Documents you will need
The UAE customs and trade environment is paperwork-heavy. If a document is missing or wrong, stock can sit at Jebel Ali or our dock until it is fixed. Use this page as the one-stop list.
For account setup
Section titled “For account setup”- Trade license (UAE) or equivalent + UAE distribution agreement
- Emirates ID of the signatory
- VAT certificate, if registered
- Bank account confirmation letter (IBAN, AED, in the company name)
These are submitted once at onboarding. See Onboarding checklist for the full sequence.
For every inbound shipment
Section titled “For every inbound shipment”Commercial invoice
Section titled “Commercial invoice”A commercial invoice should list, at minimum:
- Seller (your supplier) and buyer (your UAE entity) names and addresses
- Invoice number and date
- Description of goods, per line
- HS code, quantity, unit price, and total per line
- Currency, terms of sale (Incoterms, for example FOB Shenzhen or CIF Jebel Ali)
- Country of origin
Match the invoice values to the actual goods. Customs will check the declared value against market reference prices.
Packing list
Section titled “Packing list”Separate from the invoice. Should show:
- Cartons, pallets, and total weight (gross and net)
- SKU code, item description, and quantity per carton
- Carton numbering (1 of 24, 2 of 24, and so on)
Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air)
Section titled “Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air)”The carrier provides this. Keep the original; we may need to present it for clearance.
Certificate of Origin
Section titled “Certificate of Origin”Required for some categories (textiles, food, electronics) to claim preferential duty rates under UAE trade agreements.
Specialty certificates
Section titled “Specialty certificates”- Food and beverages: Health certificate, ESMA registration, halal certificate where applicable.
- Cosmetics and supplements: Dubai Municipality registration, ingredient list.
- Electronics: TRA / TDRA type approval for any radio-emitting device.
- Batteries: UN 38.3 test report and safety data sheet.
If you are unsure whether your category needs a specialty certificate, ask before the goods leave the origin port. See Restricted items for the full list.
For every order out
Section titled “For every order out”You do not need to provide paperwork per order. We generate:
- Order packing slip
- Shipping label (with QR for the driver)
- A tax invoice in the buyer’s name, in AED, if requested
Document storage
Section titled “Document storage”We keep digital copies of every inbound document for 12 months in your SamVertex account. Originals are returned to you after clearance.