Frequently Asked Questions

The sender has the option to pay the destination Duty and Import VAT at the time of shipment. If this option was not selected, the importer/receiver is responsible for these charges upon importation.
Please note that Import VAT may still be applicable even if the shipment value is below USD 270, unless the shipment was sent under a Duty & Tax Paid (DTP) service. In such cases, DHL will invoice the applicable Duty and/or VAT charges on behalf of the relevant authorities.

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.

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

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

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

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

All goods imported into the UAE (except those exempted by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA)) are subject to Import VAT.

• Shipments with a CIF value below USD 270 (non-dutiable shipments):

  Formal customs clearance is not required under UAE Customs regulations. In these cases, DHL, acting as an agent, will invoice the Import VAT on behalf of the FTA.

• Shipments with a CIF value of USD 270 or above:

  1. VAT-registered importers

     If you are VAT registered and your Importer of Record (IOR) is linked to your Tax Registration Number (TRN), the Import VAT liability will be posted directly to your FTA account. No Import VAT invoice will be issued by DHL.

  2. Non-VAT registered importers

     If you are not VAT registered, Import VAT must be paid at the point of entry through DHL or another authorized clearing agent. If DHL pays the VAT on your behalf, DHL will invoice you for the Import VAT paid.

An administrative charge applies when DHL processes import duties, taxes, or other regulatory charges on behalf of customers.

AED 110.00 or 5% of the Fiscal Charge, if higher. Fiscal Charges below AED 50.00 are collected with a Charge of AED 15.00

Depending on the shipment and origin country, customs authorities or other government agencies may apply additional charges such as regulatory authority charges or other government-imposed fees. These charges are determined by the relevant authorities and are separate from DHL service charges.

No. Duty, VAT, and any other government-imposed charges are determined by customs and regulatory authorities and cannot be waived, reduced, or amended by DHL.

Duty, VAT, customs duties, and any other government-related charges are determined by the customs and regulatory authorities of the importing country.

Customs authorities may randomly select shipments for inspection or require inspections based on the nature, value, origin, or contents of the goods. Such inspections are conducted solely at the discretion of the customs authority and are a standard part of customs control procedures.

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.

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.