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1. Rules of Origin ...... 6
1.1 Rules of Origin between UAE & KSA ...... 7
1.1.1 Preferential Rules of Origin – UAE ...... 7
2. Trade Barriers ...... 8
2.1 Trade Barriers in UAE ...... 8
2.1.1 Tariff Barriers ...... 8
2.1.1.1 Basic Customs Duty ...... 8
2.1.1.2 Countervailing Duty, Anti-Dumping Duty, and Safeguard Duty ...... 8
2.1.2 Non-tariff Barriers ...... 9
2.1.2.1 Import Prohibitions ...... 9
2.1.2.2 Import Licensing and Restrictions ...... 9
2.1.2.3 Import Quotas ...... 10
2.1.2.4 Standards ...... 10
2.1.2.5 Technical Regulations ...... 10
2.1.2.6 Certification and Conformity Assessment ...... 11
2.1.2.7 Accreditation ...... 11
2.1.2.8 Labelling ...... 11
2.1.2.9 Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Requirements ...... 12
3. Trade Remedies ...... 12
3.1 Trade Remedies by UAE...... 12
3.1.1 Anti-Dumping, Countervailing, and Safeguard Measures ...... 13
4. Key Ports in UAE ...... 13
4.1 Key Sea Ports in UAE ...... 13
4.2 Shipping Lines used in KSA ...... 15
4.2.1 Major Shipping Lines and Lead Time from KSA to UAE ...... 15
4.2.2 Rates of Key Routes between KSA and UAE ...... 15
4.3 Key Land Ports between UAE and Saudi Arabia ...... 16
4.4 Accessing Key Inland Markets in UAE...... 16
4.4.1 Accessing the 7 Emirates in UAE ...... 16
4.4.2 Sharjah Inland Container Depot (SICD) ...... 19
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5. Free Zones/ Special Economic Zones in UAE ...... 20
5.1 Free Zones in UAE ...... 20
5.1.1 Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) ...... 20
5.1.2 Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA) ...... 21
5.1.3 Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone: ...... 21
5.1.4 Abu Dhabi Free Zone (ADFZ): ...... 21
5.1.5 Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF): ...... 22
5.1.6 Hamriyah Free Zone: ...... 22
5.2 Storage Facilities/ Services Provided at the Ports in UAE ...... 22
5.2.1 Types of Warehouses in UAE ...... 22
5.2.2 Costs of Storage in UAE ports ...... 23
6. Import Process: UAE ...... 23
6.1 Overall Import Process via Land Ports ...... 23
6.2 Overall Import Process via Sea Ports ...... 25
6.3 Customs Clearance Process for Import –Abu Dhabi ...... 26
6.4 Customs Clearance Process for Import - Dubai ...... 28
6.5 Customs Clearance Process for Re-exports ...... 30
6.6 Lead Time and Cost Involved for Overall Import Process: ...... 31
7. Key Import Documents ...... 32
7.1 Summary Table of Key Import Documents ...... 32
7.1.1 Mandatory Documents ...... 32
7.1.2 Additional Documents ...... 32
7.2 Documents Overview ...... 33
7.2.1 Certificate of Origin (DA 59) ...... 33
7.2.2 Commercial Invoice ...... 34
7.2.3 Packing List ...... 35
7.2.4 Ocean Bill of Lading/ Truck Waybill ...... 35
7.2.5 Delivery Order ...... 37
7.2.6 Trade License ...... 37
7.2.7 Import Permit ...... 38
7.2.8 Halal Slaughtering Certificate / Halal Certificate ...... 38
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7.2.9 Phytosanitary Certificate/ Health Certificate ...... 38
7.2.10 Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product ...... 38
8 Key Government Agencies Involved in Import: ...... 39
8.1 Summary Table of Key Government Agencies Involved in the Import Process: ...... 39
8.2 Key Government Agencies Involved in the Specific Industries Targeted by Saudi Arabia ...... 40
9. Key Standard Agencies and their Approval Process – UAE ...... 41
9.1 Standard Agencies According to Industry ...... 41
9.2 Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology ...... 42
9.2.1 Process for Acquiring Certificate of Conformity ...... 42
9.2.2 Key Documents Required ...... 44
9.2.3 Lead Time ...... 44
9.2.4 Costs Involved ...... 44
9.3 Drug registration process in UAE ...... 45
9.3.1 Key Documents Required ...... 46
9.4 Overall Process for Customs Clearance of Food ...... 47
9.4.1 Key Documents Required: ...... 48
10. Packaging and Labelling Regulations – UAE ...... 49
10.1 General Industries ...... 49
10.1.1 Industry Regulator ...... 49
10.1.2 Laws and Regulations ...... 49
10.2 Food Industry ...... 49
10.3.1 Industry Regulator ...... 49
10.3.2 Laws and Regulations ...... 50
10.3.3 Labelling Requirements ...... 50
10.4 Pharma industry ...... 51
10.5.1 Industry Regulator ...... 51
10.5.2 Laws and Regulations ...... 51
11. References ...... 51
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Saudi Export Development Authority “SAUDI EXPORTS” have prepared the Import Guide as a part of its continuous publication on countries. The purpose of this guide is to provide a high-level view of the country imports process, procedures, documentation requirements, stakeholders…etc. based on available public information. Its analysis, perceptions, and anticipations are subject to personal judgment. “SAUDI EXPORTS” is not liable for any consequences caused by the understanding and interpretation of any part of this guide. In general, the information in the report present a broad view of the imports environment of this country. Saudi exporters are encouraged to carry out further studies to be updated and more informed on the import process, procedures, and documentation requirements identified in this report.
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Saudi Arabia and UAE are two of the six member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC); a regional alliance formed in 1981 with the objective of achieving regional cooperation and striving towards a common market.1 As per the provisions of the Unified Economic Agreement between the countries of the GCC, preferential rules of origin are applied to imports into the UAE from KSA.
The Rules of Origin (RoO) for Saudi exports to UAE are primarily governed by the Unified Economic Agreement between the countries of the GCC.2 This has also been ratified by Article 25 of the Common Customs Law of the GCC States.3 The RoO for a product to be thus classified as being of GCC origin are summarized below:
1. For goods to be classified as being of “national origin”, or being “wholly-produced / obtained” from an exporting GCC Member State, it needs to belong to one of the below-listed categories: a) Mineral products extracted from its soil, water, or sea-bed. b) Agricultural products harvested there. c) Animals born and raised there, and products from animals raised there, including products obtained from fishing and hunting conducted there. d) Products of sea fishing and other marine products taken from the sea by its vessels. Also includes products processed and made from these onboard on the vessels. e) Used articles obtained there that are fit only for the recovery of raw materials. f) Waste and scrap obtained from manufacturing operations conducted there. g) Goods obtained from products referred to from (a) to (f)4 h) Goods that have undergone substantial transformation in a member country, with a minimum of 40% value being added in plants owned 51% or more by GCC nationals.
2. Imported goods from Saudi Arabia are to be accompanied by an authenticated Certificate of Origin (CoO) which evidences the GCC origin of goods.5 Saudi exporters can obtain CoOs from the Directorate of Supplies at the
1 UAE Imports and Exports Guide, Government of UAE 2 Unified Economic Agreement between the countries of the GCC 3 GCC Common Customs Law 4 Dubai Customs – Rules of Origin 5 Article 3 of the Unified Economic Agreement between the countries of the GCC
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Ministry of Commerce and Industry or from branches of the Ministry in key cities.6 The CoO for Saudi exports to UAE have to adhere to the format prescribed for exporting to GCC countries, as detailed out in Section 7.2.1.
Countries trading with one another usually face many trade barriers, these include tariff (most common) and non-tariff barriers. In general, the UAE’s trade regime is open with low tariffs and few non-tariff barriers.7 The Unified Economic Agreement between the members of the GCC provides for the elimination of almost all trade barriers between members; however, there are some exemptions. For instance, products that are forbidden to be traded in a member country (as detailed out in Section 2.1.2.1) will be subject to applicable national laws notwithstanding the removal of trade barriers.8 The below sections will outline the trade barriers that exist in the UAE and their relevance to imports from Saudi Arabia.
Basic Customs Duty is a tariff imposed on goods that are transported across international borders. In keeping with the Common Customs Law of the GCC States, all goods that satisfy the GCC Rules of Origin can be imported into UAE without the payment of any basic customs duties. In general, UAE levies a basic customs duty of 5% on the import of goods produced outside the GCC, unless provided for otherwise by bi-lateral trade agreements or other international commitments.
UAE (along with other GCC member states) has ratified the GCC Common Law on Anti-Dumping, Countervailing Measures, and Safeguards. The legislation seeks to provide uniform protection to GCC industries from unfair international trade practices such as dumping (unfair pricing of imported products), countervailing subsidies, and an unjustifiable increase in the imports of certain goods (against which safeguards are implemented). The measures outlined by the common GCC legislative framework apply only to the import of non-GCC goods into the region. As such, UAE cannot impose these measures against Saudi imports into the country. The Ministerial Committee of the GCC states is the competent authority responsible for the imposition of countervailing duty, anti-dumping duty, and safeguard duty (or quotas), if deemed necessary after investigations.
6 U.S. – Saudi Arabian Business Council 7 World Trade Organization 8 Article 3 of the Unified Economic Agreement between the countries of the GCC 9 UAE Imports and Exports Guide, Government of UAE 10GCC Common Law on Anti-dumping, Countervailing Measures and Safeguards
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For the imposition of these measures, a link has to be found between the above mentioned unfair trade practices and material injury (or the threat of) to the GCC domestic industry or the formation of such an industry locally.
The Common Customs Law of the GCC states allows each member country to legislate on and compile a list of products which will be subject to import prohibitions. Imports that are prohibited in one GCC member state and permitted in another cannot enter the member state in which they are prohibited. Under the Law No.13 of 2007 regarding Commodities that are Subject to Import and Export Control Procedures, the import of certain products into the UAE may be prohibited on grounds of public safety, public health, protection of environment, natural resources, and national security, or for reasons related to UAE’s foreign policy commitments. Some of these prohibited goods include retreated tires, materials containing asbestos, etc. For the complete list of goods subject to import prohibitions, kindly visit the link provided below:
https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/s338_e.pdf* Pg. 39, Table 3.4
The Common Customs Law of the GCC, in conjunction with the Law No.13 of 2007 regarding Commodities that are subject to Import and Export Control Procedures, state that goods upon which import restrictions have been placed cannot be brought into the UAE without the prior approval of the relevant supervisory competent authority.13 Further, the comprehensive list of goods restricted for import may vary from one emirate to another in the UAE, as these are specific to the customs authority of each emirate. Some of the goods upon which import restrictions are placed include food items, pharmaceuticals, telecommunication equipment, etc. However, for a general overview of products that are restricted from being imported into the UAE, kindly visit the link provided below: http://dhlguide.co.uk/export-to-united-arab-emirates/ Restricted imports will have to be authorized by the relevant competent authorities prior to being imported into UAE.
11 World Trade Organization 12 World Trade Organization 13 Abu Dhabi eGovernment Gateway
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Currently, the UAE does not have any import quotas on goods that are classified within the 9 industries discussed in this guide.
The standards set in UAE are established on the basis of the provisions made by the Law No.28 of 2001.
The Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) is the nationally recognized body in the UAE for the preparation and application of standards at the federal level.
Being a member of the GCC’s Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO), the UAE along with other GCC member states tries to adopt a unified approach to standardization related matters, for example, conformity assessment procedures.
GCC-wide standards can be proposed by a member state of the GSO, and once approved, the GSO standard is incorporated into the national standards framework of each GCC member state.
ESMA is also a member of the following international organizations:
o International Organization for Standardization (ISO),
o International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC)
o International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML),
o Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC).
As of 2014, there were around 10,848 UAE standards which are largely based on GSO standards.
More information on Standard approval process is provided in Chapter 9 of this guide.
There are a number of laws and regulations in UAE that impose technical regulations on certain products.
ESMA is the WTO-TBT enquiry point for the preparation and application of standards and technical regulations.
In UAE, technical regulations apply to both locally produced and imported products. As of 2014, there were around 793 technical regulations in place.
14 Trade Commissioner Canada *Kindly copy and paste this link on a web browser to know more information and for updates
15 World Trade Organization 16 World Trade Organization
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Technical regulations are formulated by both the ESMA and the relevant Ministries.17
The Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme (ECAS) and the Emirates Quality Mark (EQM) (referred to as Al- Alama) certification and conformity assessment schemes are run by the ESMA to assure conformity of local and imported products with existing national product standards.
The ECAS conformity certification is mandatory while the EQM is voluntary18.
Exporters of certain goods such as cosmetics, detergents, etc. must obtain mandatory ECAS certification from EMSA accredited bodies. For the complete list of goods that require mandatory ECAS certification, kindly visit the link provided below:
http://www.esma.gov.ae/en-us/Services/Pages/Regulated-Producs.aspx
ECAS conformity certificates are valid for one year and should be renewed at least one month before it expires.19
More information on Conformity Assessment procedures is provided in Chapter 9 of this guide.
ESMA accredits conformity assessment bodies in the UAE.
In accordance with the provisions of the Decision of Council of Ministers No.22 of 1 June 2004, the Emirates National Accreditation System (ENAS) at EMAS assesses the accreditation applications of testing and calibration laboratories and ascertains that they follow global guidelines.
Saudi exporters may visit the link provided below for the list of ESMA/ENAS accredited conformity assessment bodies:
http://www.esma.gov.ae/en-us/Services/Pages/Accredited-Clients.aspx
Labelling requirements in the UAE are conceptualized by the Gulf Standardization Organization (GSO). 21
17 World Trade Organization 18 ESMA 19 ESMA 20World Trade Organization 21 UK Department for International Trade
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Generally, a product label and the complementary explanatory statements should be in Arabic. Article 28 of Cabinet Resolution 12 of 2007 ratifies this while also outlining in further detail other specific labelling requirements.22
Goods such as toys, food, chemical products, industrial products, drinking water, textiles, and cosmetics have product-specific labelling requirements that need to be adhered to.23
More information on Labelling is provided in Chapter 10 of this guide.
Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements have to be met prior to importing plants and plant products, animals and animal products, and processed food into UAE.
At the national level, the Ministry of Environment and Water (MOEW) is responsible for providing a regulatory framework for SPS issues, however, each emirate has its own agency for the adoption and enforcement of the SPS regulations provided for by MOEW.
In addition to having a detailed national framework for regulating SPS issues, the UAE’s SPS requirements are in close alignment with GCC wide standards set out by the GSO.
The GCC Guide for Control on Imported Foods was adopted in 2014 by all GCC member states, the Guide outlined the safety and security requirements to be applied by GCC member states while importing food consignments.
More information on the import of products that need to satisfy SPS requirements is provided in chapter 9 of this guide.
As mentioned in Section 2.1.1.2, the regulatory framework for trade remedies that can be exercised by UAE is provided by the GCC Common Law on Anti-Dumping, Countervailing Measures, and Safeguards which is enforced nationally by the Federal Decree No.7 of 2005.
The federal body entrusted with the enactment of contingency trade remedies within the national borders of UAE is the Directorate of Anti-Dumping under the Ministry of Economy.
22 Cabinet of Ministers' Resolution (12) of 2007 23 World Trade Organization 24 World Trade Organization 25 World Trade Organization
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UAE has never initiated or imposed any anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures. However, it does have the power to do so via the procedures outlined under the GCC Common Law on Anti-Dumping, Countervailing Measures, and Safeguards.
The Bureau of the Technical Secretariat for Anti-injurious Practices in International Trade under the GCC Secretariat, the Ministerial Committee of the GCC, and the Permanent Committee of officials from GCC member states are the constituent bodies responsible for investigating and imposing measures remedying the impact of any unfair trade practices on GCC industries.26
Provisional and definitive anti-dumping and countervailing duties may be applied for a maximum period of 4 months and 5 years respectively and these are estimated on the basis of the margin of dumping.
Provisional safeguard measures shall be enforced in the form of tariffs.27
According to World Ports Source, UAE currently has 9 key ports in 4 different emirates.28 Jebel Ali Port in Dubai is the largest marine terminal in the Middle East. 29
An increase in trade flows from Asia to North America and Europe, along with UAE’s strong port capabilities have made it the world’s third-largest re-export market.30
The below table provides more information (like products handled and websites) on the major ports in UAE of strategic importance to Saudi exporters. Also, Figure 1 below highlights the key ports in the UAE of importance to Saudi exporters.
26 World Trade Organization 27 GCC Common Law of Anti-dumping, Countervailing Measures and Safeguards (Rules of Implementation) 28 World Port Source 29 DP World 30 Allport Cargo Services Knowledge
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Figure 1: Map of UAE’s ports that are of strategic importance to KSA
Table 1: Key Ports in UAE
Key Port Location Cargo Handled Website http://www.dpworld.ae/en/content/71/47 Jebel Ali Port Dubai General cargo http://www.dpworld.ae/en/content/45/101 Port Rashid Dubai General cargo
http://www.adports.ae/en/article/khalifa-port/khalifa- General cargo and port-was-inaugurated-on-december-12th-handling-all- Khalifa Port Abu Dhabi containers of-abu-dhabis-container-traffic.html
http://www.adports.ae/en/article/ports/mina- Port Zayed Abu Dhabi General and bulk cargo zayed.html
General, reefer, and dry, http://www.sharjahports.gov.ae/ Port Khalid Sharjah liquid, and bulk cargoes
Port of General cargo and oil http://www.sharjahports.gov.ae/ Sharjah Hamriyah tankers
Port of Khor Containers http://www.sharjahports.gov.ae/ Sharjah Fakkan (transshipment hub)
General cargo, bulk http://fujairahport.ae/ Port of Fujairah cargo, wet bulk cargo, Fujairah and container handling
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According to Linescape, Jeddah, Dammam, and Jubail are the Ports of Call in Saudi Arabia for container ships going to UAE. The average lead time for vessels going to various ports in the UAE vary significantly depending upon the Port of Call. Jebel Ali Port, Khorfakkan, and Abu Dhabi are the only Ports of Destination for ships travelling from KSA to UAE.
For the latest information on the vessel schedules and lead-time, kindly visit the link provided below:
http://www.linescape.com/
Saudi exporters are requested to enter information regarding the Port of Origin, the Destination Port, and the Date of Departure to access information regarding shipping schedules from Saudi Arabia to UAE.
Table 2. Lead Time from KSA to UAE
Lead Time Jebel Ali Khor Fakkan Khalifa (Days)
Jeddah Islamic Port 5 - 6 4 - 6 9 – 10
Jubail Port 1 - 2 3 - 4 -
King Abdul Aziz Port ( Dammam) 1 -2 3 - 4 23-44
King Abdullah City Port 7 -8 6-7 -
The cost of shipping from KSA ports to UAE ports is estimated in Table 3 provided below. Kindly note that the estimates were based on certain assumptions which are also provided in the table. The shipping costs were estimated using the link provided below:
http://worldfreightrates.com/en/freight
Saudi exporters can visit this website to get a quote for their shipping requirements with any combination of assumptions.
Table 3. Shipping cost estimate for the major shipping lines from KSA to UAE
Ports in UAE Jebel Ali Khor Fakkan Khalifa Port
Ports in KSA Cost of Transportation (SAR)*
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Jeddah Islamic Port 8200 - 10200 8100 - 10200 -
Jubail Port 2300 - 2750 2300 - 2800 -
King Abdul Aziz Port 2300 - 2800 2250 – 2750 - (Dammam Port)
*Cost assumptions: 1) Method of shipping selected is ocean 2) Costs were estimated based on the industries available on World Freight Rates 3) The value of all products calculated was priced at 100,000 USD 4) Full container load (FCL) was selected and 40 FT containers 5) None of the accessorial charges (Hazardous or Insurance) were selected 6) The cost of transportation is a rough estimate of the shipping costs and does not take into account the costs involved in export and import
Bilateral trade between Arab Countries, including UAE and Saudi Arabia, is predominantly carried out by road.31 Land ports, therefore, have a key role to play in the advancement of trade relations between Arab member states. There is only one border crossing between UAE and Saudi Arabia as illustrated in Table 4 below:
Table 4. Information about the land port between UAE and Saudi Arabia
Land Port as known in Land Port as known in Saudi Overseeing Competent Overseeing Competent UAE Arabia32 Authority in UAE Authority in Saudi Arabia General Administration of Saudi Customs Al Ghuwaifat Batha Customs in Abu Dhabi
Abu-Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Khor Fakkan, Fujairah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al-Quwain are the 7 emirates in UAE.
Table 5, as shown below, provides information on the distance between the land port and the main departure points in Saudi Arabia, along with the distance between the land port and the various UAE emirates.
31 Arab Union of Land Transport 32 Saudi Customs
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Further, Table 6 provides on overview of the trucking costs that Saudi exporters may have to incur while transporting goods to UAE by land.
Table 5. Accessing various Emirates in UAE from Batha border land port
Departure Point in Saudi Land Port in UAE Arabia Key Inland Markets in UAE Distance from Name Distance from departure point in Name Land Ports in SA Abu Dhabi 377 Km Dubai 476 Km Sharjah 579 Km
Al-Ghuwaifat Ajman 586 Km Riyadh 546 Km (Batha) Ras Al Khaimah 586 Km Dammam 423 Km Umm Al-Quwain 605 Km Jeddah 1492 Km Khor Fakkan 616 Km Fujairah 645 Km
Table 6. Trucking Costs - Estimates33
Point of Overview of Trucking Costs Departure in Saudi Consumer Packaging Chemicals and Key Inland Arabia Textiles Durables Materials Food Products Polymers Markets
33 Camelot Management Consultants Middle East database
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4500-5500 4500-5500 4500-5500 5500-6500 4500-5500 Dubai 4500-5500 4500-5500 4500-5500 5500-6500 4500-5500 Abu Dhabi Riyadh 4500-5500 4500-5500 4500-5500 5500-6500 4500-5500 Sharjah Ras Al 5500-6500 5500-6500 5500-6500 6500-7500 5500-6500 Khaimah 3500-4500 3500-4500 3500-4500 4500-5500 3500-4500 Dubai 3500-4500 3500-4500 3500-4500 4500-5500 3500-4500 Abu Dhabi Dammam 3500-4500 3500-4500 3500-4500 4500-5500 3500-4500 Sharjah Ras Al 4500-5500 4500-5500 4500-5500 5500-6500 4500-5500 Khaimah 5500-6500 5500-6500 5500-6500 6500-7500 5500-6500 Dubai 5500-6500 5500-6500 5500-6500 6500-7500 5500-6500 Abu Dhabi Jeddah 5500-6500 5500-6500 5500-6500 6500-7500 5500-6500 Sharjah Ras Al 6500-7500 6500-7500 6500-7500 7500-8500 6500-7500 Khaimah
Table 7. Accessing various UAE Emirates from key national sea ports
Departure point in UAE (Sea Port) Key Inland markets in UAE Distance from Name Important Sea Ports
Abu Dhabi 96 Km Dubai 98 Km Sharjah 133 Km Ajman 139 Km Khalifa Port Umm Al Quwain 159 Km Ras Al Khaimah 207 Km Khor Fakkan 238 Km Fujairah 257 Km
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Khor Fakkan 5.1 Km Fujairah 18.7 Km Ras Al Khaimah 113 Km Sharjah 129 Km Umm Al-Quwain 140 Km Port of Khorfakkan Dubai 148 Km Abu Dhabi 281 Km Ajman 143 Km Ras Al Khaimah 113 Km Umm Al-Quwain 140 Km
Dubai 36.8 Km Sharjah 74.4 Km Ajman 75.6 Km Umm Al-Quwain 102 Km Jebal Ali Port Abu Dhabi 131 Km Ras Al-Khaimah 142 Km Khor Fakkan 175 Km Fujairah 202 Km
Sharjah Inland Container Depot (SICD) is owned and operated by Gulftainer, which also operates Khorfakkan Container Terminal and Sharjah Container Terminal. Thus, SICD is well-positioned to facilitate inland market access for goods arriving at both these port terminals. Bonded trucking transportation exists between these ports (Momentum Transport, a subsidiary of Gulftainer) and SICD, and customs clearance formalities and payment of duties can be deferred until good are removed for entry into local market distribution or for re-export.
34 Gulftainer 35 Sharjah Inland Container Depot
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The following services are offered at SICD:
Handling of containers General and bonded warehousing Intermediate storage of containers while switching modes of transportation Receipt and delivery of containers and general cargo Inland depot functions such as the storage of empty containers Container cleaning, maintenance, and repair services Customs clearance services Physical distribution services Inland transportation services provided by Momentum Transport, a subsidiary of Gulftainer Bonded trucking services are also provided by Momentum from Sharjah and Khorfakkan ports
Free Zones in UAE are established under the laws and regulations of the emirates in which it is present. Incentives and facilities provided in the Free Zones of UAE have attracted foreign and local investments. Companies can be either registered as a Free Zone Establishment (FZE) or a Free Zone company (FZCO) in the Free Zones. Every free zone is regulated by an independent free zone authority. Some of the key free zones in UAE are discussed in detail below:
Jebel Ali Free Zone was established under Ordinance No. 1 of 1980, its governing body, Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, was established under Decree No 1 of 1985 in Dubai. Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) develops the infrastructure; provides the regulatory framework for the activities carried out in the Free Zone; and issue licenses and definitive leases. 37. JAFZA provides the following key trade incentives38:
Zero % Corporate tax for 50 years Zero % Import or re-export duties No Currency restrictions Onsite services such as customs, government offices and banks. 100% Foreign ownership 100% Repatriation of capital and profits Zero % Personal income tax
36 PKF 37 JAFZA 38 JAFZA
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Dubai Airport Free Zone was established in 1996 for facilitating import and export trade in Dubai. Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority is responsible for developing infrastructure and regulating the free zone39. The key trade-related incentives provided by DAFZA are:
100% Income Tax exemption 100% Corporate Tax exemption 100% Import Export tax exemption No Currency Restrictions 100% Foreign company ownership 100% Repatriation of capital and profits
Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone was established under the Abu Dhabi Executive Council Resolution No. 61 of 2010. The Free Zone is developed by Sky City under the Abu Dhabi Airports Company. The key trade incentives provided by Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone are:
100% Corporate tax exemption 100% Import and Export exemption 100% Personal income tax exemption 100% Foreign company ownership 100% Repatriation of capital and profits
ADFZ is located in Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi and is regulated by the Abu Dhabi Ports Operating Company. Key trade related incentives by ADFZ are:
100% Foreign ownership 100% Exemption from corporate tax Zero % Personal income taxes 0% Import tariffs 100% Repatriation of both capital and profits.
39 DAFZ 40 AbuDhabi Government 41 KIZAD
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SAIF was established in 1995 and is developed and regulated by the SAIF Authority. SAIF provides the following trade related incentives42:
100% Exemption from import and export duties 100 % Free transfer of funds 100% Exemption from corporate tax 100% Exemption from income tax
Hamriyah Free Zone is developed and regulated by the Hamriyah Free Zone Authority. Hamriyah Free Zone Authority was established in 1995 in Sharjah under the Emiri Decree No. 6 of 1995. . The key trade related incentives provided by the Hamriyah Free Zone Authority are:
100% Exemption from Import and Export tax 100% Commercial duties exemption 100% Repatriation of capital and profits. 100% Exemption from corporate tax 100% Exemption from personal income tax
Private warehouses are customs warehouses that provide storage facilities which are owned and managed by private or corporate companies. Goods in private warehouses are stored under the control of Customs Administration and customs duties are suspended for the same. . For more information about private warehouses, kindly visit the link provided below:
http://www.dubaitrade.ae/toolbox/download/category/53-business-environment-articles?download=485:private- customs-warehouses
Public warehouses are customs warehouses that provide storage facilities which are owned and managed by an investing body (can be a person or a company). Goods can be stored in public warehouses under Customs
42 SAIF 43 HFZA 44 Dubai Trade 45 Dubai Trade
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administration and customs duties are deferred against the services charges that are paid by the investing body. For more information about public warehouses, kindly visit the link provided below:
http://www.dubaitrade.ae/toolbox/download/category/53-business-environment-articles?download=475:public- customs-warehouses
The cost of storage of goods in UAE vary from emirate to emirate.
For information about the cost of storage in Abu Dhabi, kindly visit the link provided below: http://adterminals.ae/docs/tariffs/2014-khalifa-port-container-terminal-tariff.pdf?sfvrsn=2
For information about the cost of storage in Dubai, kindly visit the link provided below: http://dpworld.ae/uploads/Download/English/551229201434706AM550-Tariff%20-%202015%20- %20updated%20as%20of%2030102014.pdf
For information about the cost of storage in Sharjah, kindly visit the link provided below:
http://www.sharjahports.gov.ae/Docs.Viewer/f76ee586-1aa7-42b1-859f-a850e9be156a/default.aspx
According to the Customs Procedures Manual, goods imported into UAE can be declared for the following purposes:47
Import – Goods can be imported for local consumption Export Re-export Temporary Admission – Goods can be imported to complete manufacturing and then re-exported Transit – Goods can be imported for transit purposes. Free Zones – Import of goods into free zone or duty free zones Statistics – Goods imported for free movement within the GCC region
The overall import process via land ports for UAE, as detailed out in the UAE Imports and Exports Guide is illustrated in the Figure 2 below:
Stage I: Pre Import Arrangements There are pre-import arrangements that are to be made by the exporter. Exporter has to find a freight forwarder to transport goods to the destination. Documents that are required for the clearance process must be obtained by the exporter.
46 UAE Import and Export Guide 47 AbuDhabi Customs
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Stage II: Freight forwarder picks goods from exporter The freight forwarder collect the goods from the warehouse or the factory of the exporter. The exporter provides all the documents that are required for customs clearance to the freight forwarder.
Stage III: Arrival at UAE Land Border The freight forwarder reaches the land border with the goods and the required documents.
Illustrative Import Process via Land Port
I II III
Pre-import Freight forwarder picks Arrival at UAE Arrangements up goods from exporter Land Border
$
Zoll Douane
VI V IV
Logistics and Customs clearance Customer / Importer Transportation and payment of duties
= Process stage Figure 2: Overall Import Process via Land Port-- UAE
Stage IV: Customs clearance and payment of duties The freight forwarder presents the goods to the customs authorities, submits the required documents for customs clearance process, and pays the duties for the goods.
Stage V: Logistics and Transportation Goods are released after all the import requirements are met and duties are paid. The freight forwarder collects the goods from the customs.
Stage VI: Importer / Customer Imported goods are received by the importer/customer.
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The importer has the option of carrying out the import procedures either online or manually through the Port and Customs documentation center. The Figure 3 below illustrates the paperless import process via sea ports for UAE as detailed out in the UAE Imports and Exports Guide.
Illustrative import process via Sea Port
I II III
Pre-Import Bill of Entry via EDI Ship arrives Arrangements and payment of duties
$
Zoll Douane
VI V IV
Customer/Importer Logistics and Customs clearance at Transportation port
= Process stage Figure 3: Overall Import Process via Sea Port-- UAE
Stage I: Pre Import Arrangements Prior to the arrival of goods, there are pre-import arrangements that are to be made by the importer. The importer has to obtain an Import Permit from the competent authorities for importing restricted goods. Further, the importer must be registered at the local trade facilitation entity.
48 UAE Exports and Imports Guide
25
Stage II: Bill of Entry via EDI and payment of duties The importer/ agent completes the import declaration application via EDI (the EDI systems vary depending upon the Emirate of entry) to the Customs clearance. Alternatively, the importer can complete this step manually at the Ports and Customs documentations centers. Based on the information provided, the importer pays all the duties and fees related to the process. Once the fees are paid, customs authorities will evaluate the information provided in the customs declaration form and may mandate inspection and examination of goods by a relevant competent authority.
Stage III: Ship arrives The importer/ agent can check online the arrival status of the ship using the Vessel Enquiry service. Additionally, the importer can check the discharge status of the imported goods via the Container Enquiry e-service. The goods are discharged from the ship by the port authorities.
Stage IV: Customs clearance at port After the discharge of goods, the importer can nominate a hauler service to collect the goods from the port. The importer can schedule the pick-up of the discharged goods online, wherein he is assigned an e-token number. The e-token number is presented by the hauler service to the port authorities. If inspection of imported goods is mandated by the Customs Import Declaration, the hauler transports the imported goods from the port to the inspection area of the competent authority.
Stage V: Logistics/Transportation Following the conclusion of a satisfactory inspection, the hauler can exit the port by displaying a copy of the EIR (the inspection report) to the gate security staff.
Stage VI: Importer / Customer The hauler company delivers the imported goods to the importer’s warehouse.
Customs Clearance process as set out in the customs procedures manual the General Administration of Customs is illustrated in the figure 4 below:
Stage I: Prior to filing Bill of Entry 1. Prior to the customs clearance process, the importer pays AED 50 and obtains an importer number from the customs center. 2. The importer obtains all the documents required for the customs clearance process. 3. The importer appoints a clearing agent to complete the customs process on his behalf.
49 Abu Dhabi Customs
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Illustrative Customs Process
I II III Prior to filing Bill of Bill of entry Review of Entry Via EDI documents
$
VI V IV Customs declaration Payment of Duties Examination of is issued for imported goods imported goods
= Process stage Figure 4: Customs clearance process– Abu Dhabi
Stage II: Bill of Entry via EDI 1. Customs clearing agent completes the Bill of Entry online on the Electronic Data Interface (EDI) 2. A Job number for the entry will be generated by the EDI Note: EDI of Abu Dhabi Customs is called as Dhabi system
Stage III: Review of Documents 1. The applicant submits the documents required for the customs clearance process and the transaction slip which has the job number to the Clearance Section officer. 2. The Customs officer will verify whether the documents required are submitted. 3. The Customs officer will verify whether the necessary approvals or permissions have been obtained. 4. The Customs officer will verify the validity of the information provided by the applicant. 5. Based on the assessment thus far, the Customs officer will determine the next step (release, inspection, and examination) in the customs clearance process
Stage IV: Examination of imported goods 1. If the Customs officer decides that goods are to be referred for inspection or examination, the imported goods are either transferred to the relevant competent authorities, or the agent secures approval from the authorities
27
and returns to the Clearance Section. If the imported products complies with all the product or industry-specific requirements, the relevant authorities provide the necessary approvals.
Stage V: Payment of duties After the imported goods are ready for release, then the customs duties are collected from the applicant.
Stage VI: Customs declaration issuance After the duties are paid, the customs officer prints out the customs declarations and gives it to the applicant. The applicant can receive the goods from the Delivery Section.
Customs Clearance process, as set out in the Customs Procedures Manual by the General Administration of Customs is illustrated in the figure 5 below
Stage I: Prior to filing Bill of Entry 1. Importer must obtain all the documents required for customs clearance process 2. Importer has to submit the original bill of lading to the shipping agent. 3. Importer must obtain the delivery order from the shipping agent 3- 4 days before the arrival of the ship. 4. After obtaining the delivery order, the importer can settle the port dues online. 5. An import permit must be obtained from the relevant authorities for importing restricted goods.
Stage II: Bill of entry Via EDI and Payment of Duties The importer/ agent completes the import declaration application via EDI to the Customs clearance. Importer pays the duty and other fees using the CDR account or e-payment by credit card or debit card. If the payment is via CDR account, then the importer can download and print the customs import declaration immediately after customs approval. Note: EDI of Dubai customs is called as Mirsal 2.
Stage III: Review of documents Once the fees is paid, customs authorities will evaluate the information provided in the customs declaration form. Customs authorities may mandate inspection and examination of imported goods by relevant competent authorities.
50 Dubai Trade
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Illustrative Customs Process
I II III Prior to filing Bill of Bill of entry Review of Entry Via EDI and Payment of documents Duties
$
V IV Inspection report is Examination of issued imported goods
= Process stage Figure 5: Customs Clearance Process– Dubai
Stage IV: Examination of imported goods If inspection of imported goods is stated in the customs import declaration, the hauler transports the import goods from the port to the inspection area of the competent authority. Competent authorities will inspect the goods to check whether the requirements are fulfilled.
Stage V: Importer / Customer Once the inspection process is cleared, an Equipment Interchange Receipt (EIR) will be provided after which the hauler can pick up the imported goods from the relevant authorities warehouse. For transport of goods from the port, the Hauler must present the EIR to the gate securities. The hauler company delivers the imported goods at the importer’s warehouse.
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GCC countries follow a Unified Procedure for Customs Clearance at the first port of entry since 2015. Kindly visit the link provided below for more information about this: http://www.sharjahcustoms.gov.ae/Files/CustomsAffairs/En/GCC%20Unified%20Guide%20For%20customs%20proc edures.pdf According to the Customs Procedures Manual by the General Administration of Customs, the customs clearance process for re-exports is illustrated in the figure 6 below:
Illustrative Customs Process for Re-export
I II III Prior to filing Bill of Bill of entry Review of Entry Via EDI documents
$
VI V IV Export declaration is Payment of fees for Examination of goods issued goods
= Process stage Figure 6: Customs Clearance Process for re-exports
Stage I: Prior to filing Bill of Entry 1. Applicant delivers the goods to the transport agency and obtains the Bill of Lading. 2. The importer obtains all the documents that are required for the customs clearance process. 3. The applicant will submit all the documents to the export officer and will obtain a customer code if he doesn’t have one. Stage II: Bill of Entry via EDI 1. Applicant completes the Bill of Entry online on the Electronic Data Interface (EDI). 2. A Job number for the entry will be generated by the EDI.
51 Abu Dhabi Customs, Dubai Customs
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Stage III: Review of Documents 1. The export officer will verify whether the documents required are submitted. 2. For export-restricted or prohibited goods, the export officer will verify whether the necessary approvals or permissions have been obtained. 3. The export officer will verify the validity of the information provided by the applicant.
Stage IV: Examination of imported goods 1. For inspection and examination, imported goods will be transferred to the relevant authorities. 2. The relevant authorities will authorize the approvals required for re-export of the goods. 3. In case of any violations, the goods will be returned to the export section for fulfilling the procedures.
Stage V: Payment of fees The applicant must pay the service fees to obtain export declaration.
Stage VI: Customs declaration issuance The export officer will issue the declaration for exporting the products.
Stage VI: Export verification 1. The export officer verifies the re-exported goods against the goods that enter the country. 2. The export officer records the conformity of the products on the invoices that are attached to the declarations.
According to the World Bank, the lead time and the costs involved in the import of a standard goods shipment are listed in the table 8 below: Table 8: Lead Time and Cost for Overall Import Process – UAE Lead Time Cost S. No Import Procedure (Hours) (SAR)
1 Documents preparation 37 1060
2 Customs clearance and inspections 72 2540
Total: 3600
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Seven mandatory documents are required for importing goods into UAE.
Table 9: Mandatory Documents for Importing – UAE
Procured Procured # Document 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 from for Relevant 1 Certificate of Origin Customs Authorities 2 Commercial Invoice Exporter Customs 3 Packing List Exporter Customs Ocean Bill of Transport 4 Lading/ Truck Customs Company Waybill Transport 5 Delivery Order Customs Company Relevant 6 Trade license Customs authorities Relevant 7 Statistical statement Customs Authorities Note: 1 - Building Materials, 2 - Chemicals & Polymers, 3 - Food Products, 4 - Packaging, 5 - Consumer Durables, 6 - Heavy Machinery & Electronics, 7 - Precious Metals & Jewelry 8 - Pharmaceuticals, 9 – Textiles
A number of additional documents are generally required for customs clearance, those documents are provided in the table 10 below:
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Table 10: Additional Documents for Importing – UAE
Procured # Document Procured from 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 for Relevant 1 Import permit Customs Authorities Halal Slaughtering Islamic 2 Customs certificate association Phytosanitary/ Origin Regulatory 3 Customs Health Certificate body Certificate of Relevant Regulation 4 Pharmaceutical Authorities in bodies Product54 Country of Origin Note: 1 - Building Materials, 2 - Chemicals & Polymers, 3 - Food Products, 4 - Packaging, 5 - Consumer Durables, 6 - Heavy Machinery & Electronics, 7 - Precious Metals & Jewelry 8 - Pharmaceuticals, 9 – Textiles
The Certificate of Origin (CoO), according to the International Chamber of Commerce, is a document which attests that the goods imported are wholly obtained, produced, manufactured, or processed in a particular country.
Figure 7: CoO for Industrial Products Exported to GCC Countries
54 CPD=Pharma 55 International Chamber of Commerce
33
Figure 8: CoO for Agricultural and Animal Products Exported to GCC Countries
The commercial invoice is a bill provided for the purchase of goods, which is provided to the buyer by the seller. Such invoices are mostly used in foreign trade as it allows governments to identify the actual value of the goods when they are assessed for Customs duties. The transportation company will require the original and two photocopies of the commercial invoice57.
Figure 9: Commercial Invoice
56 Aramex
57 UAE Import export guide
34
Packing list provides detailed information about the shipment. An international packing list contains details about the date of shipment, seller, buyer, shipper, invoice number, the type of package, such as a box, crate, drum, or carton, mode of transport, carrier, and itemizes quantity, description, the quantity of packages, total net and gross weight (in kilograms), package marks, and dimensions. 58
Figure 10: Packing List
The Bill of Lading as defined by the International Trade Centre (Intracen) acts as59,
A receipt where the carrier acknowledges that he has received the carriage and acts as an evidence for the contract of carriage. A transferable document of title where the goods are delivered by handing over a bill of lading provided the shipment was consigned ‘to order’ and all the following validations are in order.
58Aramex 59 Intracen
35
An Ocean Bill of Lading must be submitted for imports via sea and Truck Waybill must be provided for land imports.
Figure 11: Ocean Bill of Landing
Figure 12: Truckway Bill
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A Delivery Order is a document issued by the carrier, in exchange for:
One or all of the duly endorsed Original Bill(s) of Lading or duly authorized and issued Bank Guarantee. A Telex Release confirmation from the loading port or principal confirming surrender of one or all of the Original bills of lading issued for the shipment. A copy of a Seaway bill.
Figure 12: Delivery Order
Trade license provides permission for a company or individual to carry on a particular trade or business and is issued by the local authorities.61
Figure 13: Sample of Dubai Trade License
60 Shipping and Freight resource 61 Ranchi Municipal
37
An Import permit is required from product-specific imports and should be obtained from competent authorities for the import of restricted items. It is required for the purposes of customs clearance.62
The Halal Certificate is issued by a competent authority as an assurance that a particular product has been thoroughly investigated and found to conform to the Islamic Sharia laws63.
Figure 15: Import Permit
The purpose of the health certificate is to protect human health and safety, and to keep international trade under control. A Phytosanitary Certificate is issued by the plant protection organization of the exporting country to the plant protection organization of the importing country affirming that the product satisfies national phytosanitary requirements. 64
The “Certificate of a Pharmaceutical Product” is provided to certify that the product conforms all requirements prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is furnished when a particular product’s licensing is pending and will authorize its importation and sale or for renewal, extension, amending or reviewing a license.
62 Dubai Customs 63 TMFB 64 Canadian Government 65 FDA
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There are a number of government entities that are involved in the import process in UAE. These entities or agencies are summarized with their roles in the import process and websites in the table 11 provided below.
Table 11: Key Government Agencies involved in Import
Emirates Government Agencies Role Website
Responsible for the development and implementation of https://www.customs.ae/E UAE Federal Customs Authority customs procedures at a n/Home/Pages/default.asp national level. x Responsible for regulating the customs process in UAE. Responsible for the http://www.abudhabicham Abu Dhabi Chamber of development of ber.ae/English/AboutUs/Pa Commerce and Industry commercial trade ges/Profile.aspx activities. Abu Dhabi General Responsible for the http://www.auhcustoms.go Abu Administration of Customs administration of customs v.ae/Home.aspx Dhabi procedures. Department of Economic Responsible for proposing https://ded.abudhabi.ae/en Development economic and commercial /about-us policies. Abu Dhabi Ports Company Responsible for http://www.adpc.ae/en developing port facilities. http://www.dubaicustoms. Responsible for the Dubai Customs gov.ae/en/Pages/default.as administration of customs procedures in Dubai. px Dubai http://www.dubaided.gov. Department of Economic Responsible for preparing ae/english/pages/default.as development and implementing economic plans. px
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Responsible for issuing trade documents like http://www.dubaichamber. Dubai Chamber certificate of origin, com/ commercial documents etc. in Dubai Responsible for Dubai Trade http://www.dubaitrade.ae/ facilitating interregional and international trade. Responsible for issuing Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & trade documents like http://www.sharjah.gov.ae Industry certificate of origin, /EN/Pages/default.aspx commercial documents etc. in Sharjah. Responsible for Department of Seaports and http://www.sharjahports.g controlling the movement Sharjah Customs of goods and providing ov.ae/ port facilities. Responsible for the http://www.sharjahcustom Sharjah Customs supervision and control of s.gov.ae/en/home movement of goods. Economic Development Responsible for preparing http://www.sedd.ae/seddp Department and implementing ortal/english/index.xhtml economic plans.
There are a number of other governmental entities or agencies involved in the import process in UAE based on the type of industry or products. A list of key entities or agencies along with information such as the industry/ product types they serve, role in the import process, and websites are given in the table 12 provided below:
Table 12: Government Agencies involved in the Import for Specific Industries
Emirates Product/Industr Government agency Function/Role Website y
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Develops specifications and Emirates Authority http://www.esma.gov technical regulations for for Standardization All products .ae/en- products. & Meteorology us/Pages/index.aspx Regulates imported products. UAE http://www.moh.gov. Responsible for issuing Ministry of Health – Pharmaceutical ae/en/Services/Pages guidelines for importing Drug Department products /ServiceDescription.a pharmaceutical products spx?PID=7 http://www.adfca.ae/ Abu Dhabi Food Regulates the import of food Food products english/pages/default control products .aspx Abu Dhabi Responsible for issuing Environment Chemical guidelines for importing https://www.ead.ae/ Agency Abu Dhabi products chemical products https://www.dha.gov Dubai Health Provides policy for food Food products .ae/ar/Pages/DHAHo Authority imports me.aspx Responsible for issuing guidelines for importing Dubai products. http://login.dm.gov.a Dubai Municipality All Products Responsible for ensuring e/wps/portal/home_ safety of food products. ar Responsible for providing conformity of products. Responsible for issuing guidelines for importing products. Sharjah Responsible for regulating http://portal.shjmun. Sharjah All Products Municipality food products. gov.ae/ Responsible for providing laboratories for conformity assessment
Saudi exporters in the nine industries identified by “SAUDI EXPORTS” are to obtain certificates for the import of products to UAE from the standard agencies provided in table 13
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Table 13: Government Agencies involved in the import for specific industries
Standard Agency S. No Emirate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Web link Name Emirates Authority http://www.esma.gov.a 1 UAE for Standardization e/en- & Meteorology us/Pages/index.aspx http://www.adfca.ae/e Abu Abu Dhabi Food 2 nglish/pages/default.as Dhabi Control px http://login.dm.gov.ae/ 3 Dubai Dubai Municipality wps/portal/home_ar http://portal.shjmun.go v.ae/en/OurSectors/Se Sharjah 4 Sharjah ctorAndPublicHealth/D Municipality epartmentOfPublicHeal th/Pages/Home.aspx http://www.moh.gov.a Ministry of Health – e/en/Services/Pages/Se 5 UAE Drug Department rviceDescription.aspx?P ID=7 Note: 1 - Building Materials, 2 - Chemicals & Polymers, 3 - Food Products, 4 - Packaging, 5 - Consumer Durables, 6 - Heavy Machinery & Electronics, 7 - Precious Metals & Jewelry - Pharmaceuticals, 9 – Textiles
ESMA was established under the Law No. 28/2001 as the sole federal authority in UAE for the preparation and application of various product standards66. ESMA administers two schemes: the mandatory Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme (ECAS), and the voluntary Emirates Quality Mark / Al Alama (EQM). Products are verified for compliance with national and/or GSO requirements under the ECAS scheme after which the certificate of conformity is issued to the manufacturer or importer.67
The process to register products subject to import regulations under the Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme (ECAS) is illustrated in the figure 16 below:
66 ESMA 67 ISO 68 ESMA
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Illustrative Process for Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme Application I II III
Find a local Application form, Assessment of Documents partner in UAE related documents and Inspection of Samples and samples.
$
IV
Certificate of conformity is issued
= Process stage Figure 16: Emirates Conformity Assessment Certificate Process
Stage I: Saudi exporters must select and authorize a local partner to apply for a Certificate of Conformity on their behalf. The local partner must have a warehouse where the imported products can be stored. Additionally, they must also possess a valid Trade/ Industrial license issued by the relevant authorities.
Stage II: For obtaining the certificate of conformity, the applicant submits the application form online. Kindly visit the link to obtain the online application form: http://www.esma.gov.ae/en-us/Services/Pages/ECAS.aspx The applicant also submits all relevant documents or technical requirements to demonstrate the compliance of the products with the requirements of the EMSA standards. All fees relevant to obtaining a Certificate of Conformity is paid by the importer.
Stage III: ESMA accepts the application for assessment and collects the sample for testing. Based on the product type, ESMA carriers out various tests on the sample products to ensure that the product fulfills all the requirements laid down by ESMA. ESMA authorities may also visit the warehouses to verify the conformity of the products.
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Stage IV: Once the results of conformity assessment demonstrate that the relevant requirements are met, ESMA issues the ECAS certificate of conformity to the applicant. The ECAS Certificate of Conformity is valid for one year and serves as the product approval which can then be used to market the registered product.
The key documents required to obtain the certificate of conformity are mentioned below:
1. A completed application form with signatures from both the manufacturer and the local partner/ applicant. For obtaining certificates of conformity for different types of products, separate applications must be submitted. 2. Importer’s valid Trade / Industrial License issued by relevant authorities. 3. Location Map of the importers’ warehouse. 4. Form of undertaking stating that the requirements of the Emirates Conformity Assessment Schemes have been fulfilled. 5. Quality Manual, Quality Plan and other product documents, as specified by the particular ECAS product scheme 6. Distributorship authorization from the manufacturer or owner of the product. 7. Set of Samples of product for registration.
The process for obtaining the Certificate of Conformity will be completed in 8 working days.
Table 13: Costs Involved
Cost S. No Contents (SAR)
1 Application for Registration 600
2 Issuance for conformity certificate 500
3 Document review 400/hour
4 Renewal of conformity certificate 200
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For more information about the costs for obtaining the certificate of conformity, Saudi exporters are kindly requested to visit the link provided below:
http://www.esma.gov.ae/en-us/Services/Pages/ECAS.aspx
The drug registration process in the UAE is illustrated in the figure 17 below:
Stage I: Saudi exporter must find a local partner for registering the drug in UAE. The local partner must be a citizen of UAE and must have a pharmaceutical warehouse which is managed by a licensed pharmacist. The warehouse must fulfill the health and technical conditions as provided for by relevant health authorities.
Stage II: Authorities will inspect the warehouse and confirm that all the requirements are fulfilled by the applicant. If the authorities are satisfied with the results of the inspection, provide a warehouse license is provided to the applicant.
Stage III: The applicant will submit the required documents along with the completed application form for registering the drug in UAE. Documented information of a clinical trial of the product must also be submitted. To access the application form used to register a pharmaceutical, kindly visit the link provided below: http://www.cpd-pharma.ae/downloads/3-Conventional%20%20Reg/Form%20F001- a%20New%20Application%20form%20for%20medicinal%20product%206-12-2006.pdf
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Illustrative of Drug Registration Process
I II III
Find a local Authorities inspect partner in UAE Application form the warehouse and drug dossier is submitted
V IV Drug is registered Drug dossier and application is evaluated
= Process stage Figure 17: Drug Registration Process
Stage IV: The documents that are submitted are reviewed by the competent authorities who may then request for further information about the products.
Stage V: Once the evaluation is successful, the drug is registered in UAE and is listed on the drug list and can be imported by the importer.
The key documents required for the drug registration process are mentioned below: 1. Completely filled application form. 2. Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (CPP) issued by competent authorities from country of origin or Free Sale Certificate (FSC) for the product. For more details on the information required on the CPP, kindly visit the link provided below: http://www.cpd-pharma.ae/downloads/2-Complementary%20Medicines/GSL.pdf 3. Statement demonstrating the key ingredients used; needs to demonstrate that the product is free from any constituents that has a detrimental impact on the health of consumers.
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4. Halal certificate issued by authorized competent bodies. 5. Valid company registration certificate issued by the UAE Ministry of Health Drug Control Department. 6. BSE/TSE certificate. 7. Sample labels of the product. 8. Contract between the manufacturer and the marketing authorization holder.
Gulf Cooperation Council has provided guidelines for importing food products to the GCC. Competent authorities from the member countries ensure that the imported food products complies with the GCC requirements. For more information on the GCC food import guide, kindly visit the link provided below: http://trakhees.ae/en/ehs/fs/Documents/Circulars/circularfh15-27.pdf Note: The food import process may vary from Emirate to Emirate. For more information, Saudi exporters are kindly requested to contact the responsible authority mentioned in Chapter 9.1 to get more information.
The overall food import process of the UAE is illustrated in the figure 18 below:
Stage I: Importer collects all the required documents for the customs clearance process. Importer completes the customs declaration online via EDI. Importer must provide all the details about the importer products in respect to the HS code.
Stage II: The customs officer will validate the information submitted on the EDI and will evaluate the associated documents. Once the customs declaration is accepted, the system provides the information of inspection procedures and the relevant authorities
Stage III: The importer submits all health certificates and the documents of the imported goods to the responsible food inspector in the local food control authority
Stage IV: The documents that are submitted are reviewed by the food inspector and the imported products are assigned to the appropriate channel depending upon the risk and predefined parameters as provided below. Green channel: If a document review of the imported product is sufficient. Yellow channel: If a document review and examination of products are required.
71 AbuDhabi Food Control Authority, Dubai Trade
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Red channel: If a document review, cargo inspection and laboratory analysis is required.
Illustrative Food Import Process
I II III
Customs declaration Customs officer evaluates Certificates and and documents the Documents goods are submitted submission
VI V IV
Goods are cleared Food products are Food inspector evaluates evaluated the Documents
= Process stage Figure 18: The Overall Food Import Process Stage V: Once the review or/ and cargo inspection/and is successful, then the food is cleared at the port and the importer can collect the products from the relevant authorities.
The key Documents required for import of food products are mentioned below: 1. Packing list. 2. Certificate of Origin. 3. Health Certificate and phytosanitary certificates. 4. Importing permission or commercial license. 5. Bill of entry. 6. Temperature records of the imported foods. 7. HALAL slaughtering certificate. 8. Nutrition and/or health claims as stated on the food label.
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Gulf Standard Organization provides the standards and technical regulations for importing products to the GCC. GSO provides the conformity assessment procedures for the imported products. For more information about GSO, kindly visit the link provided below: http://www.gso.org.sa/
The regulator for general industries is the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology. For more information about the regulator, Saudi exporters may visit the link provided below: http://www.esma.gov.ae/
ESMA was established under the Law No. 28/2001. For more information about the laws and regulations, Saudi exporters may visit the link provided below: http://www.esma.gov.ae/en-us/ESMA/Pages/Laws-and-Legislations.aspx
The Gulf Standards Organization (GSO) regulates food products in the GCC region. Standards for Halal food products are provided by the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC). For more information about SMIIC, kindly visit the link provided below: http://www.smiic.org/ The key food regulators of the different emirates in UAE are summarized in the table 14 below:
Table 14: Key Industry Regulators
Emirates Regulator Website
Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Food Control http://www.adfca.ae/english/pages/default.aspx
Dubai Dubai Municipality http://login.dm.gov.ae/wps/portal/home_ar
Sharjah Sharjah Municipality http://portal.shjmun.gov.ae/en/OurSectors/SectorAndPublicHe alth/DepartmentOfPublicHealth/Pages/Home.aspx
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For more information about the labelling regulations of GSO, kindly visit the link provided below: http://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools- databases/tbt/en/search/?tbtaction=get.project&Country_ID=KWT&num=277&dspLang=en&basdatedeb=09/07/201 5&basdatefin=30/07/2015&baspays=&baspays2=&basnotifnum=&basnotifnum2=&bastypepays=ANY&baskeywords =&project_type_num=1&project_type_id=1&lang_id=EN For more information about the laws and regulations governing the labelling of food products in Abu Dhabi, Saudi exporters may visit the link provided below: https://www.adfca.ae/English/PolicyAndLegislations/Laws/Documents/law-En.pdf For more information about the laws and regulations governing the labelling of food products in Dubai, Saudi exporters may visit the link provided below: https://login.dm.gov.ae/wps/wcm/connect/2a153865-07d6-4ed1-a661-68f2990d3ac2/IMPORT+AND+RE- EXPORT+REQUIREMENTS+FOR+FOODSTUFF+Eng.pdf?MOD=AJPERES
The labelling requirements for food products are listed in the Table 15 below: Table 15: Labelling Requirements for Food Products
S. no Category Information required 1 Name of the food Name that identifies the true nature of the food
The following details are to be provided in descending order of weight: List of food additives 2 List of all ingredients Declaration of foodstuffs and ingredients that have the potential to cause hypersensitivity Numerical codes of ingredients
3 Nutritional Information: If foods are catered for special dietary use 4 Net content Either by weight or by volume 5 Lot or Batch identification Identifying Code / Number In the Day-Month-Year format. For food products with lower durability, the expiry date shall be displayed in the Month-Year format, additionally, 6 Date marking the expiry date has to be preceded by phrases like ‘Best before’ or ‘Best before’ Name and address of the following manufacturer, or packer, or 7 Name and address distributor, or importer, or exporter or vendor must be provided Country of the origin of the food shall be declared on the Label 8 Country of origin following the last transformed country
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Instructions for storage and Specific requirements related to the storage conditions of the food 9 use must be provided If the food product / its ingredients has been treated with ionizing 10 Irradiated foods radiation, it needs to be stated as such on the label.
The pharma industry is regulated by the Drug department under the Ministry of Health. For more information about the regulator, Saudi exporters may visit the link provided below: http://www.moh.gov.ae/en/Services/Pages/ServiceDescription.aspx?PID=7
The labelling requirements for pharmaceutical products are listed in the Table 16 below: Table 16: Labelling Requirements for Pharmaceutical Products
S. no Category Labelling Requirements
1 Product trade name and generic name
2 Ingredients of the medicine
3 Dosage form of medicine
4 Pharmaceutical form and pack size
5 Precautions, warnings and over dosage Labelling must be in Arabic and English
6 Name and address of the manufacturer
7 Batch number
8 Manufacturing and expiry date
9 Storage conditions
Footnote Links 1 http://www.economy.gov.ae/Publications/UAE%20Imports%20and%20Exports%20Guide.pdf 2 http://wits.worldbank.org/GPTAD/PDF/archive/GCC.pdf
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3 http://www.dubaicustoms.gov.ae/en/Publications/Documents/GCCCommonCustomsLawEnglish .pdf 4 http://www.dubaicustoms.gov.ae/en/Publications/Publications/Rules_of_origin_A5_booklet_EN. pdf 5 http://wits.worldbank.org/GPTAD/PDF/archive/GCC.pdf 6 http://www.us-sabc.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3318%20 7 https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/s262_sum_e.pdf * 8 http://wits.worldbank.org/GPTAD/PDF/archive/GCC.pdf 9 http://www.economy.gov.ae/Publications/UAE%20Imports%20and%20Exports%20Guide.pdf 10 http://www3.nd.edu/~ggoertz/rei/rei880/rei880.146tt1.pdf* 11 https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/s338_e.pdf * 12 https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/s338_e.pdf * 13 https://www.abudhabi.ae/portal/public/en/business/international_trade/importing_to_abu_dha bi?_adf.ctrl-state=1186nad056_4&_afrLoop=3443548772927330#! 14 http://tradecommissioner.gc.ca/united-arab-emirates-emirats-arabes-unis/market-facts-faits-sur-
le-marche/138476.aspx?lang=eng 15 https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/s338_e.pdf * 16 https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/s338_e.pdf * 17 https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp362_e.htm
18 http://www.esma.gov.ae/en-us/Pages/faqs.aspx 19 http://www.esma.gov.ae/en-us/Services/Pages/ECAS.aspx 20 https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/s338_e.pdf * 21 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/exporting-to-the-united-arab-emirates/exporting- to-the-united-arab-emirates 22 https://ded.abudhabi.ae/en/about- us/RegulationsandLaws/Consumer%20Protection%20Executive%20Regulation%20-%20En.pdf 23 https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/s338_e.pdf * 24 https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/s338_e.pdf * 25 https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/s338_e.pdf * 26 https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/s338_e.pdf * 27 http://www3.nd.edu/~ggoertz/rei/rei880/rei880.146tt1.pdf * 28 http://www.worldportsource.com/ports/index/ARE.php 29 http://www.dpworld.ae/en/content/71/47 30 http://allportcargoservices.com/retailnews/allport-knowledge/supply-side-news/demand-for- growth-means-middle-east-ports-must-upgrade/801666337 31 https://www.iru.org/sites/default/files/2016-01/en-met-transport.pdf 32 http://www.customs.gov.sa/sites/sc/en/CustomPorts 33 http://www.camelot-mc.com/ae/home/ 34 http://www.gulftainer.com/terminals/uae/sharjah-inland-container-depot/
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35 http://www.gulftainer.com/terminals/uae/sharjah-inland-container-depot/ 36 http://www.pkf.com/media/135638/free%20zones%20in%20the%20uae%202009.pdf 37 http://jafza.ae/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Jafza-Rules-and-Regulations-Uploaded-May13.pdf 38 http://jafza.ae/jafzaOne/#book6/page26-27 39 http://www.dafz.ae/en/about-us https://www.abudhabi.ae/portal/public/en/business/business_startup_and_operationalisation/b usiness_premises/gen_info73?docName=ADEGP_DF_300024_EN&_adf.ctrl- 40 state=1wbk8momi_4&_afrLoop=4459322079458725#! 41 http://kizad.com/en 42 http://www.saif-zone.com/en/InvestorLounge/Pages/FAQ.aspx 43 http://www.hfza.ae/en-us/abouthfz/businessincentives.aspx http://www.dubaitrade.ae/toolbox/download/category/53-business-environment- 44 articles?download=485:private-customs-warehouses http://www.dubaitrade.ae/toolbox/download/category/53-business-environment- 45 articles?download=475:public-customs-warehouses 46 http://www.economy.gov.ae/Publications/UAE%20Imports%20and%20Exports%20Guide.pdf 47 http://www.auhcustoms.gov.ae/CustomsContent/Customs%20Directory%20Eng.pdf 48 http://www.economy.gov.ae/Publications/UAE%20Imports%20and%20Exports%20Guide.pdf https://www.abudhabi.ae/portal/public/en/business/international_trade/import_and_export/ge n_info92?docName=ADEGP_DF_163348_EN&_adf.ctrl- state=9930h04xg_4&_afrLoop=3951399284595872#!http://www.auhcustoms.gov.ae/Customs 49 Content/Customs%20Directory%20Eng.pdf http://www.dubaitrade.ae/knowledge-centre/processes-a-procedures/216-diagram-of-import- 50 process-for-dtp http://vae.ahk.de/fileadmin/ahk_vae/FAQ/Business_Support/Customer_Guide_EnV2.pdf, 51 http://www.auhcustoms.gov.ae/CustomsContent/Customs%20Directory%20Eng.pdf http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/united-arab-emirates/#trading-across- 52 borders http://www.economy.gov.ae/Publications/UAE%20Imports%20and%20Exports%20Guide.pdf, https://www.abudhabi.ae/portal/public/en/business/international_trade/import_and_export/ge n_info92?docName=ADEGP_DF_163348_EN&_adf.ctrl- 53 state=865itxqz2_4&_afrLoop=3964626195526197# 54 http://www.cpd-pharma.ae/downloads/2-Complementary%20Medicines/GSL.pdf http://www.iccwbo.org/chamber-services/trade-facilitation/certificates-of-origin/what-is-a- 55 certificate-of-origin-/ 56 https://www.aramex.com/content/uploads/104/165/45168/QA.pdf 57 http://www.economy.gov.ae/Publications/UAE%20Imports%20and%20Exports%20Guide.pdf 58 https://www.aramex.com/content/uploads/104/165/45168/QA.pdf 59 http://www.intracen.org/coffee-guide/logistics-and-insurance/bills-of-lading-and-waybills/ 60 http://shippingandfreightresource.com/what-is-a-delivery-order/
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61 http://www.ranchimunicipal.com/tl_faq.aspx 62 http://www.dubaicustoms.gov.ae/en/Procedures/CustomsDeclaration/Pages/Import.aspx 63 http://www.tmfb.net/halal-certification/halal-certification http://www.inspection.gc.ca/plants/exports/phytosanitary- 64 certificates/eng/1299872808479/1299872974262 65 http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AboutFDA/ReportsManualsForms/Forms/UCM052388.pdf 66 http://www.esma.gov.ae/en-us/ESMA/Pages/About-ESMA.aspx 67 http://www.iso.org/iso/about/iso_members/iso_member_body.htm?member_id=1704 68 http://www.esma.gov.ae/en-us/Services/Pages/ECAS.aspx# http://www.cpd-pharma.ae/downloads/2- Complementary%20Medicines/Natural%20Source%20Products%20Registration_Criteria.pdf , http://www.haad.ae/HAAD/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=ACfnwAMcSeg%3D&tabid=819 , 69 http://www.haad.ae/HAAD/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=SDq8N_2802s%3D&tabid=1159 70 http://www.cpd-pharma.ae/downloads/2-Complementary%20Medicines/GSL.pdf https://www.adfca.ae/English/PolicyAndLegislations/AdvisoryGuidlines/Documents/Guide- en.pdf,https://login.dm.gov.ae/wps/wcm/connect/2a153865-07d6-4ed1-a661- 68f2990d3ac2/IMPORT+AND+RE- 71 EXPORT+REQUIREMENTS+FOR+FOODSTUFF+Eng.pdf?MOD=AJPERES https://www.adfca.ae/English/PolicyAndLegislations/AdvisoryGuidlines/Documents/Guide- en.pdf,https://login.dm.gov.ae/wps/wcm/connect/2a153865-07d6-4ed1-a661- 68f2990d3ac2/IMPORT+AND+RE- 72 EXPORT+REQUIREMENTS+FOR+FOODSTUFF+Eng.pdf?MOD=A1JPERES *Kindly copy and paste this link on a web browser to know more information and for updates
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