Importing from China to the UAE (Dubai): shipping, costs and customs
The UAE is the trading hub of the Middle East: low duties, fast ports and free zones. Jebel Ali in Dubai is one of the best-connected ports in the world for ships from China.
Shipping options and prices from China to United Arab Emirates
| Method | From | Time |
|---|---|---|
| International express, 10 kgdoor to door · delivered by FedEx | ¥788≈ $111 | — |
| Air cargo, 100 kgairport to airport | ¥3,692≈ $520 | — |
| Sea LCL to portJebel Ali | price on request | 14–20 days at sea |
Cheapest line on our rate sheet in October 2026, in Chinese yuan (≈ US dollars at 7.1 yuan per dollar). Not included: duties and taxes in your country, and destination charges for air and sea. Prices change with fuel and season — use the calculator for today's price.
Customs duties and taxes
- Most goods pay 5% customs duty, calculated on the CIF value (goods plus shipping plus insurance).
- VAT is 5%, charged at import.
- In Dubai, e-commerce goods worth AED 1,000 or less are exempt from customs duty since 3 August 2026 (VAT still applies).
Rules and documents
- Commercial imports need a company with a trade licence and a customs client code; companies in free zones such as JAFZA follow the free-zone rules.
- Some products need approvals: TDRA for telecom and wireless devices, municipality approval for food and cosmetics.
- Goods can be re-exported from the UAE to the rest of the Gulf, Africa and the Middle East.
Our tips
By sea, Jebel Ali is about 14 to 20 days at sea.
If you sell to several Gulf countries, a free-zone warehouse in Dubai can save time and duty on re-exports.
Group your orders in our warehouse and ship once.
Customs rules change often. This page was checked in October 2026 and is general information, not legal or tax advice: confirm the duty rate of your product with a customs broker before you import.
More guides
How to buy from 1688 and ship to any countryStep-by-step guide to buying from 1688.com from outside China: what 1688 is, why you need an agent, the real costs, payment, consolidation and shipping to your country.Read the guide
How much does shipping from China cost?Real shipping prices from China to 16 countries by express, air cargo and sea LCL, what decides the price, what is not included and how to pay less.Read the guide