The major imports of UAE from China include electronics, vehicles, and nuclear reactors worth over $77 billion. In this way, China has become the UAE’s major trading partner.
Therefore, sourcing from the Chinese bulk marketplace will be profitable for your business. For this purpose, we have prepared a guide in which you will understand all the main steps of shipping from China to UAE.
8-Step Process For Shipping From China To UAE
The shipping procedure is not as difficult as you think if you know everything about it. Although, as a first-time buyer, it might be difficult for you. You have to follow our given approach for your ease. But, if you find it a little bit complicated, you can contact us directly for assistance with the shipping process.
1. Select Your Product
The first thing to start is to determine the soul of your business which is your product. Selecting it may be sometimes confusing and sometimes problematic. You can hire a professional researcher who will do market analysis to find the right product. Your entire UAE business revolves around it, so you need to choose wisely in order to avoid loss.
2. Find A Supplier From China
After the product is finalized, you can easily find its supplier. You can visit online Chinese marketplaces for suppliers and there are a lot of them listed on those places. Below are a few common websites from where you can find the right one that meets your requirements.
- DHgate
- Global Sources
- Gearbest
- Alibaba
- HKTDC
- AliExpress
- Made in China
You need to discuss your requirements and ask for quotes from six to seven or more wholesalers. In addition, you should request the product samples from them to check the quality before ordering in bulk. It will help you in making the right decision for picking the best supplier for your business needs.
3. Decide Your Shipping Incoterm
Incoterm is an international business term that decides the shipping duties of Chinese suppliers and UAE buyers. It tells who will clear customs, ship cargo, and do local deliveries in both countries. Incoterms are eleven in number but the most common for shipping from China To UAE are:
- CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight)
- EXW (ExWorks)
- FOB (Free On Board)
- DAP (Delivered At Place)
- DPU (Delivered at Place Unloaded)
4. Find Your Chinese Shipping Agent
Now you have to find the right shipping company or freight forwarder for your cargo shipping to the United Arab Emirates from China. This process can be a bit boring, but with Bansar, you don’t need to look for anyone else. The reason is we will handle everything for you at reasonable prices.
You don’t even need to hire a local carrier to transport your consignment from the supplier to the exporting port. We will do this local transport, prepare documents, take care of customs on both sides, do shipping, and then complete the last mile to your destination in the UAE.
5. Deal With Chinese Customs
When your cargo reaches the nearest Chinese seaport or airport from the supplier, it will go through the customs department. This is because you can’t ship your items before clearing through customs in China. Your shipment will be thoroughly inspected by them for quality, quantity, and any prohibited items.
Moreover, you will need to pay customs fees and certain duties, and submit the following documents:
- Certificate of origin
- Export license
- Insurance certificate (if any)
- Commercial invoice
- Bill of lading
- Customs declaration form
You have to prepare these documents on time, otherwise, you will face delays and fines from the customs department.
6. Shipping & Tracking
When your products are successfully cleared by the customs authority at the exporting port in China, the time has come for their shipping. Now your consignment will be loaded on the airplane or ship for starting their shipping journey towards the United Arab Emirates.
A tracking ID is given to you by your freight forwarder to monitor the current location during the whole journey of cargo. That means, you don’t need to be worried about the whereabouts of your cargo until it reaches the port of the UAE.
7. Go Through UAE Customs
Once your shipment arrives at the importing location of the United Arab Emirates, it will be inspected by the customs authority there. They will also check whether your products are restricted or not. If they are restricted, you need to submit an import license to them.
Plus, the documents mentioned above are required to be provided to these authorities. In addition to those, here is some additional paperwork you need to do for clearance. These documents are necessary to gain entry of your shipment in UAE:
- Arrival Notice
- Transport certificate
- Original Halal slaughter certificate (for dairy or meat products)
After that, you have to pay some taxes to the customs. These duties are applied to goods worth more than DHS 1000. The duty rate is 5% of the CIF value of your goods which includes Cost, Insurance, and Freight rates. On the other hand, 50% customs duty is applied to alcohol and 100% on tobacco and its related products.
Moreover, you can transport industrial machinery and raw materials without paying any duty. But for this, you have to submit a Duty Exemption Letter to the customs with other documents. This letter is issued by the Ministry of Finance to encourage industrialization in the UAE.
If you are importing gifts from China to the UAE, the duty is levied on products having a value of more than Dhs 3000. Below this amount, you are free from paying any customs taxes.
Major UAE Customs Offices
- Zayed Port Customs
- Customs center at Rashid Port
- Port Khalid Customs
- Al Jazeera Port Customs
- Ajman Port Customs
- Saqr Port Customs
- SAIF Zone Customs Department
- Mussafah Port Customs
- Hamriya Port Customs
- Creek Center (Ajman)
- Deba Al Fujairah Port Customs
8. Reaching The Final Destination
After all the declarations in the United Arab Emirates, you can pick up your products from there. You can deliver them to your final place which may be your storehouse or Amazon warehouse at any location in UAE.
Ways of Importing From China To UAE
China has a big market containing every category of product. You can buy these items in bulk at reasonable prices. However, for their shipping from China to UAE, you have to choose one method from the following.
Sea Freight – Bulk Shipments
If you need to transport large quantities of products and do not have much investment, ocean freight is the best option. You can get this service at relatively cheaper prices than other shipping ways. All types of products from liquid to semi-solid to solid, can be transported to the United Arab Emirates by this method.
However, the question is how these products are carried to ship from China. The answer is simple, they are packed in containers and then loaded to the ship. Containers come in different types and sizes, and the nature of your cargo determines the most suitable option. Here are the two modes for shipping through container:
a) FCL
FCL means “Full Container Load” in which you have to rent a whole container for your cargo. It may be 20’ or 40’, depending on the shape and load of your shipment. The shipping prices to the UAE increase as the size of the container increases.
If you’re unsure which option is best for your cargo, simply share your requirements, and we’ll provide the right guidance for your shipment.
b) LCL
LCL means “Less than Container Load” in which a small portion of the container is dedicated to your cargo, not a full container. This option is best if your load is less and you want to spend less money on shipping from China to the United Arab Emirates.
However, your cargo is vulnerable to damage because of the involvement of multiple handling points. But here is the solution in the form of cargo insurance. If you get this, all the loss, if happened, will be covered by your shipper.
Air Freight – Fragile Cargo
As the name shows, easily breakable things having high value like cell phones and laptops should be transported to UAE through air freight. Because this method is safe and your items are not subjected to harm easily. Although, it is relatively costly due to its speed and efficiency.
Keep in mind you can’t transport all types of cargo to UAE via air. Here is the limitation on heavy shipments like industrial equipment and machinery. Only lighter and high-value items like jewelry, bank metals, artwork, or fresh produce can be imported from China to UAE through air freight.
Express Freight – Time Sensitive Deliveries
If your inventory is running low and you suffer a loss if it’s not replenished on time, you should choose the express option. You will receive your shipment in 1 to 3 business days but at a higher rate.
DDP
It is a peaceful shipping method for buyers because they have to do nothing except upfront payment. Yes, you read it right, you only have to confirm an order with your Chinese seller, and your items are delivered to your door, anywhere in the United Arab Emirates.
Generally, it is known as door-to-door shipping, which can be carried out by sea or air. Now it’s your choice which way you will choose, the final goal is to deliver your cargo right to your doorstep. Its prices depend on which method you select, whether air or ocean.
Major Seaports & Airports For Shipping From China To UAE
Here are the main ports used for trading between UAE and China.
China Seaports
- The Port of Ningbo-Zhoushan deals with all types of cargo including container, general, and liquid bulk. Its annual container traffic is more than 27 million TEUs with a cargo capacity of 1.12 billion tons.
- The Port of Tianjin is located in the northern part of the country. You can use this port if your supplier is present in that region.
- The Port of Hong Kong is a major container port at the South China Sea. You can also ship raw materials to UAE through this seaport.
Other seaports in China include:
- Port of Shanghai
- Port of Qingdao
- Port of Guangzhou
- Port of Shenzhen
- Port of Xiamen
- Port of Dalian
Seaports of UAE
- The Port of Halul Island is located in Qatar, also referred to as QAHAL. It mainly deals with oil and petroleum-related products.
- Jebel Ali Port is present in Dubai and is listed among the world’s busiest seaports.
- Port of Fujairah is a deep water port and a major bunkering hub with 33 number of berths.
The other seaports of UAE for receiving goods from China include:
- Port of Al Wakrah
- Port of Umm Said
- Al Rayyan Marine Terminal
- Al Shaeen Terminal
- Port of Doha
- Port of RasLaffan
- Zayed Port
Airports of China
- Chengdu Shuangliu Airport
- Kunming Changshui Airport
- Xi’an Xianyang Airport
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport
- Beijing Capital Airport
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport
- Shenzhen Baoan Airport
- Chongqing Jiangbei Airport
UAE Airports
- Al Khor Airport
- Hamad International Airport
- Abu Dhabi Airport
- Al Udeid Air Base
- Ras Al Khaimah Airport
- Al Ain Airport
- Doha International Airport
- Sharjah Airport
- Al Maktoum International Airport
- Dubai Airport
How Much Does It Cost To Ship From China To UAE?
The cost of shipping between these two countries depends on the shipping method and cargo dimensions. It also depends on the port of departure and the port of arrival of your cargo. Here is the estimated price range for transporting cargo to the United Arab Emirates from China.
Air Freight Cost From China To UAE
| Shipment Weight (kg) | Shipping Price (per kg) |
| 5 to 45 | $5 to $7 |
| 45 to 100 | $4 to $6 |
| 101 to 299 | $3 to $5 |
| 300 to 500 | $2.8 to $4 |
| 501 to 1000 | $2.5 to $3.8 |
Sea Freight Cost From China To UAE
The prices given below may change over time due to increasing fuel costs, shipping demand, or other market factors.
| Departure Point | Arrival Point | Per CBM Cost | 20-foot Container | 40-foot container |
| Shenzhen | Abu Dhabi | $40 to $60 | $1500 | $1900 |
| Jebel Ali | $25 to $35 | $950 | $1150 | |
| Sharjah | $40 to $55 | $1100 | $1350 | |
| Dubai | $35 to $50 | $1600 | $1800 | |
| Shanghai | Abu Dhabi | $45 to $70 | $1150 | $1350 |
| Jebel Ali | $30 to $40 | $1250 | $1300 | |
| Sharjah | $40 to $60 | $1100 | $1400 | |
| Dubai | $30 to $45 | $1200 | $1350 | |
| Ningbo | Abu Dhabi | $40 to $65 | $1250 | $1400 |
| Jebel Ali | $30 to $45 | $1200 | $1350 | |
| Sharjah | $45 to $65 | $1100 | $1300 | |
| Dubai | $35 to $45 | $1150 | $1350 |
Express Freight Cost From China To UAE
| Shipment Weight (kg) | Shipping Price (per kg) |
| 5 to 20 | $5.5 to $7.5 |
| 21 to 70 | $4.9 to $6.5 |
| 71 to 100 | $4 to $5.5 |
| 100+ | $3.5 to $4.5 |
Transit Time To Import From China To UAE
The shipping duration depends on your chosen method and the distance between the ports of both countries. The following tables show transit time with respect to different shipping methods and chosen departure and destination ports.
Air Freight Shipping Duration
| Origin Airport Location | Destination Airport Location | Transit Time |
| Beijing | Abu Dhabi | 1-4 working days |
| Dubai | ||
| Sharjah | ||
| Yiwu | Abu Dhabi | 2-5 working days |
| Dubai | ||
| Sharjah | ||
| Shanghai | Abu Dhabi | 1-3 working days |
| Dubai | ||
| Sharjah | ||
| Guangzhou | Abu Dhabi | 1-5 working days |
| Dubai | ||
| Sharjah | ||
| Shenzhen | Abu Dhabi | 2-4 working days |
| Dubai | ||
| Sharjah |
Ocean Freight Shipping Time
| Departure Port | Arrival Port | Transit Time (days) |
| Chiwan Port | Abu Dhabi | 19 to 25 |
| Dubai | ||
| Sharjah | ||
| Port of Qingdao | Abu Dhabi | 25 to 30 |
| Dubai | ||
| Sharjah | ||
| Nansha Port | Abu Dhabi | 23 to 28 |
| Dubai | ||
| Sharjah | ||
| Zhongshan Port | Abu Dhabi | 22 to 27 |
| Dubai | ||
| Sharjah | ||
| Port of Shanghai | Abu Dhabi | 24 to 32 |
| Dubai | ||
| Sharjah | ||
| Jebel Ali | ||
| Xiamen Port | Abu Dhabi | 20 to 26 |
| Dubai | ||
| Sharjah | ||
| Port of Wuhan | Abu Dhabi | 25 to 30 |
| Dubai | ||
| Sharjah | ||
| Port of Shenzhen | Abu Dhabi | 21 to 30 |
| Dubai | ||
| Sharjah | ||
| Jebel Ali | ||
| Port of Guangzhou | Abu Dhabi | 19 to 26 |
| Dubai | ||
| Sharjah | ||
| Ningbo Port | Abu Dhabi | 25 to 35 |
| Dubai | ||
| Sharjah | ||
| Jebel Ali |
The transit time shown above is not exact. It may fluctuate due to sudden weather changes, customs delays, national holidays in China or UAE, and port congestion.
Express Freight
It is the fastest means of transportation, therefore, you will get your products from China to any place in UAE within 1 to 3 business days. So among all other types of transportation, this method will be more expensive.
Prohibited & Restricted UAE Imports From China
Prohibited items are completely banned but the restricted products need specific licenses to import to the United Arab Emirates.
Prohibited Products
- Narcotic drugs
- Illegal drugs
- Witchcraft related items
- Endangered animal species
- Casino machines
- Counterfeit currency
- Specific dog breeds
- Art and literature opposed to Islamic law
- Copyrighted items
Restricted Products
- Domestic animals and pets
- Weapons
- Pharmaceuticals
- Certain food products
- Agricultural items
- Journals
- Vehicles
- Technical instruments
Amazon FBA Shipping To UAE From China
If you have decided to sell your products through Amazon, opting for the FBA model is the best choice. Because you don’t need a warehouse to keep your bulk items. Moreover, you are not required to send the product to the consumer when an order is placed.
These duties will be done by Amazon, as the name shows “Fulfilled By Amazon (FBA)”. You need to buy your products in large quantities from China and send them directly to the warehouse of Amazon in any emirate of UAE.
Bansar, as your shipping company, will handle all the logistics for your FBA shipments. We ensure that your products are delivered to Amazon’s fulfillment centers on time.
Final Note
At Bansar, we specialize in handling all your imports to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and other emirates. Whether your origin in China is Ningbo, Xiamen, or Shenzhen, we ensure smooth shipping, customs clearance, and delivery. You can contact us for reliable services customized to meet your shipping needs from China to the UAE.
