Shopping from China has become as normal as ordering personal items. But when you’re running a business and need to move actual cargo from China to UAE, things get a bit complex. Suddenly, you’re dealing with shipping documents, customs rules, and costs that seem to change every week.

If you’re importing electronics for your UAE store or sourcing materials for your manufacturing business, getting cargo from China to UAE shouldn’t feel like solving a puzzle. The good news? Alliance Shipping is readily available for such services.

Alliance Shipping handles everything from air freight to sea freight, customs clearance to door-to-door delivery. This guide covers the real costs, shipping options, and customs requirements you need to know for cargo from China to UAE.

Why Choose the UAE as Your Import Destination from China?

Shipping to the UAE means setting out a strategic advantage to businesses that want to reach the Middle East, Africa, etc. The UAE is located at the centre of three continents and has become a global hub of trade and logistics. It has a world-class infrastructure, including the port of Jebel Ali and Dubai International Airport, which can facilitate effective re-export and regional distribution, serving more than two billion people within a four-hour flight radius.

This is supplemented by the economic growth of the country, which makes it more attractive. Irrespective of the global headwinds, non-oil sectors in UAE are growing, especially in trade, tourism, and technology. The United Nations COMTRADE database shows that in 2023, the UAE imported Chinese goods amounting to 77.42 billion dollars compared to 67.22 billion dollars in 2022. This rising trend is due to the high demand for Chinese goods, which are supported by a diversified and rich consumer base (Trading Economics).

In 2023, the leading cargo from China to UAE consisted of:

• Electronic equipment: 36.58 billion dollars
• Machinery: 13.52 billion dollars
• Vehicles: 4.39 billion dollars
• Furniture and lighting: 1.14billion
• Apparel (knit & woven): $1.87 billion merged

The above categories not only meet local demand but also provide a wide scope of value addition, customization, and re-export within the MENA region, specifically cargo from China to UAE.

Important Things to Remember when Shipping Cargo from China to UAE

Customs Clearance & Documentation:

Getting your cargo from China to UAE through customs is where most shipments get stuck. One missing paper or wrong code can delay your goods for weeks. UAE customs don’t mess around – they check everything carefully. Alliance Shipping ensures your shipment is duly cleared without any hassle.

You need these documents ready before your cargo arrives:

• Commercial Invoice (shows what you bought and paid)
• Packing List (lists every item in your shipment)
• Bill of Lading for sea freight or Airway Bill for air freight
• Certificate of Origin proving your goods came from China
• Import/Export Licenses for restricted items like electronics or cosmetics
• Product Certifications like ESMA approval for electrical goods or MOHAP permits for medical items

UAE Customs Duties & VAT:

The UAE government charges fees on most imports. You’ll pay 5% import duty plus 5% VAT on your cargo from China to UAE. Both charges are calculated on the CIF value – that’s the cost of your goods plus insurance plus freight charges added together. So if your total CIF value is $1000, expect to pay around $100 in duties and taxes.

Prohibited & Restricted Goods:

Some items simply cannot enter the UAE. Gambling equipment, certain chemicals, and weapons are completely banned. Other products need special permits before shipping – cosmetics need health ministry approval, medicines require MOHAP licenses, and some electronics need ESMA certification. Check restrictions before shipping cargo from China to UAE to avoid costly delays.

Incoterms for Shipping Cargo from China to UAE

Incoterms, short for International Commercial Terms, are standardized trade terms published by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). They define the responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international transactions, specifically, who handles transportation, insurance, customs clearance, and risk at each stage of the shipping process.

1. EXW (Ex Works)

In EXW, the seller ships the goods to a place convenient to himself or herself, and the buyer undertakes the total responsibility to ship the goods, clearing customs at that point onwards. The term gives complete control of the buyer but also makes him responsible for the whole logistics chain.

With the help of Alliance Shipping, the EXW benefit will be to help the clients by aligning with the Chinese suppliers, and organise inland delivery as well as export documentation in a bid to make the shipping cargo from China to UAE smooth.

2. FOB (Free on Board)

The most widely used Incoterms for trading cargo from China to UAE are FOB. The seller should get the goods to the port of origin and on board the vessel or the airplane. Henceforth, the freight, insurance, and import clearance are handled by the buyer.

Alliance Shipping is involved in close collaboration with Chinese exporters to facilitate quick delivery to the port and safe loading, and helps buyers, who appreciate the service of freight booking and clearing of goods through customs in UAE.

3. CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight)

Under CIF, the seller will pay the price of goods, marine insurance, and deliver the goods to the port of destination (e.g. Jebel Ali or Abu Dhabi). Transfer of risk, however, is to the buyer as soon as the goods have been loaded at the origin port.

Alliance Shipping assists the clients in analytically assessing CIF quotations supplied by the Chinese sources and forward freight conditions and insurance coverage to comply with the buyer’s risk tolerance and the intended delivery.

Alliance Shipping Advantage: Why We Are Your Ideal Partner

Moving cargo from China to UAE isn’t just about finding the cheapest rate. You need a partner who actually gets your shipment delivered on time and intact. Alliance Shipping has been handling cargo from China to UAE for years, from small electronics orders to massive project cargo. 

What makes us different? 

We pick up from your supplier’s factory in China and deliver to your doorstep in UAE. No middlemen, no confusion. Our local partners in major Chinese cities ensure smooth coordination, while our Dubai team handles customs like pros.

You get complete shipment tracking, custom packaging when needed, and competitive rates through our airline and shipping partnerships. We also offer free zone transit, temporary storage, and full cargo insurance.

Most importantly, we solve problems before they become headaches. Your cargo from China to UAE moves efficiently because we handle every detail professionally.

Specific Destinations in the UAE & GCC Countries

You can check our guides on shipping cargo from China to Dubai, China to Sharjah, and China to Abu Dhabi for more information on country to city cargo.

How to Get Started with Alliance Shipping Cargo Services

Getting your cargo from China to UAE shipped with us is straightforward. First, tell us what you need to ship and where it’s going. We’ll send you a detailed quote within minutes, not days. Once you approve, we book your shipment and start the process.

Our team picks up from your supplier in China while you track everything online. We handle customs clearance in UAE and deliver directly to your location. You stay updated at every step through our tracking system.

Ready to ship smarter? Getting started takes just one message.

Contact our sales executives for a personalized shipping solution.

Phone: +971 56 649 5103

Email: manager.dxb@theallianceshipping.com

Our shipping experts are ready to help you move your cargo from China to UAE efficiently. If you need air freight, sea freight, or door-to-door delivery, we’ll find the perfect solution for your business needs. Contact us today for your free quote and experience hassle-free international shipping.