UAE customs & duties on online orders
Importing online purchases to the UAE can attract customs duty and VAT. Here's a plain-English overview so there are no surprises. Figures current as of mid-2026.
Is there a duty-free threshold?
Yes. In Dubai, courier shipments valued below AED 300 (CIF — item value + shipping) are generally exempt from customs duty (Dubai Customs Notice 05/2022, in force since 2023). Above that, the standard rate is 5% customs duty on the CIF value. Tobacco, e-cigarettes and alcohol have no exemption and carry much higher rates. Any duty due is shown in your GLOBEXA quote before you pay.
VAT
UAE VAT (5%) applies to imported goods, calculated on the customs value including any duty — so a dutiable shipment pays roughly 10% all-in on top of the item + shipping value.
What affects the charge
- Declared value of the goods
- Shipping cost (often included in the customs value)
- Product category — some goods carry specific duties or restrictions
How GLOBEXA handles it
We show any duties or VAT separately and transparently, so you always see the full landed cost before you commit. We never bury fees. For restricted goods, see Prohibited items.
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