Documents needed for customs clearance in the UAE
A checklist of the documents required to clear imports through UAE customs, what each one must show, and which goods need extra permits.
Last reviewed 28 September 2026 by the UAE Customs Clearance team
Key points
- The core documents are the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, certificate of origin and the delivery order.
- The importer also needs a trade licence and a customs client code registered in the emirate where the goods are cleared.
- Commercial invoices for imports valued at AED 10,000 or more generally need attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Food, cosmetics, medicines, medical devices, telecom equipment, plants and animals need approval from the relevant authority.
Standard import documents
| Document | Issued by | What it must show |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Seller | Seller and buyer, description of goods, quantity, unit and total value, currency, origin, HS codes where possible |
| Packing list | Seller | Number of packages, contents of each, net and gross weight |
| Bill of lading or airway bill | Shipping line or airline | Shipper, consignee, cargo description, container or package numbers |
| Certificate of origin | Chamber of commerce in the origin country | Country where the goods were made |
| Delivery order | Shipping line or airline in the UAE | Authority to collect the cargo once their charges are paid |
| Trade licence and customs code | UAE authorities | Importer registration with the customs authority of that emirate |
Invoice attestation
Commercial invoices for goods imported into the UAE with a value of AED 10,000 or more generally need to be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with a fee payable per invoice. Late or missing attestation can lead to fines. Some categories and free zone movements are treated differently, so check with your clearing agent.
Goods that need extra approvals
- Food and drink: registration with the municipality food safety department
- Cosmetics and personal care: product registration before import
- Medicines, supplements and medical devices: health authority approval
- Mobile phones, routers and radio devices: TDRA type approval
- Plants, seeds, animals and animal products: Ministry of Climate Change and Environment permit
- Regulated consumer products: conformity certificate where required
- Weapons, chemicals and other controlled goods: permits from the relevant authority
Personal effects and household goods
People moving to the UAE usually need a passport copy, residence visa or Emirates ID, a detailed inventory of the items and the bill of lading or airway bill. Used household goods for new residents may qualify for a duty exemption.
