What documents are required to import a car from China to Dubai?Many fellow importers wanting to bring cars from China to Dubai are likely curious, as these documents impact every step of the import process. Whether for personal or corporate imports, essential documents such as the Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Conformity Certificate, Import Declaration, etc., must be prepared to swiftly drive your purchased Chinese car. Below is a detailed list of documents required for the entire process, hoping to assist you.
I. Basic Trade Documents for Importing Cars from China to Dubai
- Commercial Invoice
- Must specify vehicle brand, model, VIN, engine number, transaction price (FOB/CIF), and buyer/seller details.
- Requires UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFAIC) certification for invoices >10,000 AED (fee: 150 AED).
- Packing List
- Lists vehicle quantity, gross/net weight, dimensions, and packaging method (container/roll-on/roll-off ship).
- Bill of Lading
- Sea/air waybill; consignee details must match the invoice, with destination as a Dubai port (e.g., Jebel Ali).
- Certificate of Origin
- Issued by China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT); used for tariff reductions (e.g., “Green Tariff Reduction” for new energy vehicles).
- Payment Proof
- TT Copy: Shows remitter, amount, and VIN remarks;
- Letter of Credit (L/C copy, if applicable): Bank settlement document.
II. Vehicle-specific documents for importing cars from China to Dubai
- Vehicle Ownership Proof
- Registration certificate or export certificate issued by Chinese traffic authorities (name must match consignee).
- Technical Documents
- Factory warranty, technical parameter sheet (including Euro 6 emission standards), Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
- Inspection Reports
- Pre-shipment inspection: English report from SGS/TÜV (proof of no accidents/flooding/fire damage; used cars require maintenance records);
- Post-arrival reinspection: Reinspection certificate issued by Dubai TDRA (completed within 1–2 working days after arrival).
- Conformity Certification
- Electric/hybrid vehicles require ESMA’s ECAS/EQM environmental certification.
III. Documents for importing cars from China to Dubai
- Personal Import: Passport copy + UAE residence visa (name must match vehicle ownership).
- Corporate Import:
- Valid UAE trade license;
- Tax Registration Number (TRN);
- Customs registration number (via Mirsal 2 system).
IV. Tax and Customs Clearance Documents
- Import Declaration
- Uses 12-digit HS code (mandatory from 2025), submitted via Dubai Customs’ Mirsal 2 system.
- Tax Documents
- Customs duty: 5% (based on CIF value for standard vehicles);
- VAT (5%):
- FTA tax invoice (with TRN, vehicle details, CIF price);
- Prepaid VAT e-receipt (mandatory for corporate imports);
- Green Tariff Reduction Application (for new energy vehicles; requires ESMA certification).
- Import License
- Required for commercial/special vehicles; issued by UAE Ministry of Economy or Transport Authority.
V. Vehicle Inspection and Registration Documents
- Inspection Documents
- TDRA reinspection certificate (valid 60 days);
- Proof of DPF installation if emissions exceed limits (cost: ~2,000 AED).
- Registration Documents
- New vehicles: Factory warranty card + customs clearance proof;
- Used vehicles: De-registration certificate from origin country (notarized in English);
- Compulsory insurance: Third-party liability (minimum coverage: 5 million AED);
- RTA annual inspection payment receipt (generated online).
- Annual Inspection Requirement
- Annual inspection post-registration by RTA-authorized centers (e.g., Shamil).
Integrated Documents for Importing Cars from China to Dubai (Full Process)
| Stage | Core Documents | Key Requirements |
| Trade Stage | Commercial Invoice + Packing List | MoFAIC certification (>10,000 AED) |
| Bill of Lading + CoO | Consignee matches ownership | |
| TT Copy/LoC Copy | VIN and amount remarks | |
| Vehicle Compliance | Ownership Proof + Technical Docs | Euro 6 emission standards |
| Pre-shipment Inspection Report | Issued by SGS/TÜV (no accidents/flooding) | |
| ESMA Certification (NEVs) | ECAS/EQM environmental standards | |
| Customs Clearance | Import Declaration (12-digit HS) | Submitted via Mirsal 2 system |
| FTA Tax Invoice + VAT Receipt | TRN-linked prepayment proof | |
| Duty/VAT Payment Proof | 5% duty + 5% VAT for standard vehicles | |
| Inspection & Registration | TDRA Reinspection Certificate | Completed 1–2 days after arrival |
| Factory Warranty (new vehicles) | Or de-registration proof (used vehicles; English notarized) | |
| RTA Annual Inspection Receipt | Pre-registration requirement | |
| UAE Compulsory Insurance Policy | Minimum 5 million AED coverage |
Key Considerations for Importing Cars from China to Dubai
- Timelines & Penalties
- Document certification must be completed within 14 days of cargo arrival in Dubai; late fines: 500 AED/day;
- Registration must be completed within 30 days after customs clearance; late fines: 100 AED/day.
- Vehicle Restrictions
- Left-hand drive only; used cars ≤4 years old;
- Accident/modified vehicles prohibited (e.g., tinted windows requiring removal).
- Optimization Tips
- Tax: Apply for VAT deferral via Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA);
- Inspection: Provide full maintenance records for used cars (otherwise TDRA rejection rate >40%);
- Agent: Hire licensed customs agents (e.g., Al Futtaim Logistics) to handle inspections/registration and avoid compliance risks.
Emergency Handling: For missing documents, apply to customs for temporary clearance guarantee (deposit = 120% of duties/taxes), refundable within 7 days after document submission.
Official Portals: Dubai Trade Platform | ESMA Certification
More information you may need:
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