Key takeaways
- UAE free zones generally sit outside the customs territory for duty purposes.
- Goods moving to the mainland are generally treated as imports and need a declaration.
- Transfers between zones use transit documentation.
Why a declaration is needed
Goods held in a free zone have usually not yet entered the UAE's customs territory. When they leave for a mainland customer, they are generally declared as an import and any duty is settled at that point.
Common movements
| Movement | Typical documentation |
|---|---|
| Free zone → mainland | Import declaration |
| Mainland → free zone | Export / transfer declaration |
| Free zone → free zone | Transit declaration |
| Free zone → abroad | Export / re-export declaration |
Planning the move
Share the origin zone, destination and the goods' documents before booking transport, so the declaration is ready when the truck arrives at the gate. Requirements vary by zone and emirate, so confirm the specifics for your shipment.
Frequently asked questions
Can you arrange the declaration and the trucking?
Yes. Customs clearance and land freight are both licensed activities for us, so we can plan them together.