If you’re looking to ship heavy cargo, small air shipments, or even a parcel from China to the UAE, Excells Shipping is here to make the process simple and reliable.In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of exporting goods from China to the UAE, providing you with clear and valuable insights.If you have any questions after reading, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. At Excells Shipping, we’re committed to supporting our customers—even on weekends and holidays.
How to Ship from China to the UAE
Shipping from China to the UAE doesn’t have to be complicated, especially if you’re working with a reliable freight forwarder. Here’s a straightforward breakdown of what you need to consider at each stage:
Request Quotes from Multiple Forwarders
Comparing quotes from different freight forwarders not only helps you assess costs but also gives you insight into their customer service quality. An ideal freight forwarder will offer:- Competitive Pricing
- Reliability and trustworthiness
- Fast and efficient service
- Seamless operations with minimal hassle
Ensure Proper Packaging
While many freight forwarders handle packaging, it’s essential to verify that it’s done correctly. Proper packaging ensures the safety of your goods and enhances your product’s appeal.Obtain Cargo Insurance
Cargo insurance is widely available, but it’s ultimately your responsibility to make sure your shipment is covered. Whether you’re buying or selling, having insurance safeguards your investment.Select the Right Incoterms
Choosing the correct Incoterms is key to avoiding unexpected costs and misunderstandings. A knowledgeable freight forwarder like Excells Shipping will guide you in selecting the terms that best fit your needs.
Customs Clearance in the UAE
The UAE has one of the world’s most efficient customs systems. If you’re importing goods from China, it’s helpful to understand the customs clearance process to ensure smooth entry.
Key Customs Offices in the UAE
Most imports from China go through one of the primary customs offices listed below:
- Abu Dhabi Post Customs Centre
- Abu Dhabi Airport Customs Centre – Al Bateen
- Mussafah Port Customs Centre
- Zayed Port Customs Centre
- Dubai International Airport Customs Centre
- Cargo Village Customs Centre
- Al Maktoum Airport Customs Centre
- Jebel Ali Cargo Village Customs Centre
- Dubai Airport Free Zone Customs Centre
- Jebel Ali Port Customs Centre
- Rashid Port Customs Centre
- Hamriya Port Customs Centre – Dubai
- Airport Cargo Customs Centre
- SAIF Zone Customs Centre
- Port Khalid Customs Centre
- Khorfakkan Customs Centre
- Saqr Port Customs Centre
- Al Jazeera Port Customs Centre
- Fujairah International Airport Customs Centre
- Dibba Al Fujairah Port Customs Centre
- Creek Customs Centre – Ajman
- Ajman Port and Customs Centre
Required Documents for UAE Import Clearance
To clear customs in the UAE, certain documents must be provided:
- Delivery Order from the shipping agent, addressed to a licensed UAE company
- Original Bill of Lading (for sea freight) or Air Waybill (for air freight)
- Commercial Invoice from the exporter, detailing quantities, descriptions, and total value
- Trade License copies for both the buyer and seller
- Certificate of Origin, approved by the Chamber of Commerce in the exporting country
- Transport Certificate
- Customs Entry Declaration
- Detailed Packing List, including weights, HS codes, and packing methods
- Any additional Transport Documents required for import clearance
Taxes and Duties in the UAE
Understanding duties and taxes is important for cost management. Here’s a quick guide to the UAE’s customs fees:
- Shipments valued under AED 1000 are generally exempt from duties and taxes.
- Gifts brought by travelers, valued up to AED 3000, are also exempt.
For other goods, a 5% customs duty applies to the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value. Additional considerations include:
- Business-related imports must factor in the emirate of registration, free zone status, type of goods, and applicable trade agreements.
- Alcoholic products are subject to a 50% duty.
- Tobacco products incur a 100% customs duty.
Remember that customs duties are calculated based on the CIF value of the goods.
Trade Relations Between China and the UAE
Navigating the UAE customs process may seem complex, especially if you don’t have a specific import license. Excells Shipping is here to assist, offering expert guidance to ensure a smooth process.
Trade relations between China and the UAE are robust and growing. China’s exports to the UAE recently increased by 3.2%, reaching $29.66 billion, while imports from the UAE rose by 32.8% to $16.26 billion. Chinese investments in the UAE also continue to grow, with $9.1 billion invested and $620 million in foreign direct investment in 2017 alone. Over 6,000 Chinese companies are now operating in the UAE, largely based in Dubai, underscoring the strong economic partnership between the two nations.
The UAE’s primary imports from China include machinery, food products, chemicals, and transport equipment. Additionally, textiles, metals, cotton, fabrics, and various plastic products are commonly imported. For more specific information, reach out to our team.
Prohibited & Restricted Items in the UAE
Before arranging imports from China to the UAE, it’s essential to check whether your goods are on the UAE’s restricted or prohibited list. The team at Excells Shipping can liaise with UAE customs to verify if your items have any import restrictions.
Restricted Items
Certain goods may only be imported with specific permits. These include:
- Pets and domestic animals
- Agricultural products
- Food and beverages
- Medicines and pharmaceuticals
- Vehicles
- Publications
- Weapons
- Technical equipment
- Cash/money
Prohibited Items
The UAE strictly bans some items from entry, including:
- Controlled and recreational drugs or narcotics
- Pirated media content
- Counterfeit currency
- Items associated with black magic or sorcery
- Publications or artwork that conflict with Islamic values
- Endangered animals and certain breeds of dogs
- Gambling tools and machines
It’s important to review these guidelines carefully or consult with us to ensure compliance.
Air Freight from China to the UAE
Air freight is a fast, secure shipping method for transporting goods from China to the UAE. With a solid network across China and partnerships with major airlines such as Emirates (EK), Qatar Airways (QR), and Turkish Airlines (TK), Excells Shipping provides reliable air cargo services to the UAE.
Our air freight services operate daily from China to major cities in the UAE, including:
- Dubai
- Abu Dhabi
- Sharjah
- Ajman
- Al Ain
Air Freight: Key China-UAE Connections
Air freight, though not as common as ocean freight, offers significant advantages for time-sensitive shipments between China and the UAE. The UAE, with seven major international airports, has built a strong global air logistics presence. China, with over 50 international airports, complements this with extensive air traffic, creating a well-integrated network between the two countries.
Numerous international carriers, including Emirates SkyCargo and Etihad Cargo, provide direct routes between the UAE and China. Additional codeshare agreements, such as those between China Southern Airlines and Etihad, strengthen these connections further. With a growing network, transit times and competitive shipping rates remain critical factors in selecting air freight for your cargo.
Major Ports of the UAE
The UAE’s seaports serve as vital gateways for international and regional trade, supporting economic growth and diversification.
Excells Shipping offers comprehensive sea freight services from all major Chinese seaports to key UAE ports, such as Jebel Ali (AEJEA), Khalifa Port (BHKBS), Khor Fakkan (AEKLF), Zayed Port (AEAUH), and Port Rashid (AEDXB). We’re dedicated to providing competitive ocean freight rates for all clients shipping from China to the UAE.
Why Jebel Ali Port?
Jebel Ali Port is particularly advantageous due to its strategic location and extensive facilities. As the world’s largest man-made harbor, it spans 134 km² and offers 67 berths. Operated by DP World, Jebel Ali is the largest port in the Middle East and a flagship location in DP World’s network, covering over 78 marine and inland terminals across six continents.
Logistics Capabilities at Jebel Ali Port
Excells Shipping offers a broad range of logistics services at Jebel Ali Port, including:
- LCL (Less-than-Container Load) services
- Transshipment cargo handling
- FCL (Full Container Load) stuffing and de-stuffing
- Rework and consolidation operations
- Cross-stuffing
- Container weight adjustments
- Export stuffing
- Cargo delivery services, including Inter-Port Transfers and internal shifting
With a wide range of solutions, Excells Shipping can tailor our services to meet your specific needs for shipping from China to the UAE.
Sea Freight Transit Times from China to the UAE
For shipments over 200 kg, sea freight is often the preferred method for international cargo. This approach is both cost-effective and efficient for larger volumes, with thousands of tons of goods shipped daily from China to the UAE.
While ocean freight provides a more economical option than air freight, it’s important to note that transit times are significantly longer. Sea shipments from China to the UAE generally take more time compared to air cargo, so it’s essential to plan accordingly.
Below, we provide a table with average transit times from major Chinese seaports to UAE ports. Please contact us if you need specific transit times or shipping advice for your route.
Container Types and Sizes
Container size is a critical factor in sea freight rates. Various container sizes are available, allowing customers to select the best fit based on their shipment’s dimensions and volume.
For assistance in choosing the most suitable container for your cargo from China to the UAE, we recommend consulting the team at Excells Shipping. Our experts can calculate the weight and volume of your shipment and advise on the most efficient container size to optimize costs.
