Compliance · ECAS + Arabic + 5% VAT
United Arab Emirates
ECAS registration for regulated products, Arabic labelling, 5% VAT and a local importer for clearance.
Key facts
| Currency | AED |
|---|---|
| Product registration | ECAS registration for regulated categories; EQM for some |
| Labelling | Arabic, often bilingual Arabic/English |
| VAT | 5% |
| Customs duty | Commonly 5% on the CIF value |
| Clearance | A local importer or distributor usually clears and holds registrations |
| Last verified | 2026-10-17 |
Registration follows the product category
The UAE regulates product categories through ESMA and the ECAS scheme, with the Emirates Quality Mark for some goods. Not every product needs registration, but the regulated categories cannot be cleared without the certificate, and the certificate is tied to the product and the applicant.
A foreign seller normally works through a local importer or distributor that holds the registration and clears the goods. That makes partner selection a compliance decision, not only a commercial one: the importer's registration status becomes the seller's route to market.
Arabic labelling and the tax layer
Arabic labelling is required for many consumer products, often alongside English. The label usually carries the importer details, origin and any category-specific warnings. A pan-Arabic label can work, but it has to be reviewed against the UAE requirements rather than assumed from another Gulf market.
VAT is 5% and applies at import and on domestic sales. Customs duty is commonly 5% on the CIF value, so the border cost is modest compared with the registration and labelling work. The landed cost calculator can include both.
Frequently asked questions
Can I ship directly to UAE customers without a local importer?
For regulated products the certificate and clearance usually require a local applicant. For unregulated low-value parcels the route can be simpler, but the category has to be checked first.
Is Arabic labelling always required?
It is required for many consumer categories and is the safe default for retail products. Check the specific standard for the product before printing.
Does the 5% VAT apply to imports?
Yes. VAT applies at import, and customs duty is a separate charge on the CIF value.
Ask a compliance question
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