Shipping from Dubai to LebanonShipping from Dubai to Lebanon, by air and sea.
Airlift Logistics, a freight forwarder in Dubai Airport Free Zone, arranges shipping from Dubai to Lebanon for businesses. We fly air cargo from DXB to Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport and ship FCL and LCL sea freight from Jebel Ali to the Port of Beirut and Tripoli. We prepare export papers and check Lebanese customs requirements and GAFTA origin documents before your cargo leaves Dubai.
Business cargo only. Airlift Logistics ships commercial goods for importers, exporters, traders and manufacturers, with a commercial invoice and a registered consignee. We do not handle personal boxes, household effects or door-to-door parcels.
Dubai to Lebanon at a glance
Most business cargo to Lebanon goes through Beirut, by air into Rafic Hariri International or by sea into the Port of Beirut.
- Flight time
- About 4 h DXB to Beirut
- Sea
- Jebel Ali to Beirut via Suez
- Customs
- Lebanese Customs
- VAT
- 11% on imports
Airports and seaports in Lebanon we ship to
Almost all air cargo and most containers clear in Beirut. Tripoli serves northern Lebanon.
| Gateway | Type | Code | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport | BEY | Beirut-Rafic Hariri International, the only international airport | |
| Seaport | LBBEY | The main container port | |
| Seaport | LBKYE | Northern port, an alternative to Beirut |
Air, sea to Lebanon
| Mode | Route | Typical timing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DXB to BEY | Same or next day, plus clearance | Parts, electronics, pharma, urgent goods | |
| Sea freight FCL | Jebel Ali to Beirut or Tripoli | About 2 to 3 weeks via Suez | Volume stock, materials |
| Sea freight LCL | Jebel Ali consolidation to Beirut | Longer than FCL | Smaller loads |
Airlines flying direct from Dubai to Lebanon
- Emirates SkyCargo
- flydubai
- Middle East Airlines (MEA)
We check the current sailing schedule and port conditions for each booking. Work out the billed weight with our chargeable weight calculator or the CBM calculator.
Customs in Lebanon: what the importer needs
A Lebanese importer, through a licensed customs broker, clears the goods with Lebanese Customs.
| Item | In Lebanon |
|---|---|
| Customs authority | Lebanese Customs Administration |
| Declaration | Electronic customs declaration (NAJM system) |
| Importer registration | Lebanese commercial registration and tax number |
| Duty and tax | Duty by tariff code, plus 11% VAT |
| Trade agreement | Both are members of the Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA); qualifying Arab-origin goods can enter duty-free |
Rules and rates change; the importer's broker confirms the final figure.
Approvals to check before booking
Some goods need Lebanese ministry approvals before they can be cleared.
- 01
Ministry of Public Health
Medicines and medical products need registration.
- 02
Ministry of Agriculture
Food, plants and animal products need agricultural clearance.
- 03
Product standards
Some products must meet LIBNOR standards.
- 04
A certificate of Arab origin can remove duty on qualifying goods.
- 05
Telecom equipment
Wireless devices may need approval from the telecom authority.
- 06
Used goods
Some second-hand goods are restricted.
Documents for shipping to Lebanon
Send these with your booking. Documents must match exactly to avoid holds in Beirut.
| Document | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Customs value, parties and HS codes |
| Packing list | Pieces, weights and marks for inspection |
| Transport contract and cargo release | |
| Exit clearance from the UAE, filed by us | |
| Supports GAFTA treatment for Arab-origin goods | |
| Ministry approvals | Health, agriculture or telecom |
Restricted or banned in Lebanon
- Medicines without registration
- Counterfeit goods
- Weapons without a permit
- Certain used goods
- Narcotics
Lebanon also applies rules on goods from certain origins; ask us if unsure.
What UAE businesses ship to Lebanon
Dubai is a long-standing trading partner and supply source for Lebanese businesses.
- 01
Electronics and phones
IT and consumer electronics by air.
- 02
Consumer goods
FMCG and retail stock by sea.
- 03
Machinery and parts
Equipment and spare parts.
Dubai to Lebanon shipping questions, answered
Last updated ·
See all shipping questionsGet a quote for this laneMost use air cargo or sea freight into Beirut. Flights from DXB to Rafic Hariri International take about four hours, with several daily services. Sea freight from Jebel Ali to the Port of Beirut passes through the Suez Canal. The Lebanese importer clears the goods with a licensed broker.
- Tripoli is an alternative seaport.
- Air suits urgent and high-value goods.
Goods of Arab origin can, with the right certificate. The UAE and Lebanon are both in the Greater Arab Free Trade Area, which removes duty on qualifying Arab-origin goods. A certificate of origin proves it. Goods made outside the region and re-exported from Dubai pay normal Lebanese duty.
- VAT still applies.
- The broker checks eligibility.
Lebanon charges 11% VAT on most imports. It is collected by Lebanese Customs at clearance, on the value plus any duty. Some goods may be exempt or face other charges. The importer's customs broker calculates the total before the goods are released from the airport or port.
- Rates can change.
- Keep invoices consistent.
It asks for the commercial invoice, packing list and transport document. A certificate of origin is needed to claim GAFTA treatment. Regulated goods, such as medicines, food or telecom devices, also need ministry approvals. Names, values and descriptions must match across every document to avoid delays.
- We prepare the Dubai export papers.
- The importer holds Lebanese approvals.