
As one of the world’s most dynamic trade hubs, the United Arab Emirates connects Asia, Europe, and Africa through strategic logistics gateways such as Jebel Ali Port, Dubai International Airport, and Abu Dhabi’s KIZAD.
Imports into the UAE require compliance with strict customs procedures, TRA approvals, and VAT regulations (5%).
Because the UAE enforces detailed trade and regulatory standards, IOR & EOR take full responsibility for:
Acting as the legal importer and exporter for customs compliance.
Managing customs clearance through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Jebel Ali.
Paying duties, VAT, and excise taxes on behalf of clients.
Securing TRA permits and product certifications for IT and telecom goods.
Filing export declarations and required documentation.
Supporting DDP shipments with end-to-end compliance.
Maintaining full import and export records under UAE law.
Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
VAT Rate | 5% |
Average Import Duty | 0–12% (by HS code) |
Typical Clearance Time | 3–7 working days |
Key Free Zones | Jebel Ali, Dubai South, KIZAD |
Top Import Sectors | IT, Telecom, Medical, Aviation, Oil & Gas |
IOR & EOR services are essential when:
You’re importing into the UAE without a local legal entity.
Your shipment includes IT or telecom goods requiring TRA approvals.
You need VAT registration or recovery through the FTA
You’re managing temporary imports, repairs, or RMAs.
You plan to re-export from Jebel Ali Free Zone to other regions.
You want to prevent customs delays, fines, and documentation errors.
Sector | Compliance Needs | IOR/EOR Role |
|---|---|---|
IT & Telecom | TRA permits, encryption clearance, ECCN classification | Secure licensing, manage permits, ensure VAT compliance |
Medical Devices | MOH registration, labeling, and health certifications | Handle filing, approvals, and regulated import clearance |
Aviation & Automotive | Safety standards, temporary imports | Manage classification, documentation, and last-mile delivery |
Oil & Gas |
| Secure permits, manage excise duties, ensure compliance |
Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) services allow sellers to cover all import costs, including:

Customs duties
Duties are applied according to UAE tariff classifications.
VAT
5% VAT is managed through fiscal representation and the FTA system
Documentation and clearance
Fees are processed under the UAE Customs and Free Zone authorities.
VAT registration and refunds
Handled through fiscal representation under the Federal Tax Authority.
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Local legal representation as IOR & EORTRA approvals and compliance licensing
Duties, VAT, and excise payment & refund management.
Customs clearance at Jebel Ali, Dubai South, and Abu Dhabi ports
Temporary imports, repairs, and re-exports (RMA)
Real-time shipment visibility and compliance reporting
Experts in TRA, FTA, and Free Zone compliance.
One partner for imports and exports.
We represent you legally and fiscally.
Permits, duties, VAT, and delivery handled in-house
Supporting IT, medical, aviation, and oil & gas sectors.

Simplify your UAE imports and exports with full compliance, VAT recovery, and TRA approvals — managed by a licensed IOR/EOR provider.
Yes. An Importer of Record (IOR) is required for any company importing into the UAE without a registered local entity. The IOR assumes full customs, legal, and tax responsibility, ensuring smooth and compliant clearance.
VAT (5%) can be reclaimed through fiscal representation. Our IOR service registers, files, and manages refund submissions directly with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), ensuring compliance and timely recovery.
Customs clearance typically takes 3–7 working days depending on shipment category, documentation accuracy, and approvals required (such as TRA permits for telecom goods).
No. Only a licensed IOR provider or registered UAE entity can legally assume import and fiscal responsibilities. Freight forwarders handle logistics but cannot represent import compliance.
All telecom and IT equipment entering the UAE must have TRA (Telecommunications Regulatory Authority) approvals and device registration before clearance to meet national security and quality standards.
The Exporter of Record (EOR) manages all export declarations, compliance filings, and documentation for re-exports from free zones such as Jebel Ali or Dubai South, ensuring full customs traceability and legal compliance.
