Shipping from Dubai to UKShipping from Dubai to the UK, by air and sea.
Airlift Logistics, a freight forwarder in Dubai Airport Free Zone, arranges shipping from Dubai to the UK for businesses. We fly air cargo from DXB to London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow, and ship FCL and LCL sea freight from Jebel Ali to Felixstowe, London Gateway and Southampton. We prepare export papers and check the UK importer's EORI number and commodity codes for the Customs Declaration Service.
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 UK at a glance
Air cargo to London is fast and frequent. Sea freight suits volume stock, and its timing depends on the route vessels take round the Red Sea.
- Flight time
- About 7.5 h DXB to London
- Sea transit
- Several weeks, via Suez or the Cape
- Customs
- HMRC, filed on CDS
- Import VAT
- 20% standard rate
Airports and seaports in UK we ship to
Pick the airport or port nearest the buyer to save on UK haulage.
| Gateway | Type | Code | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport | LHR | The UK's main air cargo gateway | |
| Airport | MAN | For the North of England | |
| Airports | BHX · GLA | For the Midlands and Scotland | |
| Seaport | GBFXT | The UK's largest container port | |
| Seaport | GBLGP | Deep-water port on the Thames estuary | |
| Seaport | GBSOU | South coast container and vehicle port |
Air, sea to UK
| Mode | Route | Typical timing | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DXB to LHR, MAN, BHX or GLA | About 1 to 3 days, plus clearance | Parts, fashion, electronics, samples | |
| Sea freight FCL | Jebel Ali to Felixstowe, London Gateway or Southampton | Several weeks, routing dependent | Volume stock and heavy goods |
| Sea freight LCL | Jebel Ali consolidation to UK ports | Longer than FCL | Smaller loads with flexible dates |
Airlines flying direct from Dubai to UK
- Emirates SkyCargo
- British Airways
We confirm current sailings and the route for each sea booking. Work out the billed weight with our chargeable weight calculator or the CBM calculator.
Customs in UK: what the importer needs
The UK importer needs a GB EORI number. Their customs agent files the import declaration on the Customs Declaration Service.
| Item | In UK |
|---|---|
| Customs authority | HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) |
| Declaration | Import declaration on the Customs Declaration Service (CDS) |
| Importer registration | GB EORI number; VAT registration to use postponed VAT accounting |
| Duty and tax | Duty under the UK Global Tariff by commodity code, plus import VAT at 20% on most goods |
| Trade agreement | No UK-UAE free trade agreement in force at the time of writing |
VAT-registered importers can account for import VAT on their VAT return instead of paying at the border.
Approvals to check before booking
Some products need UK marking or checks before they can be sold or released.
- 01
Regulated products need the right conformity marking for Great Britain.
- 02
Food and plant checks
Food, plants and animal products need health certificates and border checks.
- 03
UK REACH
Chemicals placed on the GB market must meet UK REACH rules.
- 04
Wood packaging
Pallets and crates must be ISPM 15 treated and marked.
- 05
The 10-digit code sets the duty and any import controls.
- 06
Product safety
Consumer goods must meet UK product safety law.
Documents for shipping to UK
Send these with your booking. We check the EORI number and consignee name before the cargo leaves Dubai.
| Document | Why it is needed |
|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Customs value, origin 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 the origin declared | |
| Food, plant and animal products |
Restricted or banned in UK
- Counterfeit goods
- Firearms without a licence
- Some meat and dairy products
- Endangered species without CITES permits
- Sanctioned or dual-use goods
Northern Ireland follows different rules for some goods. Tell us if the delivery is there.
What UAE businesses ship to UK
The UK and UAE are long-standing trade partners, with Dubai a major hub for UK re-exports to the region.
- 01
Aluminium and metals
UAE-made aluminium and metal products.
- 02
Jewellery and luxury
High-value goods by air with insurance.
- 03
Electronics and parts
Re-exported electronics and spare parts.
Dubai to UK shipping questions, answered
Last updated ·
See all shipping questionsGet a quote for this laneAir cargo usually reaches London in one to three days. The non-stop flight from DXB to Heathrow takes about seven and a half hours, with several flights daily. Customs clearance in the UK adds time if documents are incomplete. Manchester and Birmingham have direct flights too, which can shorten delivery.
- Check the EORI before booking.
- Sea suits large, non-urgent stock.
An EORI number identifies businesses that move goods across the UK border. The UK importer needs a GB EORI number, issued by HMRC, before the import declaration can be filed on CDS. The Dubai seller does not need a UK EORI for an export, unless it acts as the importer.
- It starts with the letters GB.
- Northern Ireland may need an XI number.
Most goods pay 20% import VAT in the UK. VAT is charged on the customs value plus duty and freight to the UK. VAT-registered importers can use postponed VAT accounting and declare it on their VAT return. Some goods, such as many foods, have a reduced or zero rate.
- Duty depends on the commodity code.
- Keep records for VAT claims.
Routing round the Red Sea changes the voyage length. When vessels use the Suez Canal, the voyage from Jebel Ali to UK ports is shorter. When they divert round the Cape of Good Hope, it takes much longer. We check the current routing of each sailing before you book.
- Ask for the routing on your quote.
- Air is an option for urgent stock.