Brand clothing and textiles exported by sea from Guangzhou, Dongguan, Shenzhen to the United Arab Emirates, FCL booking, customs clearance, tax included, double clearance, door-to-door freight forwarding services
Description: Andaxun specializes in shipping clothing and textiles from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan to the United Arab Emirates by sea! FCL flexible shipping, direct to Jebel Ali and Abu Dhabi ports, door-to-door delivery to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. The import tariff for UAE clothing and textiles (HS Chapters 61-62) is 5% (calculated based on CIF value), and the value-added tax (VAT) is 5% (calculated based on CIF+total tariff). The comprehensive tax liability is approximately 10.25% of the CIF value. Importers must hold a valid EORI number and UAE trade license. Commercial invoices (stamped), packing lists, original bills of lading, certificates of origin (CO), and product compliance documents are required for customs clearance. Double clearance tax inclusive full payment of customs duties and 5% VAT. The price is negotiable, and the full chain delivery time is 25-40 days. Help you go global in compliance and seize the Middle East clothing market!
The United Arab Emirates is located in the center of the Middle East, and Jebel Ali Port is the largest port in the Middle East and one of the busiest container ports in the world. As a member state of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the United Arab Emirates implements the GCC unified external tariff system, which is relatively simplified and transparent. It is the core gateway for Chinese brand clothing and textiles to enter the Middle East market.
However, unlike shipping regular goods, branded clothing and textile exports to the United Arab Emirates face an independent customs supervision system - importers must hold a local EORI number and trade license in the UAE, commercial invoices must be stamped, and clothing labels must be bilingual in Arabic and English. In addition, in 2026, the enforcement efforts of UAE customs will be significantly strengthened, and textiles must comply with ECAS/EQM certification requirements. Any negligence in any link may result in the goods being detained at Jebel Ali Port.
Andaxun International Logistics has been deeply involved in the export of clothing and textiles from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Dongguan for many years. We are familiar with the regulatory system of the United Arab Emirates Customs and provide one-stop services such as full container load/consolidation, double clearance and tax inclusive, and door-to-door service to help you go global in compliance and efficiently seize the Middle East clothing market.
1、 Shenzhen to UAE branded clothing and textile sea freight prices and delivery time: Jebel Ali special line, one ticket, one negotiation
Departing from Yantian in Shenzhen/Nansha in Guangzhou/Dongguan Port, to Jebel Ali Port or Abu Dhabi Port in the United Arab Emirates, the South China to Middle East route is mature and stable. The direct voyage takes about 18-25 days, the full container load chain takes about 25-40 days (including customs clearance and delivery), and LCL takes about 30-45 days. The UAE Customs processes declarations through the Bayan electronic customs clearance system, with a standard clearance time of approximately 1-3 days. During the peak season (June September), cabin availability is tight. It is recommended to book 3-4 weeks in advance.
1. The price is negotiable, and we insist on a one size fits all package: ocean freight+domestic trailer customs clearance+UAE import customs clearance+5% import tariff+5% value-added tax (VAT)+final delivery. The HS codes for clothing and textiles are classified under Chapter 61 (Knitted) and Chapter 62 (Woven).
2. Core points of UAE clothing and textile taxes and fees:
The United Arab Emirates has one of the simplest customs systems in the world, with relatively transparent calculation methods for tariffs and value-added tax
|Import tariff | 5% | levied based on CIF value (value of goods+freight+insurance)|
|Value added tax (VAT) | 5% | levied based on (CIF price+customs duty)|
|Comprehensive tax burden | Approximately 10.25% | CIF value tariff of 5%+VAT (CIF+tariff) x 5%|
>Cost reminder: The comprehensive import tax for clothing and textiles in the United Arab Emirates is approximately 10.25% of the CIF value. Taking goods with a CIF value of $10000 as an example: customs duty of $500, VAT calculated at ($10000+$500) x 5%=$525, with a total tax of $1025. Compared to the comprehensive tax burden of over 30% in the European market, the tax advantage of the United Arab Emirates is extremely significant.
3. Duty free limit: Packages worth less than $82 are exempt from customs duties. The tax-free threshold in Dubai is 300 dirhams (approximately $82), while in Abu Dhabi it is 1000 dirhams (approximately $272).
2、 Customs clearance documents and processes for shipping clothing and textiles from Shenzhen to the United Arab Emirates: the "four major checkpoints" of the UAE customs
Brand clothing and textile exports to the United Arab Emirates must prepare complete and compliant documents. All customs clearance procedures are processed through the Bayan electronic customs clearance system, and the accuracy and consistency of document submission directly determine the speed of customs clearance.
Level 1: UAE EORI Number and Trade License - Essential Entry Ticket for Customs Clearance (Without this number, customs clearance cannot be completed)
Although the United Arab Emirates is not a member state of the European Union, starting from July 1, 2023, all non locally registered businesses that clear customs through Abu Dhabi/Dubai ports must hold a local EORI number issued by the UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA). This number is bound to the Enterprise CR (Business Registration Number) and is non transferable. The application for EORI number is based on a valid VAT number (TRN), and the review cycle is about 5-7 working days. In addition, commercial imports must also hold a valid UAE trade license.
It is recommended that exporters confirm in advance that the UAE importer holds a valid EORI number and trade license before shipment to avoid customs clearance issues upon arrival at the port.
Second level: Core customs clearance documents - "seal+consistency" is the core (invoices must be stamped with seals)
According to the requirements of UAE Customs, the following documents need to be submitted for customs clearance:
-Commercial invoice: must be stamped with the exporter's seal. HS code (HS codes for clothing and textiles are included in Chapters 61-62), CIF value (value of goods+freight+insurance), complete product description (product name, material, style, quantity, unit price, total price), brand name, trade terms, and country of origin ("Made in China") must be indicated. The unit price must reflect fair market value. Prohibit vague terms such as "clothing batch" and "textile", and suggest listing the exact percentage of ingredients (such as "100% polyester woven fabric") on the customs declaration form.
-Packing list: Detailed information on quantity, gross/net weight, and packaging must be provided. The information on the packing list, invoice, and bill of lading must be strictly consistent.
-Original Bill of Lading: The transportation voucher must be consistent with the invoice information. The consignee must hold a valid UAE trade license.
-Certificate of Origin (CO): It must be issued by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) or the General Administration of Inspection and Quarantine of China. The description must be completely consistent with the invoice. UAE Customs requires the original certificate of origin.
-Brand Authorization Letter: Brand clothing must prepare a brand authorization letter, and UAE customs strictly prohibit counterfeit goods from being seized.
-Customs declaration form (CN22/CN23): applicable to imports through postal channels.
>Special Reminder: The three most common reasons for customs clearance in the United Arab Emirates are that the invoice is not stamped, the description of the certificate of origin is inconsistent with the invoice, and the information is unclear. Low declared value will trigger the risk of fines for customs valuation.
Level 3: Label Compliance - Bilingual Arabic and English is a mandatory requirement (of utmost importance)
The UAE has extremely strict requirements for clothing labels, according to the Gulf Standards Organization (GSO) "Textiles - Labels" standard:
1. Language requirements:
-The label must include Arabic, with English as a secondary language.
-Using only English labels will be rejected by UAE customs.
2. Label content requirements:
-Fiber composition: The fabric composition and percentage (such as "100% polyester") must be indicated
-Size: Clothing size must be indicated
-Country of origin: must be clearly labeled as "Made in China" (Arabic+English)
-Nursing instructions: It is necessary to label the washing and maintenance methods
-Manufacturer/importer information: UAE importer name and address must be indicated
-Brand name or product identification
3. Label format requirements:
-Labels must be clear, durable, and non removable
-Textiles and clothing must have sewn labels (water wash labels), and stickers are prohibited
>Special reminder: Lack of bilingual labeling or incomplete label information will directly result in customs clearance obstruction. A fine of 500-5000 dirhams will be imposed for violations. It is recommended to design bilingual labels in Arabic and English during the typesetting stage.
Fourth level: Textile compliance certification - ECAS/EQM and GCC certification (the biggest difference from general merchandise)
The biggest difference between clothing and textile exports to the United Arab Emirates and ordinary goods is the requirement for product compliance certification:
-ECAS Certification (UAE Conformity Assessment System): According to UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 54 of 2019, textile imports must comply with ECAS certification requirements. The product must pass single item level certification based on test reports and be issued a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) by an organization authorized by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), such as SGS.
-GCC certification standards: Ordinary adult clothing must comply with GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) certification standards. The label must comply with GCC textile safety standards and must not contain harmful azo dyes or heavy metals.
-Special requirements for infant clothing: Infant clothing has higher requirements and must be accompanied by an OEKO-TEX environmental testing report. Prohibited materials such as excessive formaldehyde and heavy metals are strictly prohibited.
-Safety standards: Textiles must comply with UAE/S GSO standards, including flame retardancy testing, harmful substances and heavy metal content, care labeling, and ingredient labeling requirements for children's textiles.
>Special reminder: Missing certification will result in customs seizure and return of goods. It is recommended that exporters complete ECAS/EQM certification and GCC compliance testing in advance.
3、 Shipping packaging requirements for Shenzhen to UAE branded clothing and textiles: triple protection, strict adherence to brand standards
Brand clothing and textiles belong to high-value commodities, and sea transportation requires a voyage of 25-40 days. The container has a large temperature difference and heavy moisture inside, and the packaging must be strictly protected from damage and moisture.
1. Triple Protection Law:
|First layer: Inner packaging protection | Each piece of clothing should be wrapped in a dust-proof bag or non-woven bag, folded neatly, and placed in the packaging bag. The brand tag and bilingual washing label should be intact. Brand packaging is an important component of product value and requires additional protection|
|The second layer: filling and fixing | The carton is filled with sufficient cushioning materials, such as foam plastic, bubble film, pearl cotton, etc. Ensure that all clothing is securely stored in the box and does not shake or collide during transportation|
|Third layer: Outer box reinforcement | Select five layer double anti corrugated cardboard boxes (brand new, sturdy, and undamaged). The box is sealed with the word "Gong" and the tape width is ≥ 5cm. The outer box is labeled with "Fragile", "Upward", "Sun Resistant", and "Keep Dry" in Chinese, English, and Arabic|
2. Wooden packaging requirements: If wooden pallets or wooden boxes are used, they must have IPPC fumigation markings (ISPM 15 standard). If the markings are unclear or missing, they will face return shipping.
3. Special requirements for UAE labels (key focus of customs review):
According to the Gulf Standards Organization (GSO) textile labeling standards:
-Language: The label must include bilingual Arabic and English
-Fiber composition: Fabric composition and percentage must be indicated
-Country of origin: must be clearly labeled as "Made in China"
-Nursing instructions: Washing and maintenance methods must be labeled
-Label format: Must be sewn with water washing label, stickers are prohibited
-Violation consequences: Non compliant labels will result in customs clearance obstruction and a fine of 500-5000 dirhams
4、 Shenzhen to UAE branded clothing and textile shipping precautions: Six core compliance red lines for exporting branded clothing and textiles to the UAE
1. EORI Number and Trade License - Both are indispensable (of utmost importance)
Starting from July 1, 2023, the United Arab Emirates will require non local registered enterprises to hold EORI numbers issued by the UAE FTA. The EORI number is based on a valid VAT number (TRN) and has an audit cycle of 5-7 working days. Commercial imports also require a valid UAE trade license. It is recommended that exporters confirm in advance that importers have completed EORI and license registration.
2. Invoices must be stamped - a mandatory requirement of UAE customs (easily overlooked)
UAE Customs requires commercial invoices to be stamped with the exporter's seal. Invoices without seals will be returned by customs, causing delays in customs clearance.
3. The bilingual label of A and English is a mandatory requirement (easily overlooked)
The United Arab Emirates requires clothing labels to include Arabic. Using only English labels will be rejected by UAE customs. The label must be sewn with water and stickers are prohibited. A fine of 500-5000 dirhams will be imposed for violations. It is recommended to design bilingual labels in Arabic and English during the typesetting stage.
4. ECAS/EQM Textile Certification - UAE specific requirements (biggest difference from general cargo)
According to UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 54 of 2019, textile imports must comply with ECAS certification requirements. The product must pass single item level certification and be issued a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) by an authorized organization. Ordinary adult clothing must comply with GCC certification standards, while infant and toddler clothing must be accompanied by an OEKO-TEX environmental testing report. Missing certification will result in customs seizure and return of goods.
5. Consistency between Original Certificate of Origin and Description - Key Verification by UAE Customs
The UAE Customs requires the original certificate of origin to be issued by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) or the General Administration of Inspection and Quarantine of China. The description of the goods on the certificate of origin must be completely consistent with the invoice. Any inconsistency will trigger verification.
6. Peak season and climate response
The period from June to September is the peak season for clothing and textile shipments in the United Arab Emirates. It is recommended to book shipments 3-4 weeks in advance. Jebel Ali Port is open all year round, with high temperatures reaching up to 50 ℃ in summer. The temperature of sea freight containers is relatively high, so it is recommended to purchase additional cargo transportation insurance to ensure the safety of goods.
5、 Shenzhen to UAE brand clothing and textile sea freight Andaxun one-stop service process
① Compliance consultation: Provide product information (product name, HS code, brand, material, fiber composition, quantity), confirm that the importer holds a valid UAE EORI number and trade license, assist in bilingual label production guidance, ECAS/EQM certification guidance, GCC compliance testing guidance, certificate of origin processing, and brand authorization letter preparation
② Bid lock cabin: One price package, including 5% customs duty+5% value-added tax+final delivery, no hidden charges
③ Guangzhou Shenzhen Dongguan warehouse nearby: free storage for 5 days, verification of Arabic English bilingual labels, certificate of origin, brand authorization letter, ECAS certification, and packaging compliance
④ Export customs declaration: synchronous operation to ensure that invoices are stamped and documents are complete
⑤ Sea freight to major ports in the United Arab Emirates: Jebel Ali/Abu Dhabi Port, with a voyage of approximately 18-25 days
⑥ UAE Double Clearance Tax Payment: HS Code and Document Pre Review, EORI Number Verification, Bayan Electronic System Formal Customs Clearance, Payment of 5% Customs Duty and 5% Value Added Tax on Behalf, Compliance Release
⑦ Delivery throughout the UAE: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman and other destinations
Andaxun International Logistics provides one-stop services for shipping branded clothing and textiles from Guangzhou, Dongguan, and Shenzhen to the United Arab Emirates, including customs clearance, double clearance, and door-to-door service - experts in exporting branded clothing and textiles to the United Arab Emirates, bilingual label compliance guidance in Arabic and English, ECAS/EQM certification guidance, EORI registration guidance, certificate of origin processing, brand authorization letter preparation, and a dedicated line to the United Arab Emirates.
Shenzhen Andaxun International Logistics Co., Ltd
-Contact phone number: 0755-2968 6566
-Company Address: Xintian Avenue, Fuhai, Bao'an District, Shenzhen
-Main business: international sea freight, air freight, FBA dedicated line, clothing and textile export, double clearance and tax included
*(Note: Brand clothing and textiles exported to the United Arab Emirates must hold an EORI number and trade license issued by the UAE FTA before customs clearance can be carried out.); Clothing and textile tariffs are 5%, VAT rates are 5%, and the overall tax burden is about 10.25% (less than half of the EU market); The label must be sewn in both Arabic and English; Commercial invoices must be stamped with the exporter's seal; Textiles must comply with ECAS/EQM certification and GCC certification standards; Packages with a value below $82 are exempt from customs duties. It is recommended to book shipping 3-4 weeks in advance during peak season*

