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Importing from China into the UAE: VAT, customs registration and prohibited goods

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Answer

Import VAT is 5%. Dubai: no customs duty on goods worth up to AED 1,000 since 3 Aug 2026 (not tobacco, vaping or alcohol). Other emirates: no single threshold found.

Applies to
Buyers and small businesses in the UAE ordering goods from China.
Use these rates to work out one order's landed cost →

What the details cover

  1. The short version
  2. Import VAT (5%)
  3. Customs registration
  4. Do not mix up the AED 3,000 traveller allowance
  5. Prohibited and restricted goods
  6. Still uncertain
Read the full details →6 sections · about 3 min

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