Bonded warehouse DubaiBonded warehouse Dubai, storage with duty suspended.
A bonded warehouse in Dubai is a facility licensed by Dubai Customs where imported goods are stored with duty suspended until they are released or re-exported. Airlift Logistics, a freight forwarder in Dubai, moves goods into and out of bonded storage, files the customs declarations, and helps you choose between a bonded warehouse and a free zone. We explain the types, the movements and the paperwork.
Bonded options in Dubai
The right choice depends on whose goods are stored and how long. Click a row for the detail.
| Option | Who it serves | Duty position |
|---|---|---|
| The licence holder, for its own goods | Duty suspended while goods are held | |
| Any importer who needs space, run by a licensed operator | Duty suspended while goods are held | |
| Companies licensed in the zone, such as JAFZA | No UAE duty while goods stay in the zone | |
| Goods cleared for local sale | Duty and VAT paid on release |
Moving goods in and out
Every movement is declared, so the customs record always matches the stock.
- 01
Goods arrive under a customs declaration that places them in bond rather than releasing them.
- 02
Goods can move between bonded locations under customs control.
- 03
Goods leave Dubai for another country without UAE duty.
- 04
Duty and VAT are paid when goods are released for local sale.
- 05
Stock records
Inventory must match customs records at all times.
- 06
Time limits
Up to two years, extendable for a third year with Dubai Customs approval.
Documents for bonded storage
The set below is typical. Dubai Customs sets the exact requirements.
| Document | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| Bill of lading or air waybill | Shows the goods and the consignee |
| Commercial invoice and packing list | Give the value, HS code and quantity |
| Places the goods under customs control | |
| Records how the goods leave | |
| Stock records | Show each item from entry to exit |
bonded warehouse questions, answered
Last updated ·
See all shipping questionsAsk a freight questionA bonded warehouse is licensed by Dubai Customs to store goods with duty suspended. Goods stay under customs control. Duty and VAT are paid only if the goods are released into the UAE mainland, and re-exported goods leave without UAE duty. Only a licensed facility may hold goods in bond.
- Licensed by Dubai Customs.
- Duty paid on mainland release.
A free zone gives licensed companies a duty-free area. Bonded storage suspends duty for goods held outside a zone. Both charge duty when goods are released to the mainland. The right choice depends on where your company is licensed and where the goods go next.
- Free zone needs a licence there.
- Bonded suits mainland importers.
Yes, under customs control. Each transfer is declared so the record follows the goods, and duty stays suspended throughout. The goods must travel on an approved movement declaration and arrive intact. We file the declarations and arrange the transport, so your stock records and the customs record stay in step.
- Declare every movement.
- Duty stays suspended.
Goods can usually stay for up to two years. Dubai Customs allows a further year on approval, after which goods must be released, re-exported or moved. Licence conditions can add limits, so we confirm the position before your goods arrive and plan the exit date with you.
- Check the licence terms.
- Plan the exit early.