers receive their imports exactly as they were originally shipped. Our staff is both loyal and subject to monitoring, and our managers personally oversee imports, conducting double verification. We have a zero-tolerance policy for any form of dishonesty among our staff and will not permit such behavior, what so ever.

Managing Director

Process of Registering imported Vehicles with RTA in the UAE:

To register the imported vehicle with the RTA (Road Transport Authority) in the UAE, the importer needs to follow these steps:

1. Take the vehicle to any RTA test center for a physical inspection.
2. Upon successful inspection, register the car with the RTA after purchasing insurance.

Documents Required by RTA at the time of registration:

1. Vehicle inspection certificate (issued by customs and provided by Interlink Freight Agency).
2. Emirates ID/Passport copy (of manager for companies).
3. Trade License (for companies only).
4. Company letterhead/rubber stamp (for transfer - companies only).
5. Any other credentials required by the RTA.