Shipping from Spain to the United Arab Emirates

What you need to know

Customs

Yes. Export declaration in Spain and import clearance at the customs of the destination emirate.

Documents

• Commercial invoice with description, value and tariff code, and a packing list.
• Export declaration (DUA) filed with the Spanish Tax Agency, which generates the MRN; the exporter needs an EORI number.
• There is no trade agreement with the EU, so no preferential proof of origin is needed.

Taxes at destination

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) common external tariff of 5% on the CIF value (higher on alcohol and tobacco) and VAT of 5%.

Agreement with the EU

There is no trade agreement in force; the EU and the UAE have been negotiating one since 2025.

Transport

Air freight, express courier service and sea freight. Since 28 February 2026 the conflict in the region has almost closed the Strait of Hormuz: shipping lines only accept cargo bound for Jebel Ali and Khor Fakkan (on the east coast, outside the strait), with surcharges. We confirm this in each quote (September 2026).

Cargo airports

DXB · DubaiDWC · Dubai World CentralAUH · Abu DhabiSHJ · Sharjah

EU sanctions

No EU restrictive measures (sanctions) apply to the UAE. For certain sensitive goods, the contract must include the 'no re-export to Russia' clause required by Regulation (EU) 833/2014.