In the month of July 2024 alone, cars and parts worth $371 million were imported from China to the UAE. As the EV and PHEV trend grows in the UAE, more and more people are looking to buy Chinese cars as they are affordable, reliable, and have cutting-edge features and advanced tech.

But how to import cars from China to the UAE in 2024? If this question has crossed your mind, we’re here to help. Let’s break down the entire process of importing cars from China to the UAE in 8 easy-to-follow steps. So, let’s get started!

1. Finding a Car and its Supplier in China

When importing a car from China to the UAE, your first step is to find a reputable supplier. Research thoroughly to identify a supplier with a strong track record, positive reviews, and experience in exporting cars to the UAE.

Consider factors like their reputation, product range, and customer service. Once you’ve selected a reliable supplier, choose the perfect car that meets your preferences and complies with UAE standards. Negotiate the price with the supplier to ensure a fair deal.

GuangcaiAuto is a trusted car import partner with experience in shipping hundreds of cars to the UAE. We can guide you through the entire process, from finding the right car to handling all necessary paperwork and shipping arrangements.

2. Understanding the Associated Costs

Before you proceed with importing a car from China to the UAE, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the costs involved. While we’ll delve into specific details like shipping and import duties later, here’s a general overview:

• Car Purchase Price: The base cost of the car from the Chinese supplier.
• Shipping Costs: Expenses related to transporting the car from China to the UAE, including freight charges, insurance, and handling fees.
• Import Duties and Taxes: Government fees imposed on imported vehicles, such as customs duties, value-added tax (VAT), and any additional taxes applicable in the UAE.
• Registration and Licensing Fees: Costs associated with registering the car in the UAE, including license fees, insurance premiums, and any required inspections.
• Inspection Fees: Charges for pre-shipment and post-shipment inspections.
• Additional Costs: Potential expenses for modifications, modifications, or certifications required to comply with UAE regulations.

By considering these costs upfront, you can better plan your budget and make informed decisions throughout the import process.

3. Compliance with Pre-Export Regulations in China

Before your car leaves China, it must undergo several inspections and certifications to ensure compliance with local regulations and international standards. This process includes:

• Vehicle Inspection: A thorough examination of the car to verify its condition, specifications, and safety features.
• CCC Certification: Obtaining the Chinese Compulsory Certification (CCC) is a mandatory requirement for all EVs exported from China.
• Additional Certifications: Depending on the specific car model and destination, other certifications might be necessary, such as emissions standards or safety standards.

It’s essential to stay updated on China’s export regulations, as they can change. Consider seeking professional guidance from a professional company to navigate the compliance process efficiently.

4. Compliance with Pre-Import Regulations in the UAE

Next, it is important to comply with the pre-import regulations for cars in the UAE to ensure a smooth process. Here are the things you must keep in your mind:

• Import License: To import a car into the UAE, you must hold a valid import permit and obtain a customs clearance certificate. Don’t worry if you don’t have one; you can apply for one with the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) in the UAE.
• Vehicle Age Restrictions: Used cars must be less than 10 years old from the date of manufacture to be eligible for import in the UAE. Vehicles older than this are not allowed unless special permits are obtained by paying additional inspection charges.
• Driving Orientation: While you can import both right and left-hand drive vehicles into the UAE, right-hand drive cars cannot be registered or driven on UAE roads legally. So, it is better to choose the car accordingly or make the necessary modifications beforehand.
• UAE compatibility: For registration and licensing, the Road and Transport Authority (RTA) in the UAE will check your car’s safety and emissions. So, make sure that the car meets UAE’s technical and emissions standards.

By fulfilling these pre-import requirements, you are ready to proceed with the shipping.

5. Shipping the Car from China to the UAE

Here is everything you need to know about shipping your cars from China to the UAE:

Shipping Methods and Delivery Time:

• Sea Shipping: This is the most common and economical option for shipping cars from China to the UAE. It typically takes 25-35 days for delivery.
• Air Shipping: A faster but more expensive option, air shipping can take as little as 7 days. However, it’s generally used for smaller vehicles or urgent shipments.

Shipping Costs for Various Methods:

While the exact costs of shipping will depend on your choice of departure and destination port and the car specifications, here are the estimated shipping costs for each method:

Best Port in China:

• Tianjin Port is a good choice in China due to its efficiency and handling of car shipments.
• Other major ports like Shanghai, Ningbo, and Shenzhen are also viable options.

Best Port in the UAE:

• Port of Jebel Ali: As the largest and busiest port in the UAE, it is well-equipped to handle a high volume of vehicle imports.
• Port Rashid: While less commonly used for car imports compared to Jebel Ali, it is still a viable option for importing cars from China.

Some Additional Tips:

Compare rates, services, and reviews from different shipping companies to find the best option. Don’t hesitate to negotiate with shipping companies to get the best possible deal. Check out our detailed blog post on choosing the right shipping partner: How to Choose a Logistics Company to Import a Car From China.

6. Gather the Required Documentation for Next Steps

Once your car is shipped, it is time to collect all the relevant documents to proceed with the next steps of paying taxes and car registration:

• Purchase/Commercial Invoice: Outlines the transaction conditions.
• Passport Copy: Identifies the importer as a legal UAE citizen.
• UAE Resident Visa: Confirms the legal status of the importer.
• Original Bill of Lading: Details the cargo and ownership.
• Export Certificate: Proof of ownership from the selling country.
• Authorization Letter: Required upon arrival of the vehicle in the UAE.
• Vehicle Ownership Certificate: Ensures the name and visa match.
• Vehicle Condition Report: Issued at the freight port.
• Insurance Policy: Required for shipment protection.
• Certificate of Conformity: Ensures the car meets UAE safety and emissions standards.

7. Paying Customs Duty and VAT in the UAE

Once your car arrives at the UAE port (Jebel Ali Free Zone, Port Rashid, or Port Zayed, depending on the emirate), it undergoes customs clearance. This process involves:

• Verification of Import Documents: Customs authorities will review your import permit, customs declaration forms, and other necessary documentation.
• Vehicle Inspection: The car will undergo a local vehicle compliance test and a general customs inspection to ensure it meets UAE standards and is not stolen.
• Paying Duty: Customs officials will calculate the import duty and value-added tax (VAT) based on the car’s CIF value (i.e., cost, insurance, and freight price). You must pay the calculated customs duty and VAT before the car can be released.
  • Import Duty: Approximately 5% of the car’s CIF value
  • VAT: 5% of the total value (including customs duty)
  • Container Inspection: Approximately AED 700
  • Clearance Certificate: Approximately AED 10
  • Blue Export Plates: AED 60
• Collecting the Car: After paying the necessary fees and obtaining the clearance certificate, you can collect your car from the port. You will need to attach the blue export plates to the bumpers before driving the car off the port premises.

8. Register the Car with the RTA

Once your car has cleared customs, the next step is to register it with the RTA. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Vehicle Testing:

• Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC): Submit your clearance certificate to the Industry Department at the Ministry of Finance and Industry to obtain an NOC.
• Choose a Testing Center: Select one of the government-approved testing centers in the UAE (Tamam, Tasjeel, or Al Shamil). The center evaluates the car’s durability and safety.
• Pay Testing Fees: The fee varies based on the car’s origin (AED 120 for GCC cars, AED 450 for others). You need to pay for it and have your car tested.

Vehicle Insurance:

Next, you have to choose an insurance company and get a quote based on your vehicle type. Then, provide your driving license, passport, Emirates ID, and vehicle inspection report for insurance.

Vehicle Registration:

• Visit the DLD: Go to the DLD office.
• Submit Documents: Provide proof of purchase, blue export plates, application form, insurance documents, driving license, passport, visa, customs clearance letter, residency proof, and vehicle inspection clearance.
• Pay Registration Fees: Pay the required registration fees.
• Receive Registration Card and Plates: Once approved, you will receive a registration card and white number plates for your vehicle.

Final Word: How to Import Cars from China to the UAE?

So, there you have it. How to import cars from China to the UAE in 8 easy steps! We have simplified the entire process by breaking it down into logical and easy-to-follow steps.

If you’re considering to import your next car from China, look no further than GuangcaiAuto. With a selection of 60+ brands and cost-effective shipping, we make the process seamless. Plus, we have years of experience in importing cars into the UAE.

For more information or expert advice on importing cars from China, please explore our blog or contact our customer support team.