Stacked shipping containers and cranes at a UAE container terminal

Licensed clearing agent · Since 1976

Customs clearance in Dubai and across the UAE, sorted.

Send your bill of lading on WhatsApp. We check it, quote every dirham upfront and get your cargo released at Jebel Ali, Khalifa, Khor Fakkan, Fujairah and every major UAE airport.

Free, no obligation Itemised quote upfront Reply in office hours

Ports, airports, free zones and borders we clear at

  • Jebel Ali Port
  • Port Rashid
  • Dubai International Airport (DXB)
  • Al Maktoum International (DWC)
  • Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA)
  • Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
  • Hatta border crossing
  • Khalifa Port
  • Zayed Port (Mina Zayed)
  • Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
  • Khalifa Economic Zones (KEZAD)
  • Ghuwaifat border crossing
  • Khor Fakkan Port
  • Port Khalid
  • Hamriyah Port
  • Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
  • Sharjah Airport Free Zone (SAIF Zone)
  • Hamriyah Free Zone
  • Port of Fujairah
  • Fujairah International Airport
  • Fujairah Free Zone

Tell us about your cargo. We will do the rest.

Four quick taps and your request lands in our WhatsApp with the details filled in. Most quotes go out the same working day.

1976
Clearing UAE cargo for 50 years
4
Emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah
21
Seaports, airports, free zones and borders
24–48h
Typical clearance with complete documents

Get your quote in 20 seconds

Four quick taps, then we continue on WhatsApp.

1What are you shipping?
2
3When?
4

Opens WhatsApp with your details filled in. Or call +971 4 262 8523

How it works

From bill of lading to your door in four steps

You do not need to visit our office. The whole process can run on WhatsApp and phone.

  1. 1. Send your documents

    Photograph or forward the invoice, packing list and bill of lading or airway bill on WhatsApp.

  2. 2. We check and quote

    We confirm HS codes, flag anything missing and send an itemised quote: duty, VAT, port charges and our fee.

  3. 3. We file and pay

    We submit the bill of entry, pay duty and VAT on your behalf and handle any inspection.

  4. 4. Release and delivery

    Once released, we collect from the port, airport or free zone and deliver anywhere in the UAE.

Start step 1 nowJust send a photo of your documents.

Duty calculator

How UAE customs duty is calculated

Most goods pay 5% customs duty on the CIF value (goods plus insurance and freight). Import VAT of 5% is then charged on the CIF value plus the duty.

Duty = 5% × CIFVAT = 5% × (CIF + duty)

Tobacco, alcohol and some other goods carry higher rates, and goods of GCC origin with a certificate of origin are usually exempt. Read the full guide.

Estimate duty and VAT

Duty rate
Goods 36,725.00
Freight 2,938.00
Insurance (1% of goods)367.25
CIF value 40,030.25
Customs duty (5% of CIF)2,001.51
Import VAT (5% of CIF + duty)2,101.59
Estimated duty and VATAED 4,103.10

Estimate in AED. Excludes excise tax, port charges and clearance fees. Some goods carry other duty rates.

Paperwork

Documents you will need

Missing or incorrect paperwork is the most common reason cargo is held. Send us what you have and we will check it before the shipment arrives.

Stacks of shipping paperwork

Not sure what you have? Send a photo, we will tell you.

Full documents checklist
  • 01Commercial invoiceValue and description of the goods. Sets the duty.
  • 02Packing listPackages, contents and weights.
  • 03Bill of lading or airway billProof of shipment from the carrier.
  • 04Certificate of originWhere the goods were made. Needed for GCC exemption.
  • 05Delivery orderReleased by the shipping line or airline after arrival.
  • 06Trade licence and customs codeRegistration of the importer in that emirate.
Reach stacker moving containers in a UAE port yard
Container crane above stacked containers

50

years clearing UAE cargo

Est. 1976

Why importers stay with us

Clearing UAE cargo since 1976

UAE Customs Clearance is operated by Goodwill Clearing & Forwarding Co. LLC, which has cleared goods through UAE customs for 50 years. We know how each port and free zone works, which documents cause problems and how to fix them quickly.

  • Itemised quote before any work startsDuty, VAT, port charges and our fee, line by line.
  • One named contact for your shipmentThe person handling your file answers your messages.
  • Updates on WhatsApp until deliveryNo chasing. You hear from us at every step.
  • Done correctly, first timeAccurate HS codes and values protect you from fines.
More about us

FAQ

Common questions

Short answers to what importers ask us most.

Question not here?

Ask a real clearance agent. We reply in office hours.

Ask on WhatsApp

How long does customs clearance take in the UAE?

When the documents are complete and correct, most shipments are processed within 24 to 48 hours. Inspections, missing permits or wrong paperwork add time, which is why we check your file before the cargo arrives.

How much does customs clearance cost?

Our clearance fee depends on the port, the type of cargo and how many lines are on the invoice. On top of that you pay the government duty (usually 5% of the CIF value) and 5% VAT, plus any port or terminal charges. Send us your invoice on WhatsApp and we will give you a full breakdown before we start.

What documents do I need to clear my shipment?

Usually a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, and a certificate of origin. Some goods also need a permit from an authority. Share what you have and we will tell you exactly what is missing.

Can you clear my goods if I do not have an importer code?

Yes. If you do not have your own customs code, we can guide you on the options, including clearing under a licensed importer where the goods and the rules allow it. Message us with the details and we will advise.

Which ports and airports do you cover?

We work across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah (including Khor Fakkan) and Fujairah. That includes Jebel Ali, Khalifa Port, Khor Fakkan, the Port of Fujairah, DXB, Dubai World Central, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah airports, and the main free zones.

My cargo is already stuck at the port. Can you help?

Yes, and the sooner the better because storage and demurrage keep adding up. Send us the bill of lading and any messages from customs or the shipping line on WhatsApp and we will tell you what is needed to release it.

Do you also deliver the goods after clearance?

Yes. We arrange trucks from the port, airport or free zone to your warehouse, shop or home anywhere in the UAE.

Have a shipment arriving?

Send the bill of lading or airway bill on WhatsApp. We reply with what is needed and an itemised quote.

Call Free quote on WhatsApp