
the United States
Website customs the United States
Government website
Website chamber of commerce
Country Alpha-2 code: US
Country Alpha-3 code: USA
Country numeric code: 840
GDP: USD 25.463 trillion (2023)
Currency: US Dollar
Inhabitants: 335893238
Language: English
Freight forwarders in the United States
Seaports in the United States
Airports in the United States
Shipping between the United States and the United Arab Emirates
Do you have a shipment from America to Dubai or Abu Dhabi?
All shipments to the United Arab Emirates are subject to a customs duty upon arrival. This comprehensive guide covers pre-import steps, customs processes, costs, strategies to save money, shipping routes, methods, procedures, and logistics. It aims to provide valuable insights for businesses and individuals, enhancing their understanding and efficiency in international shipping.
Below you can also request multiple quotes from freight forwarders for your shipment.


Pre-import considerations
First of all, you should know the product class of what you are shipping to Norway. Determine the correct Harmonized System (HS) code for your goods, as this dictates applicable customs duties and taxes.
If you are importing from the UAE to the USA, check the Customs Tariff from the USA. If you are importing from the USA to the UAE, check the Customs Tariff from the UAE.
Make sure you understand all the product regulations, certifications, labeling requirements, and potential import restrictions or tariffs specific to your product category. A specialised freight forwarder can help you with this process.
Customs Clearance Process:
Navigating the customs clearance process between the United States and the United Arab Emirates is crucial for smooth shipping. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
United States to the United Arab emirates
The standard duty fee is five percent of the shipment's value. However, certain items like alcohol and cigarettes are subject to significantly higher duty fees, ranging from 50 to 100 percent.
- Documentation: Ensure all necessary documents are in order, including the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, certificate of origin, and any applicable licenses or permits.
- Customs Declaration: Submit a detailed customs declaration to the UAE Federal Customs Authority. This includes information about the shipment, such as the description, quantity, value, and origin of the goods.
- Inspection and Assessment: Customs officials may inspect the shipment to verify the contents match the declaration. They will also assess the applicable duties and taxes based on the value and type of goods.
- Payment of Duties and Taxes: Pay the calculated duties and taxes. The UAE typically imposes a 5% duty on most goods, but this can vary based on specific products and trade agreements.
- Release of Goods: Once duties and taxes are paid, and all documentation is verified, the goods are released for delivery.
UAE to the United States
- Documentation: Prepare necessary documents such as the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, certificate of origin, and any required licenses or permits.
- Customs Declaration: Submit the customs declaration through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) or via a customs broker. This includes detailed information about the shipment, including its classification under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).
- Inspection and Compliance: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may inspect the shipment to ensure it complies with U.S. regulations and matches the declaration.
- Assessment of Duties and Taxes: CBP will assess duties, taxes, and fees based on the HTS classification and the value of the goods. Some goods may also be subject to additional tariffs or trade remedies.
- Payment of Duties and Taxes: Pay the assessed duties, taxes, and fees. Importers can use the Automated Broker Interface (ABI) or work with a customs broker to handle these payments.
- Release of Goods: Once all requirements are met and payments made, CBP will release the goods for delivery.
Understanding and preparing for these steps can help ensure a smooth customs clearance process and timely delivery of shipments between the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
Shipping methods
Airfreight
If you want to send a small package to Dubai (or any other place in the UAE) from the USA, airfreight is most common. Prices range from around $10,- for a small 1 lbs package to $64,- using a Budget Economy shipping method (8-14 days). A great overview of prices can be found on this page from MyUS. They can help you out with a small shipment like that, just like Parcelmonkey.
If you have a business shipment of more than 10lbs, we recommend you request quotes using the Zendeq form. Prices vary by the day. A specialised freight forwarder can help you out with finding the best option for your freight.
Seafreight
A container shipment, either a FCL of LCL, takes 18 to 42 days from the USA to the UAE. Price also vary heavily, but most recent prices for a 20ft container are between $1200,- to $2800,-. For a 40ft container this will be between $2000,- to $4900,-. This depends on the port of departure in the USA and the current rates for container shipments over Sea.
Please note these are just the price for the shipment. There are always additional costs (see our next chapter).
Zendeq can help you out with finding the perfect freight forwarder to help you with your container shipment.
Costs to consider
Shipping between the United States and the UAE involves various costs, including freight charges (air or sea), customs duties (typically 5%), VAT (5%), insurance, storage, handling fees, and inland transportation. Sea freight is generally cheaper than air freight but slower. Additional costs may include fuel surcharges, documentation fees, and security surcharges
Saving on Shipping Costs
- Compare rates: Get quotes from different carriers to find the best deal.
- Choose Sea Freight for Large Shipments: Sea freight is significantly cheaper than air freight for large or heavy shipments, despite the longer transit time. It's ideal for non-urgent, bulky cargo.
- Consolidate Shipments: Combine smaller shipments into one larger shipment to benefit from bulk shipping rates. Using Less Than Container Load (LCL) for smaller shipments can also be cost-effective​.
- Negotiate with Carriers: Regularly compare quotes and negotiate with multiple carriers to secure the best rates. Utilizing a freight forwarder can also help leverage better deals​.
- Optimize Packaging: Use lightweight, compact packaging to reduce dimensional weight charges. Efficient packaging minimizes the risk of damage and can lower costs.
- Plan for Off-Peak Shipping: Avoid peak seasons and opt for off-peak shipping times to benefit from lower rates and faster processing​.
Knowledge base

the United Arab Emirates
Website customs
Government website
Website chamber of commerce
Country Alpha-2 code: AE
Country Alpha-3 code: ARE
Country numeric code: 784
GDP: USD 508 billion (2023)
Currency: UAE Dirham
Inhabitants: 9282410
Language: Arabic
Freight forwarders in the United Arab Emirates
the United Arab Emirates has no freight forwarders
Seaports in the United States
Airports in the United Arab Emirates

the United Arab Emirates
Website customs
Government website
Website chamber of commerce
Country Alpha-2 code: AE
Country Alpha-3 code: ARE
Country numeric code: 784
GDP: USD 508 billion (2023)
Currency: UAE Dirham
Inhabitants: 9282410
Language: Arabic
Freight forwarders in the United Arab Emirates
the United Arab Emirates has no freight forwarders
Seaports in the United States
Airports in the United Arab Emirates

the United States
Website customs the United States
Government website
Website chamber of commerce
Country Alpha-2 code: US
Country Alpha-3 code: USA
Country numeric code: 840
GDP: USD 25.463 trillion (2023)
Currency: US Dollar
Inhabitants: 335893238
Language: English