Container terminal in Dubai at dusk, with rows of shipping containers ready for sea freight and logistics Air freight in Dubai: cargo pallets being loaded onto a freighter aircraft at dusk

Shipping and logistics company in Dubai, UAEFrom Dubai, in every direction.

Airlift Logistics LLC is a shipping and logistics company in Dubai, UAE, and an international freight forwarder based in Dubai Airport Free Zone. We provide air cargo, sea freight, land transport, customs clearance, warehousing and dangerous goods shipping for importers, exporters and manufacturers, with one team managing each shipment from pickup to delivery.

Monday to Saturday, 8:00 to 18:00. Call +971 4 221 7007

Before you ship

A logistics company in Dubai with one team for every step

Most shipments pass through several companies. With us, your import and export cargo moves door to door with one team: air cargo, sea freight, road transport across the Middle East, customs clearance and warehousing, with documents and special cargo handled by our own people.

  • 140+Served through our global network of agents.
  • 6Air, sea, land, customs, warehousing and dangerous goods.
  • 9From documentation to packaging and carrier approval.
  • 2DXB for high-frequency cargo, DWC for large and oversized loads.

Company
Airlift Logistics LLC, a freight forwarder and logistics company in Dubai, UAE
Services
Air freight, sea freight (FCL, LCL), land freight, customs brokerage, warehousing, dangerous goods handling
Coverage
Over 140 countries through a global agent network
Location
M11, Dnata Building, Freight Gate 4, Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
Dangerous goods
All 9 UN classes, with IATA DGR compliance by air
Contact
+971 4 221 7007
[email protected]
Monday to Saturday, 8:00 to 18:00
Services

Logistics services in Dubai: six ways to move it

  • Air freight services in Dubai: cargo pallets being loaded onto a freighter aircraftAIR

    Air Freight

    Air freight forwarding from Dubai, for import and export air cargo that cannot wait.

    Typical paperwork: air waybill, commercial invoice, packing list

  • Dangerous goods handling in Dubai, UAE: drums and boxes with hazard labels strapped to a cargo palletDGR

    Dangerous Goods Handling

    Certified dangerous goods shipping and handling from the UAE, in all 9 classes.

    Typical paperwork: MSDS, DG declaration, commercial invoice

  • Sea freight from Dubai: container ship being worked by gantry cranes at the portSEA

    Sea Freight

    Regular, secure and economical sea freight from Dubai through major ports.

    Typical paperwork: bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list

  • Land freight in the UAE: container truck on a desert highway near DubaiLND

    Land Transport

    Road freight and trucking for any consignment, large or small, wide or heavy.

    Typical paperwork: consignment note, commercial invoice, packing list

  • Customs clearance and brokerage in Dubai: agent checking cargo documents at an open shipping containerCUS

    Customs Clearance

    Customs clearance in Dubai, with experts who help your goods clear quickly and stay compliant.

    Typical paperwork: commercial invoice, HS code, certificate of origin

  • Warehousing and storage in Dubai: forklift in an aisle of pallet rackingWHS

    Warehousing

    Flexible warehousing in Dubai: pallet storage and distribution, short or long term.

    Also available: stickering and packaging services

Dangerous goods

Specialist cargo: the hazardous loads many forwarders turn away

Airlift Logistics is a certified dangerous goods freight forwarder in the UAE, and hazardous cargo shipping is a core service here. Our team handles all 9 classes, with DG air cargo compliant with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.

Not sure if your goods count? Look for GHS hazard pictograms on the package or safety data sheet, or send us the sheet and we will check.

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Why choose us

Why choose this freight forwarder: what you can hold us to

  • Our Dubai team manages declarations, duty assessment and regulatory approvals without outsourcing.

  • From pickup through customs clearance to final delivery, under one roof.

  • Fuel surcharges, security fees and handling charges are stated upfront in your quote.

  • Invoices, HS codes and certificates are reviewed before your shipment moves.

  • Free zone customs, re-export documents and bonded cargo across JAFZA, DAFZA, RAKEZ and other UAE zones.

What will your air cargo be billed on?Try it
DubaiYour destination
160 kgBilled on volume
Actual100 kg
Volumetric160 kg

Airlines charge whichever is higher. Volumetric weight here is length × width × height ÷ 6,000, used by most carriers. Your quote confirms the final figure.

Not sure which service you need?

Tell us what you are shipping and where. We will recommend the right mode.

Global network

Global freight network: every route starts in Dubai

Pick a corridor and the globe turns to show it. These are regular air cargo lanes from Dubai, and our agent network covers over 140 countries.

Regular air cargo lanes from Dubai: India, United Kingdom, China, United States, Germany, Kenya, GCC, Netherlands, France and Italy. Distances are straight-line, not the route cargo travels. Don't see your lane? Ask us.

See the busiest shipping routes from Dubai, or how we manage cross trade shipping between two other countries and car shipping from Dubai.

Industries

Logistics by industry, built around your cargo

Different goods need different handling. Tell us your sector and we will plan around it.

  • Cross-border fulfilment, storage and distribution for online businesses.

  • Import, export and re-export movements through the UAE.

  • Temperature-controlled air cargo, with Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) permits handled.

  • Just-in-time supply, for when a production line can't wait.

  • Stock brought in ahead of peak season and product launches.

  • Dubai businesses shipping their first international order.

  • Your sector

    Tell us about your cargo. Start a quote

Your cargo. Our next move.

Get a clear quote, with fuel, security and handling charges stated upfront.

Compare

Air freight vs sea freight vs land freight from Dubai

The right mode depends on your cargo, deadline and budget. This table shows how the three compare, and we can advise on your shipment.

Air freight from Dubai: pallets being loaded onto a cargo aircraftAIRAir freight Sea freight from Dubai: container ship at a portSEASea freight Land freight in the UAE: container truck on a highwayLNDLand freight
Best forUrgent, high-value or time-sensitive cargoLarge volumes and heavy cargo on longer routesUAE deliveries and regional road routes
Priced onChargeable weight: L × W × H (cm) ÷ 6,000FCL per container; LCL on 1 CBM or 1,000 kgPer truck (FTL) or space used (LTL)
Main documentAir waybill (AWB)Bill of lading (B/L)Consignment note
Dubai hubsDXB, DWCJebel Ali PortUAE road network
Dangerous goods rulesIATA DGR 67th editionIMDG Code 42-24Confirmed for each route
Quote by air Quote by sea Quote by road
Aerial view of a Dubai container terminal, showing shipping containers, cranes and a container ship at the quay

Containers, cargo and paperwork, one team from start to finish

How it works

How freight forwarding works: five steps, one point of contact

From quotation and documents to customs and final delivery, we manage the whole process from start to finish.

  1. Share the origin, destination, cargo type and required timeline.

    You send: dimensions and weight
  2. We work out the chargeable weight or space and price it clearly.

    You get: a quote with no hidden charges
  3. Our team verifies the paperwork and coordinates collection.

    We prepare: AWB or bill of lading
  4. Export customs clearance is completed and your cargo is booked.

    We book: the most suitable service
  5. Arrival handling, customs clearance, cargo release and delivery.

    You get: your cargo, delivered
Sea freight in Dubai: container ship being loaded by gantry cranes at the port

Request a quote

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FAQ

Shipping and freight questions, answered

Last updated ·

See all shipping questions

Airlift Logistics is a freight forwarder and shipping company in Dubai. It arranges air freight, sea freight, land freight, customs clearance, warehousing and dangerous goods handling from one office in Dubai Airport Free Zone. Businesses use it to import, export and re-export cargo through the UAE, working with a global agent network across over 140 countries.

  • Sea freight covers FCL, LCL, RO-RO, project cargo and cross trade.
  • Air freight covers express, consolidated, charter and temperature-controlled cargo.
  • Office hours are Monday to Saturday, 8:00 to 18:00 Dubai time.

Choose one that already handles your cargo type and route. Ask for a written quote showing each charge, and check whether customs clearance is done in-house or passed to someone else. For hazardous cargo, ask to see their dangerous goods certification. Find out who your contact will be from pickup through to final delivery.

  • Ask for fuel, security and handling charges as separate lines.
  • For DG air cargo, ask about GCAA approval and staff dangerous goods training.
  • Check their free zone experience if you trade through JAFZA, DAFZA or RAKEZ.

A shipping company moves cargo, and a logistics company manages the whole journey. In everyday UAE use the terms overlap. Logistics also covers storage, customs, documents and delivery planning. A freight forwarder arranges transport with airlines, shipping lines and truckers for you. Airlift Logistics works as a freight forwarder, with logistics services under one team.

  • Container lines own or charter ships; most forwarders do not.
  • Ask who will physically carry your cargo.

The best logistics company is the one that suits your cargo and route. Large global groups suit big contract volumes, and independent forwarders often give more direct service. Compare cargo experience, in-house customs clearance, written charges and reviews. Airlift Logistics suits businesses wanting one Dubai team for freight, customs and storage.

  • Ask for a recent example of cargo like yours.
  • Read recent Google reviews, not only website claims.

A cargo company in Dubai moves goods for businesses or individuals. Some run door-to-door parcel services for personal shipments. Others, like Airlift Logistics, focus on commercial freight by air, sea and road, with customs clearance and documents included. Check which type you need before asking for a price, because their services differ.

  • Commercial cargo usually needs an invoice and packing list.
  • Personal effects can follow different customs rules.

Choose air for urgent cargo, sea for volume, and road for the region. Air cargo suits urgent or high-value goods. Sea freight suits large volumes on longer routes, and road transport suits the UAE and GCC neighbours. Compare total landed cost, not only the rate, then check that the timing meets your deadline.

There is no fixed freight forwarder fee. A quote usually combines the freight rate, fuel and security surcharges, terminal handling, documentation and customs costs. The total depends on the route, shipping mode, cargo type, weight and season. Ask for each charge to be shown separately, so you can compare quotes from different forwarders fairly.

  • Duty and VAT are government charges, separate from forwarder fees.
  • Your Incoterm, such as FOB or DDP, decides which charges you pay.
  • Airlift Logistics states fuel, security and handling charges upfront.

What's moving next?

Get a quote
Global freight network

International shipping from Dubai to 140+ countries

Airlift Logistics ships to and from over 140 countries through a global network of freight agents, managed from Dubai.

Coverage
140+ countries
Modes
Air freight, sea freight, land freight
Regular air lanes
India, UK, China, USA, Germany, Kenya, GCC, Netherlands, France, Italy
Dubai base
Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA)
Logistics services

Six freight forwarding and logistics services in Dubai

A single Dubai-based team covers transport, clearance, storage and hazardous cargo.

Air freight
Express, consolidated, charter, temperature-controlled
Sea freight
FCL, LCL, RO-RO, project cargo, cross trade
Land freight
FTL, LTL, cross docking
Customs brokerage
Declarations, duty assessment, re-export
Warehousing
Pallet storage, inventory, distribution
Dangerous goods
MSDS, DG declaration, packaging, carrier approval
DG classes

The 9 UN classes of dangerous goods

The UN system sorts hazardous cargo into nine classes. The class sets packaging, labels, documents and carrier acceptance.

Class 1 to 3
Explosives, gases, flammable liquids
Class 4 to 6
Flammable solids, oxidisers and peroxides, toxic and infectious substances
Class 7 to 9
Radioactive material, corrosives, miscellaneous goods
Where to find it
Section 14 of the safety data sheet (SDS)

Also called: DG cargo, hazmat, hazardous cargo

Source: IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations

Dubai air cargo hubs

DXB and DWC: Dubai's two cargo airports

Dubai has two cargo airports. Airlift Logistics selects between them according to the cargo and the timeline.

DXB
Dubai International Airport, for high-frequency air cargo
DWC
Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai World Central, for large and oversized loads
Next to DXB
Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA), home of our office

Source: Dubai Airports: cargo, Dubai Airport Freezone

Air freight service

Express, priority and next-flight-out air cargo

Three speed levels for urgent air cargo from Dubai, chosen by deadline and budget.

Next-flight-out (NFO)
Earliest suitable departure
Priority
Precedence over standard general cargo
Express
Smaller, time-critical consignments
Common uses
AOG spares, production-line parts, urgent samples
Air freight service

Consolidated, airport-to-airport and door-to-door air freight

These terms describe how cargo is grouped, and how much of the journey the forwarder covers.

Consolidated
Shared space under a master air waybill (MAWB), with a house air waybill (HAWB) for each shipper
Airport-to-airport
Departure airport to arrival airport
Door-to-door
Pickup, customs clearance and final delivery

Also called: Air groupage

Air freight service

Full and split air charters from the UAE

Dedicated aircraft capacity for cargo too large, urgent or sensitive for scheduled flights.

Full charter
The whole freighter aircraft
Split charter
Shared aircraft, part of the capacity
Needed for a check
Dimensions, weight, dangerous goods status, deadline

Also called: Freighter charter

Air freight service

Temperature-controlled and perishable air cargo

Air freight kept within a set temperature range from pickup to delivery.

Common ranges
+2 to +8 °C, and +15 to +25 °C
Typical cargo
Pharmaceuticals, vaccines, food, flowers
IATA standards
Temperature Control Regulations (TCR), Perishable Cargo Regulations (PCR)
UAE pharma permits
Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE)

Also called: Cold chain air freight

Source: Emirates Drug Establishment

DG by air

IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) explained

The IATA DGR sets out what can fly, in what quantity, and how it is packed, labelled and documented.

Current edition
IATA DGR 67th edition, effective 1 January 2026
UAE aviation authority
General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), CAR Part VI
Aircraft limits
Passenger and cargo aircraft, or cargo aircraft only (CAO)
By sea instead
IMDG Code, Amendment 42-24, mandatory from 1 January 2026

Source: IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, IMO: IMDG Code

DG documents

MSDS and SDS for shipping hazardous cargo

A Material Safety Data Sheet describes a product's hazards. A forwarder uses it to check whether and how the cargo can move.

Other name
Safety Data Sheet (SDS), 16 sections
Section 14
UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group
Section 2
GHS hazard pictograms
Send with enquiry
One SDS per product
DG packing

Dangerous goods packaging compliance in Dubai

Hazardous cargo generally needs tested packaging suited to its class, packing group and quantity.

UN-specification examples
4G fibreboard box, 1A1 steel drum
Packing groups
I high danger, II medium danger, III low danger
On the package
UN mark, proper shipping name, hazard labels, orientation arrows
Lighter rules
Limited quantity and excepted quantity, where allowed

Also called: UN packaging

DG acceptance

Carrier approval for dangerous goods

Airlines and shipping lines add their own limits to the regulations, so acceptance must be confirmed for each route.

Air
Operator and State variations listed in the IATA DGR
Sea
Shipping line DG booking approval, IMDG Code
Checked at
Booking, and DG acceptance before loading
Needed
SDS, UN number, quantity, route

Also called: DG acceptance check

Source: IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations

Sea freight service

FCL vs LCL shipping from Dubai

FCL means a full container for one shipper. LCL means shared container space, priced on the volume or weight used.

20ft container
About 33 CBM
40ft container
About 67 CBM
40ft high cube
About 76 CBM
LCL pricing
Weight or measure: 1 CBM or 1,000 kg, whichever is higher

Also called: Full container load, less than container load, groupage

Sea freight service

RO-RO and multimodal shipping

RO-RO ships carry wheeled cargo that drives on and off. Multimodal shipping joins sea, air and road on one plan.

RO-RO cargo
Cars, trucks, buses, wheeled machinery
Multimodal example
Sea-air through Dubai
Dubai link
Jebel Ali Port to Dubai cargo airports

Also called: Roll-on roll-off, intermodal freight

Sea freight service

Refrigerated containers, dry bulk and liquid bulk

Specialist sea freight for cargo that needs temperature control, or that ships without packaging.

Reefer
Temperature-set 20ft and 40ft containers, for food and pharma
Dry bulk
Grain, minerals, loose solids
Liquid bulk
Unpackaged liquids in tanks or flexitanks

Also called: Reefer

Sea freight service

Project cargo and cross trade

Project cargo covers oversized or heavy items. Cross trade moves goods between two countries without entering the UAE.

Equipment
Flat rack, open top, breakbulk
Oversized term
Out-of-gauge (OOG)
Cross trade
Foreign origin to foreign destination, arranged from Dubai

Also called: Heavy lift, third-country shipping

Land freight service

FTL and LTL trucking in the UAE

FTL gives one shipper the whole truck. LTL shares truck space between consignments.

FTL
Full truck load
LTL
Less than truck load
Needed for a quote
Weight, dimensions, pickup point, delivery point
Document
Consignment note, invoice, packing list

Also called: Road freight, trucking

Land freight service

Direct road shipments and consolidation

Direct trucks go straight from pickup to delivery. Consolidation groups consignments into one load.

Direct
Suits urgent or sensitive cargo
Consolidation
Suits flexible timing
Cross-border borders, for reference
UAE to Saudi Arabia: Al Ghuwaifat to Al Batha. UAE to Oman: Hatta to Al Wajajah
GCC lanes
Ask us to confirm your route
Land freight service

Cross docking and project loads by road

Cross docking moves goods between vehicles with little or no storage. Project loads cover large, wide or heavy items.

Cross docking
Inbound vehicle to outbound vehicle
Project loads
Wide, heavy or out-of-gauge cargo
Vehicles
Flatbed, low-bed, curtain-side, by cargo

Also called: Abnormal loads

Land freight service

Transport insurance, packing and crating

Protection for cargo moving by road: physical through packing, financial through insurance.

Crating
Wooden crates for fragile or heavy cargo
Wood export rule
ISPM 15 heat-treated, HT-marked wood
Insurance needs
Cargo value, route, cargo type

Source: IPPC: ISPM 15

Customs clearance

Import and export declarations in Dubai

Goods entering or leaving Dubai need a customs declaration, processed through Dubai Customs' Mirsal 2 system.

System
Mirsal 2, Dubai Customs
Core documents
Commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin
Transport documents
Bill of lading or air waybill, delivery order
Affects timing
Cargo type, permits, inspection, document accuracy

Also called: Clearing agent, customs broker

Source: Dubai Customs FAQ

Customs duty

Customs duty and import VAT in Dubai

Dubai Customs applies duty on the CIF value of goods: cost, insurance and freight.

Most goods
5% of CIF value
Alcohol
50%
Tobacco
100%
Import VAT
5% on taxable goods, separate from duty
GCC rule
GCC common customs tariff

Source: Dubai Customs FAQ

Customs compliance

HS codes and product approvals in the UAE

The HS code classifies a product and affects its duty rate and permit requirements.

HS code
First 6 digits are international; national tariffs add more
Pharmaceuticals
Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) import permits
Radioactive material
Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR)
Origin proof
Certificate of origin

Also called: Harmonized System

Source: Emirates Drug Establishment, Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation

Free zone customs

Free zone, re-export and bonded cargo

Goods generally stay duty-suspended in free zones and bonded storage until they enter the UAE mainland.

Free zone to mainland
Treated as an import, so declaration and duty may apply
Re-export
Goods leave the UAE from the free zone
UAE zones
JAFZA, DAFZA, RAKEZ

Source: Dubai Customs FAQ

Warehousing service

Short and long-term storage in Dubai

Flexible pallet storage, for stock between shipments or a longer-term distribution base.

Pallet sizes
1200 × 1000 mm, and 1200 × 800 mm Euro pallet
Term
Short to long term
Needed for a quote
Pallet count, duration, cargo type
Warehousing service

Inventory control and stock management

Tracking what is held and what has been shipped, to reduce errors and stock-outs.

Stock rotation
FIFO (first in, first out), FEFO (first expired, first out)
Suits
E-commerce, retail, spare parts
Activities
Receiving, put-away, picking, dispatch

Also called: Stock control

Warehousing service

Palletisation, shrink-wrapping and labelling

Preparing cargo so it is protected and meets a buyer's or carrier's requirements.

Palletisation
Stacking and securing goods on a pallet
Shrink-wrapping
Film that keeps pallets stable
Labelling
Shipping marks, barcodes, stickering
Warehousing service

Fumigation, pest control and spare parts handling

Treatments and handling that meet destination rules and keep stored goods in good condition.

Wood packaging
ISPM 15: heat treatment or fumigation, with an IPPC mark
Pest control
For stored goods and facilities
Spare parts
Sorting and storage so parts can be found quickly

Source: IPPC: ISPM 15

DG documents

Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (DGD)

The shipper's signed statement that dangerous goods are correctly classified, packed, marked and labelled.

States
UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group, quantity, packing instruction
Applies to
Most dangerous goods sent by air
Signed by
A person trained in dangerous goods rules
Common failure
Details that do not match the SDS or the package

Also called: DGD, DG declaration

Source: IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations

Class 1

Class 1: explosives

Articles and substances with an explosive hazard, split into divisions 1.1 to 1.6.

Examples
UN0336 fireworks, UN0012 small arms cartridges
By air
Passenger aircraft generally carry only division 1.4S; many others are forbidden
Plan for
Government permits and carrier approval

Source: IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations

Class 2

Class 2: gases

Compressed, liquefied, refrigerated or dissolved gases, in three divisions.

2.1 flammable
UN1950 aerosols, UN1978 propane
2.2 non-flammable
UN1044 fire extinguishers, UN1013 carbon dioxide
2.3 toxic
UN1017 chlorine, mostly forbidden by air

Source: IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations

Class 3

Class 3: flammable liquids

Liquids with a flash point of 60 °C or lower. Among the most frequently shipped hazardous cargo.

Examples
UN1266 perfumery products, UN1263 paint, UN1133 adhesives, UN1170 ethanol
Packing group I
Boiling point 35 °C or below
Packing group II
Flash point below 23 °C
Packing group III
Flash point 23 to 60 °C

Source: IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations

Class 4

Class 4: flammable solids

Solids that ignite easily, heat spontaneously, or release flammable gas in contact with water.

4.1 flammable solids
UN1325, UN1944 safety matches
4.2 spontaneously combustible
UN1362 activated carbon
4.3 dangerous when wet
UN1402 calcium carbide

Source: IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations

Class 5

Class 5: oxidisers and organic peroxides

Substances that can feed a fire or decompose violently, requiring segregation from reactive cargo.

5.1 oxidisers
UN1942 ammonium nitrate, UN2014 hydrogen peroxide solutions
5.2 organic peroxides
UN3105 organic peroxide type D, liquid
Special handling
Segregation; some need temperature control

Source: IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations

Class 6

Class 6: toxic and infectious substances

Goods that can harm people through swallowing, breathing or skin contact, or through pathogens.

6.1 toxic
UN2810 toxic liquid, organic, n.o.s.; some pesticides
6.2 infectious, Category A
UN2814
6.2 Category B
UN3373 biological substance
Clinical waste
UN3291

Source: IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations

Class 7

Class 7: radioactive material

Among the most tightly controlled classes, including medical isotopes and industrial sources.

Examples
UN2910 excepted package, UN2915 Type A package
UAE regulator
Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR)
International rules
IAEA SSR-6, with the IATA DGR by air

Source: Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations

Class 8

Class 8: corrosives

Substances that damage skin, metal, or the aircraft and container carrying them.

Acids
UN1789 hydrochloric acid
Alkalis
UN1824 sodium hydroxide solution
Batteries
UN2794 wet batteries filled with acid
Controls
Packing group I to III, leakproof packaging, segregation

Source: IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations

Class 9

Class 9: lithium batteries and miscellaneous goods

Hazards not covered by Classes 1 to 8, including lithium batteries and dry ice.

Lithium ion
UN3480 batteries alone, UN3481 with or in equipment
Lithium metal
UN3090, UN3091
Charge limit
UN3480 by air: 30% state of charge, unless approved
Others
UN1845 dry ice, UN2807 magnetised material, UN3082 environmentally hazardous liquid

Source: IATA lithium battery guidance, IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations

Customs clearance

In-house customs clearance in Dubai

Airlift Logistics' Dubai team manages customs work without outsourcing it.

Covers
Import and export declarations, duty assessment, regulatory approvals
System
Dubai Customs, Mirsal 2
Also
Free zone, re-export and bonded cargo
Single point of contact

One contact from pickup to delivery

A single shipment can involve carriers, agents, customs and warehouses, all managed here by one team.

Pickup
Collection and export documents
Transit
Air, sea or land carrier booking
Arrival
Customs clearance, cargo release, final delivery
Freight charges

What is in a freight quote?

A freight quote combines transport with handling, security, documentation and customs costs.

Transport
Air or ocean freight rate, or truck rate
Surcharges
Fuel and security surcharges
At origin and destination
Terminal handling, documentation, delivery
Government
Customs duty and VAT, where applicable

Also called: Freight charges

Shipping documents

Document checks before cargo moves

Errors in paperwork are a common reason for customs delays, so documents are reviewed before departure.

Commercial invoice
Value, Incoterm, seller, buyer
HS code
Product classification
Certificate of origin
Where the goods were made
Packing list
Pieces, weights, dimensions
UAE free zones

Free zone logistics: JAFZA, DAFZA and RAKEZ

Airlift Logistics handles free zone customs, re-export documents and bonded cargo across UAE free zones.

JAFZA
Jebel Ali Free Zone, next to Jebel Ali Port
DAFZA
Dubai Airport Free Zone, established 1996, next to DXB
RAKEZ
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone

Source: Dubai Airport Freezone

Industry logistics

E-commerce logistics in Dubai

Storage, cross-border fulfilment and distribution for online sellers.

Air freight
Fast-moving stock
Sea freight
Larger replenishment orders
Warehousing
Storage, labelling, distribution
Industry logistics

Logistics for trading companies in the UAE

Support for import, export and re-export movements through the UAE.

Re-export
Free zone documents and bonded cargo
Cross trade
Shipments that do not enter the UAE
Terms
Incoterms 2020: EXW, FCA, FOB, CIF, DAP, DDP

Source: ICC Incoterms rules

Industry logistics

Pharmaceutical air cargo in the UAE

Temperature-controlled air freight, planned together with import permits.

Regulator
Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), which took over import permits from MOHAP
Common ranges
+2 to +8 °C, and +15 to +25 °C
Standard
IATA Temperature Control Regulations (TCR)

Also called: Cold chain

Source: Emirates Drug Establishment

Industry logistics

Manufacturing and industrial logistics

Freight that keeps production running, from urgent parts to heavy equipment.

Urgent parts
Next-flight-out air freight
Planned volume
FCL sea freight, FTL trucking
Heavy equipment
Project cargo, flat rack, out-of-gauge
Industry logistics

Retail logistics for peak season

Stock moved ahead of peak season and product launches.

Main volume
FCL or LCL sea freight
Late or fast sellers
Air freight
On arrival
Customs clearance, warehousing, distribution
Industry logistics

First international shipment from Dubai

What a small business usually needs to know before its first export or import.

Incoterm
Who pays for what, under Incoterms 2020
HS code
Your product classification
Documents
Commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin

Source: ICC Incoterms rules

Step 1

Details needed for a freight quote

Estimates are fine at this stage. More accurate details give a more accurate quote.

Route
Origin and destination, city or port
Cargo
Description, hazardous, fragile or temperature-controlled
Size
Weight, dimensions, pieces
Timing
Required date, Incoterm if known
Step 2

How freight is priced

Each mode has its own billing basis, worked out before you receive a quote.

Air
Higher of actual and volumetric weight: L × W × H (cm) ÷ 6,000
Sea FCL
Per container
Sea LCL
1 CBM or 1,000 kg, whichever is higher
Road
Per truck or space used

Also called: Chargeable weight

Step 3

Documents for international shipping

The document set depends on mode, cargo and destination.

Air
Air waybill (AWB): 3-digit airline prefix + 8 digits
Sea
Bill of lading (B/L)
Road
Consignment note
Conditional
Certificate of origin, MSDS, phytosanitary certificate, EDE permit
Step 4

Export clearance and booking

Export customs clearance is completed, and cargo is booked on the most suitable service.

Customs
Export declaration, Dubai Customs
Carrier
Airline, shipping line or truck
Dangerous goods
DG acceptance before loading
Step 5

Arrival, clearance and final delivery

The final stage, from arrival at destination to delivery at the agreed address.

Arrival
Arrival notice, delivery order
Clearance
Import declaration, duty and VAT
Delivery
Cargo release and final-mile transport
Sources

Sources for this page

We check rules and codes on this page against these official and public sources. How we check our content.

Dubai Customs
dubaicustoms.gov.ae
Dubai Airports
dubaiairports.ae
DP World
dpworld.com
Dubai Airport Freezone
dafz.ae