Dubai has earned its reputation as one of the world’s leading logistics and trade hubs. With its advanced infrastructure and strategic location connecting East and West, Dubai serves as a gateway for global automotive trade.
Among its many world-class ports, Jebel Ali Port stands out as the largest and busiest in the Middle East making it the preferred entry point for importing both new and used vehicles from all over the world, whether for local use or re-export to GCC countries, the Middle East, and Africa.

At Al Fares Cargo, we understand that customs clearance for cars is a crucial stage in the import process. It ensures that vehicles comply with UAE regulations and that all duties and taxes are settled before release. This process guarantees legal entry, proper registration, and smooth delivery to the customer without complications.

What Is Car Customs Clearance?

Customs clearance is the formal procedure handled by the Dubai Customs Authority to verify a vehicle’s legality for entry into the UAE.
It involves checking all supporting documents including the purchase invoice, certificate of origin, bill of lading, and import license (if applicable) to confirm ownership, value, and compliance.

After document verification, customs officers calculate applicable duties and taxes based on the car’s type, engine capacity, and manufacturing year.
Only after successful completion of this process can a vehicle be released from the port and registered with the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority).

Key Documents Required for Car Clearance in Dubai

To ensure a smooth and efficient clearance process, importers must prepare the following documents before the car arrives at the port:

1.Original Purchase Invoice – Establishes the car’s value for customs duty assessment.

2.Certificate of Origin – Specifies the manufacturing country and determines eligibility for tariff exemptions.

3.Bill of Lading (B/L) – Issued by the shipping line to confirm shipment details and ownership.

4.Passport or Emirates ID – Verifies the importer’s identity (individual or company).

5.Trade License – Required for commercial imports or authorized dealers.

6.GCC Conformity Certificate – Proves the vehicle meets Gulf safety and environmental standards.

7.Delivery Order – Issued by the shipping agent after payment of freight and storage fees, allowing the start of customs clearance.

Customs Duties and VAT on Cars in Dubai

Dubai Customs applies to a clear and structured system for calculating import charges:

1.Customs Duty: 5% of the car’s value (as stated on the invoice or customs evaluation).

2.Value Added Tax (VAT): 5% applied to the total car value after adding customs duty.

Additional factors affecting charges:

1.Vehicle type: New vs. used cars.

2.Year of manufacture: Older cars may have adjusted valuations.

3.Engine size and fuel type: Larger engines typically mean higher valuations.

4.Country of origin: Cars from certain GCC or Arab countries may qualify for tariff exemptions.

Minor fees might also apply for technical inspections or temporary storage inside the port.

Step-by-Step Car Clearance Process in Dubai Ports

1.Vehicle arrival and registration in the customs system.

2.Obtain delivery order from the shipping agent.

3.Submit all required documents to Dubai Customs.

4.Customs valuation and inspection of the car.

5.Pay customs duties and taxes electronically.

6.Technical inspection for GCC conformity and safety compliance.

7.Customs release and collection of vehicles.

At Al Fares Cargo, our experienced customs clearance team manages each of these steps on behalf of our clients saving time, effort, and ensuring full compliance.

Tips to Speed Up Your Car Clearance

1.Prepare all documents early: Missing paperwork is the main reason for clearance delays.

2.Use an authorized customs broker: Experts familiar with Dubai’s electronic system can finalize processes faster and more accurately.

3.Verify GCC compliance before shipping: Avoid costly modifications or rejection upon arrival.

4.Pay duties promptly: Early payment expedites release certificates.

5.Track progress online: Dubai Customs’ e-platform allows real-time tracking of applications.

6.Choose reliable shipping partners: Professional shippers provide clear documentation and delivery schedules that prevent unnecessary delays.

Expected Clearance Duration

Typically, customs clearance for cars in Dubai ports takes between 2 to 5 working days, depending on several factors:

1.Document readiness and accuracy – Complete paperwork can shorten the process to under 48 hours.

2.Vehicle condition – New cars usually clear faster than used ones.

3.Port congestion – During peak seasons (year-end, major trade events), processing may take longer.

Why Choose Al Fares Cargo for Car Customs Clearance?

1.Over a decade of experience in automotive logistics and customs clearance across UAE ports.

2.Dedicated in-house team for handling all documentation and electronic submissions.

3.Trusted relationships with Dubai Customs and major shipping lines.

4.Comprehensive solutions including shipping, clearance, registration, and door-to-door delivery.

5.Transparent pricing with no hidden costs.

Ship and Clear Your Car with Confidence

At Al Fares Cargo Services & Clearance, we make the process of importing and clearing vehicles in Dubai fast, safe, and hassle-free.
Whether you’re bringing in a car for personal use or commercial purposes, our experts will handle everything from port arrival to final delivery.