The UAE is the Middle East's main vehicle trading and re-export hub, with Jebel Ali handling large volumes and free zones allowing duty-free import for re-export. Cars must be left-hand drive and meet GCC specification; right-hand-drive vehicles are only permitted for re-export.
| Age limit | Commonly cited as no more than 10 years from the date of manufacture; several sources cite tighter limits (around 5 years, and 3 years for fuel vehicles under some 2025 summaries). Classic vehicles over 30 years may be imported with special approval. Confirm the current limit with UAE customs or RTA. |
|---|---|
| Steering | Left-hand drive only for registration; right-hand drive vehicles are limited to re-export and cannot be registered locally. |
| Import duty & taxes | 5% customs duty on CIF value, plus 5% VAT on CIF plus duty. Vehicles previously taxed in another GCC state may qualify for duty and VAT exemption. Goods imported into free zones such as JAFZA for production or re-export are duty-free. |
| Main ports / entry | Jebel Ali is the primary sea port; DWC and DXB airports handle air freight. Registration is completed with the RTA (or the relevant emirate authority) after technical inspection. |
| Authority & certification | Federal Customs Authority and emirate customs; ESMA / MoIAT conformity certification; RTA technical inspection and registration. Vehicles must meet GCC specification. Salvage, flood-damaged and uninsured vehicles are banned. |
| Required documents | Original purchase invoice, certificate of origin, export certificate from the country of origin, bill of lading or airway bill, valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID, passport copy, UAE driving licence, insurance, customs clearance certificate (VCC). Documents not in Arabic require official translation. |
Figures indicative. Sources differ on the age limit (10 years versus tighter 3–5 year figures). The UAE requires left-hand drive, GCC specification and ESMA conformity; duty is 5% plus 5% VAT, with free-zone and GCC-relief exemptions available. Confirm current rules with UAE customs or RTA. Sources: UAE Government Portal (u.ae); Ministry of Finance (mof.gov.ae); Dubai Customs (dubaicustoms.gov.ae); Federal Tax Authority (tax.gov.ae); Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (esma.gov.ae). Last reviewed 2026-10.
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EZ Auto is based in China (Zhengzhou, Henan) with 15–20 years in the country's car export trade. We export new and used Chinese vehicles across the Middle East, with sea freight to Jebel Ali, Jeddah, Dammam, Sohar, Aqaba, Umm Qasr and Shuaiba, handling China export clearance and full documentation. Local import clearance is arranged by the buyer or a licensed broker; we provide all paperwork and per-country guidance, including the pre-shipment certification that several Gulf markets require. We do not operate local offices in the Middle East — every car is sourced and inspected in China before shipment.
Real feedback from the importers we serve
I took a Zeekr 9X, a Geely Monjaro and a Deepal S05. Quality is up to standard, prices are fair, and the loading was done even faster than planned. All three cars arrived without a single hitch. Thanks to the EZ Auto team — we will be back. (Translated from Russian)
We received a Geely Galaxy M9 and a Changan CS55. Both cars are new, fully equipped, and everything matches what was agreed. The managers are always reachable and helped organise the delivery. We plan to expand our range together with EZ Auto. (Translated from Russian)
I ordered two vehicles from EZ Auto: a Jetour Dashing and a Jetour X70 Plus. The cars arrived as described and in very good condition. The team replies quickly and follows the file through to delivery. I will do business with them again. (Translated from French)
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