Frequently Asked Questions

I've purchased goods over the internet. Why do I have to pay additional charges?

Imported goods valued at over USD 270 (Non Commercial) inclusive of Cost, Insurance and Freight (the “CIF” value) and any applicable duties, will require formal customs entry and are subject to 5% Customs Duties + Bayan Fees + Disbursement fees (as applicable at time of clearance).

I thought the price I paid included all charges. Why wasn't I told about the additional charges?

Internet and catalogue retailers usually include advice regarding the likelihood of import Duty and VAT in their shipping information pages. Please check the retailer’s shipping notes, terms and conditions of your purchase, or contact the retailer.

Is VAT levied on Imports and how its calculated

Yes, VAT is applied on imports at 5% on CIF Value + Duty

What is the customs duty percentage

It depend on the commodity & HS CODE classification; but mostly its 5 % on the CIF value

The goods I've received are a gift or a sample. Why do I have to pay Duty/VAT?

Unfortunately, there's no Duty/VAT concession for gifts or samples.

The goods aren't what I expected. Can I return them and get a refund of the Duty/VAT paid?

Unfortunately, these are regulatory charges & cannot be refunded. Please discuss returns with your Shipper

When will I be invoiced for Import VAT?

All goods imported into UAE (except for the ones notified as exempt by Federal Tax Authority “FTA”) are subject to Import VAT. If the Imported goods are valued less than USD 270 (Non Commercial) inclusive of Cost, Insurance and Freight (the “CIF” value), no formal clearance is required as per UAE customs regulations. In this case, DHL as an agent will issue an invoice for Import VAT on behalf of the FTA.
If the imported goods are valued USD 270 or more inclusive of Cost, Insurance and Freight (the “CIF” value), and

1. If you are registered as tax payer for VAT with FTA and your IOR (importer of record) is linked to your TRN (Tax registration number), then the Import VAT liability will automatically be posted to your TRN with FTA. No Import VAT will be invoiced by DHL.
2. If you are not registered as tax payer for VAT with FTA, you will be expected to pay the Import VAT at the point of entry either through DHL or any other clearing agent registered with FTA for VAT payment purposes. If you choose DHL to make the VAT payment, DHL will invoice you for the Import VAT paid on your behalf.

What is the Advance Payment Fee?

An administrative charge (Advance Payment Fee) is applied to any import for which DHL advances duties, or regulatory charges on behalf of receivers with whom DHL has no contractual business relation (e.g. private consumers). DHL assumes the financial risk of non-repayment, and the charge is applied based on the credit advanced, subject to a standard minimum.

Why should I pay this Duty/VAT in advance? I have not even got my shipment yet

Advance Payment will only ensure that your delivery happens at the earliest, once the shipment reaches your city. You get a valid payment confirmation / receipt in your email as a proof. No hassle of arranging cash during delivery.

How is the Advance Payment Fee calculated?dewi

Minimum AED 50 or 5% of total customs duties (whichever is higher).

What are the available payment methods?

1. You may pay online using the link you received in our SMS or email. This is the best and fastest method of payment.
2. Or you may pay at a DHL Service Point when you collect your shipment. This option is also available via the link in our SMS or email.
3. Or you may pay by cash or check when the courier delivers your shipment. However, note that personal checks are not accepted by DHL.

What happens if the sender wants to pay the Duty & Import VAT?

The sender has the option of paying destination Duty & Import VAT. If this wasn’t done then you’ve been invoiced for the Duties & VAT.

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