How to Import and Clear Cars at Dubai Port (2026 Updated Guide)
February 3, 2026. C4CUSTOMS
Dubai has emerged as one of the world’s most important trade and logistics hubs, attracting imports of all kinds — including vehicles — from countries around the globe. Whether you’re bringing in a personal car, a luxury vehicle, or fleet vehicles for business, completing customs clearance at Dubai’s major ports is a critical step in the process.
This guide explains how to import and clear cars at Dubai Port, including documentation, duty charges, compliance requirements, and how expert customs brokers help you avoid costly delays.
Understanding Dubai Customs Clearance for Vehicles
When you import a car or vehicle to the UAE, Dubai Customs regulates its entry into the country. Before a vehicle can be registered or driven in Dubai, it must undergo customs clearance and meet UAE standards.
This clearance process:
Verifies vehicle identity and ownership
Ensures compliance with local traffic and environmental regulations
Collects the appropriate customs duty and VAT
Releases the vehicle from port custody
Receiving a customs clearance certificate is essential before registering the car with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Which Vehicles Can Be Imported?
The UAE allows the import of most new and used vehicles — provided they meet basic safety and compliance standards:
The vehicle must be left-hand drive (LHD) — this is a legal requirement.
Vehicles older than a certain age may require special approval and compliance documentation.
Classic cars may need specific permits or inspection certificates.
Prohibited conditions include significant structural damage, flooding, or non-compliance with safety standards.
Step-by-Step Car Import Customs Clearance at Dubai Port
1. Score Your Import Documentation Early
Before your car arrives at Dubai Port, ensure you have the following essential documents:
Commercial invoice stating price and vehicle details
Bill of Lading (sea freight) or Airway Bill (air freight)
Valid certificate of origin
Passport copy and UAE visa or Emirates ID
Vehicle technical and emissions details
Proof of ownership
Customs export certificate from country of origin
Missing or incorrect paperwork is the #1 cause of clearance delays.
2. Submit the Import Declaration (Mirsal 2)
Customs declarations in the UAE must be filed electronically through the Mirsal 2 system. You must include detailed HS codes and accurate CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) values of the shipment for customs valuation and duty calculation.
3. Customs Duty & VAT Payment
Once your car arrives at the port, you will need to pay:
Customs duty: 5% of the vehicle’s CIF value
VAT: 5% of the total duty-inclusive value
This means authorities charge duty first, then apply VAT to both the car value and duty.
4. Vehicle Inspection
Customs or authorized RTA centers inspect the vehicle to confirm:
Chassis and engine details match documents
Safety and emissions compliance
Left-hand drive and registration eligibility
This inspection may involve emissions and safety checks.
After inspection, Dubai Customs issues a customs clearance certificate — a mandatory document for RTA registration.
5. Release Certificate & Port Pickup
Once duties, VAT, and inspection fees are paid, and all documentation is verified, customs issues a Vehicle Customs Clearance Certificate (VCC). This certificate proves the car has cleared customs and is ready to be registered and released from the port.
Cost Breakdown to Expect (General Guideline)
While actual costs vary by vehicle value and origin, the following are standard expectations:
Customs duty: 5% of CIF value
VAT: 5% of the total value (value + duty)
Inspection and port fees: variable
Brokerage and handling charges if using a clearance agent
Always plan ahead — unexpected storage or re-inspection fees add up quickly.
Common Delays & How to Avoid Them
Even experienced importers run into issues if documents or compliance checks are incomplete. Always:
Verify all vehicle paperwork before shipping
Use accurate CIF and HS code listings
Engage a local customs broker for electronic Mirsal 2 filing
Prepare for RTA inspection requirements
Proactive preparation prevents holds, additional inspections, and port storage charges.
Why Choose Professional Clearance Support?
Dubai Customs interacts directly with licensed brokers and agents. Individuals attempting clearance without experienced support often face:
Digital filing errors
Incorrect declarations
Delays due to missing technical documents
Dedicated customs clearance experts handle every step — from documentation to duty collection and inspection coordination.
Summary of Key Steps
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Documentation Prep | All paperwork ready before arrival |
| Mirsal 2 Filing | Electronic customs declaration |
| Duty & VAT Payment | 5% duty + 5% VAT |
| Vehicle Inspection | Safety and compliance check |
| Clearance Certificate | Release and RTA registration |
This structured process ensures fast, compliant, and reliable vehicle import clearance at Dubai ports.
Conclusion
Importing and clearing cars at Dubai Port doesn’t have to be complex. If your paperwork is accurate and you follow the documented clearance steps, your vehicle will smoothly transition from port arrival to UAE roads.
Whether you’re bringing in personal cars, fleet vehicles, or specialty imports, C4Customs is your trusted partner for comprehensive customs clearance and logistics support across Dubai and UAE ports.
Visit our Car Import & Customs Services page today to learn how we can assist you.