If you think that importing a car in the UAE from abroad is impossible, you’re wrong, as by following the standard guidelines you can import your dream vehicle into the country. The standard requirements and guidelines remain almost the same for importing any type of vehicle in the Emirates. However, to successfully navigate the legal complexities, you must have a good knowledge of compliance regulations and customs duty taxes.

Whether you’re importing a car for your automotive business or personal use, the guide that will be featured in this blog will help you in both scenarios. Continue reading to explore the various steps, legal requirements, and costs associated with this.

Importing a Car in the UAE from Abroad: Eligibility & Requirements

Residency: Not only Emirati nationals, but also expatriates residing in the nation can import and export a car from Dubai to Europe or any location worldwide if they have a valid residency visa.
Vehicle Age: Generally, residents or citizens of the UAE are not allowed to import a vehicle with an age over 10 years; however, if you want to import car from USA to UAE, or any global location to the country, which is classic, you’ve to secure a special permit granted by the RTA.
Vehicle Type: Generally, only cars with left-hand steering are allowed to be imported into the nation; however, 25 years or older right-hand steering cars can be exported. For the right-hand steering car’s easy identification, the relevant authority issues brown number plates.
Emission Standards: The Emirates is well-known for its sustainable, innovative approach and permits its residents to import only those vehicles that can qualify for the GCC and international emission guidelines.
Damaged Vehicles: Vehicles that have received salvage titles or are reconstructed after severe damage are prohibited from being imported into the nation. However, you can import a car with minor damage from a foreign location, only if it passes the RTA inspection.
Documentation: Original purchase invoice, an export certificate from the origin country, customs clearance certificate, original & copy of driving license, passport, and visa, power of attorney (in case the owner is not available in UAE), etc.

Importing a car in the UAE from Abroad: Steps

1. Confirm Import Eligibility

The first step in importing a car in the UAE from abroad is verifying the vehicle’s eligibility for the import process. As discussed above, make sure that the car you want to import meets the standard eligibility requirements set by the RTA and other relevant authorities. To confirm the car’s eligibility, you’ve scheduled an inspection in its origin country. Once you receive confirmation of eligibility, it is advisable to connect with a reliable logistics services provider in the UAE. A trusted shipping company will assist you with the complex and time-consuming document collection and further steps in the process.

2. Choose Shipping Methods

From sea, land, or air freight to multimodal shipping, you have plenty of options for importing a car in the Emirates. Generally, sea freight is chosen, as it offers two efficient options for car shipping: RoRo and container shipping. In the case of RoRo, which is a more cost-effective option, the car to be imported is driven into a vessel.

However, for extra protection, you can opt for the container shipping option in which the vehicle is placed inside a sealed container. The latter option is costly and is mostly preferred for high-value or classic cars. A trusted shipping company with great experience in importing or shipping a car from Dubai to Canada and other international locations will assist you choose the right shipping method.

3. Collecting the Car

After the imported car reaches the entry port at Emirates from the port of origin in the home country, it undergoes a customs clearance process. The imported vehicle is inspected for eligibility confirmation at entry ports, including Jebel Ali Free Zone, Port Khalid, Port Rashid, and Port Zayed. If the inspection is successful, the car owner has to pay a required fee to the customs authority, which is generally 5% of the total value of the vehicle.

Once all the requirements are met and payments are made, the authority will issue a clearance certificate, which serves as proof of the imported vehicle’s cleared entry into the Emirates. The estimated fee value that you have to pay can be up to AED 4,700. Additional fees of AED 10, AED 700, and AED 60 are charged for clearance certificate paper, vehicle container inspection, and issuance of blue plate, respectively.

4. Imported Car’s Testing

After customs clearance, the reliable shipping company with a reputation for car shipping from Dubai to Oman, USA, Europe, etc., will assist you with the next step, vehicle testing. The main purpose of vehicle testing is to ensure that the imported car qualifies for all the standard compliance regulations, safety and emission standards, etc.

Before proceeding with the car’s testing, you’ve to secure an NOC from the RTA by submitting the customs clearance certificate. In the UAE, the three RTA-approved inspection sectors are Tamam, Al Shamil, and Tasjeel, where you’ve to submit the requested documents, like the vehicle’s original invoice, imported documents, etc. The vehicle testing fee for any car imported from the GCC region and other areas is AED 120 and AED 450, respectively. If the car fails to meet the safety or emission tests, it will need to be modified to ensure its registration in the UAE.

5. Imported Car’s Insurance

Every car owner must secure insurance for their vehicle, as it is a mandated requirement that must be fulfilled to ensure legal compliance. You can secure it from any company that offers the best offers for your vehicle, as offers made by different car insurance companies vary depending on the vehicle type. In general, you’ve to submit a copy of your driving license, passport, Emirates ID, vehicle inspection report, etc., to the company to secure the insurance.

6. Imported Car’s Registration

The final step in the process of importing a car in the UAE from abroad is the vehicle’s registration, which is handled by the relevant authorities in the emirate where the vehicle will be primarily used. The essential documents that are requested to submit for it include residency proof, purchase proof, blue export number plates, vehicle inspection, clearance, insurance documents, etc. Once the authority checks the documents and provides the final approval, you’ll be provided with a vehicle registration card that will conclude this process.

Conclusion

Importing a car in the UAE from abroad is not uncommon; however, ensuring its successful completion requires assistance from a reliable and experienced expert. Connect with S A G Logistic Services LLC and secure a hassle-free importing experience in the Emirates. From customs clearance and paperwork handling to vehicle testing, insurance, and registration, we will assist you with everything. Join hands with the most trusted logistic services provider in the UAE and secure a seamless import process of your dream car without any legal issues or mistakes.

Importing a Car in the UAE From Abroad: Steps, Cost & More

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