The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the world’s most important trade hubs, connecting the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Africa. In 2023, the UAE exported over USD 490 billion worth of goods, with top destinations including China, India, and Japan. If you are a business looking for how to export from UAE, this guide will walk you through regulations, documentation, logistics, and payment methods for these three key markets.
Here is a table in English showing the top export destinations of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with shares of exports in 2023.
| Rank |
Country |
% of UAE Exports in 2023 |
Approximate Value* |
| 1 |
Saudi Arabia |
5.2% |
~ USD 29.5 billion |
| 2 |
India |
4.4% |
~ USD 25.0 billion |
| 3 |
Iraq |
4.0% |
~ USD 22.7 billion |
| 4 |
Turkey |
3.3% |
~ USD 18.7 billion |
| 5 |
Hong Kong |
2.5% |
~ USD 14.4 billion |
| 6 |
United States |
2.4% |
~ USD 13.5 billion |
| 7 |
Switzerland |
1.9% |
~ USD 11.1 billion |
| 8 |
Oman |
1.9% |
~ USD 10.9 billion |
| 9 |
Kuwait |
1.7% |
~ USD 9.9 billion |
| 10 |
China |
~1.6% |
~ USD 9.3 billion |
*Values are approximate, based on 2023 data.
How to Export from UAE to China
Regulations for Exporting to China
When learning how to export from UAE to China, the first step is to follow the UAE’s Export Control Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 43 of 2021). While most goods can be exported freely, certain sensitive products (such as dual-use technologies or defense-related equipment) may require a special export license.
Export Requirements in China
China has strict import laws, especially for food, cosmetics, medical devices, and telecommunications equipment. Some goods require China Compulsory Certification (CCC) or other pre-approvals before they can be sold in China.
Documents Needed to Export from UAE to China
To avoid customs delays, exporters should prepare:
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
• Certificate of Origin (UAE Chamber of Commerce)
• Product test reports or health certificates (if applicable)
Best Shipping Methods from UAE to China
Sea Freight: Jebel Ali Port to Shanghai, Ningbo, or Shenzhen (best for bulk cargo).
Air Freight: Dubai International Airport or Abu Dhabi International Airport (best for high-value or urgent goods).
Duties and Payments in China
Imports into China are subject to tariffs and VAT. Duty rates depend on product classification (HS code). To ensure secure payments, Letters of Credit (LC) and Telegraphic Transfers (T/T) are commonly used.
How to Export from UAE to India
Regulations for Exporting to India
Understanding how to export from UAE to India requires compliance with both UAE export laws and India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) rules. Certain goods such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food may require Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification.
Export Requirements in India
Every Indian importer must hold an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) to clear goods. Some restricted items also need special permits from Indian authorities.
Documents Needed to Export from UAE to India
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
• Certificate of Origin
• Insurance Certificate (if required)
Best Shipping Routes from UAE to India
Sea Freight: Jebel Ali to Mumbai, Chennai, or Kolkata (most common).
Air Freight: Widely used for perishable and high-value goods like gold, electronics, and medical equipment.
Taxes and Payments in India
All exports from UAE to India are subject to customs duties and GST. Payment methods such as Letters of Credit and Bank Guarantees are widely used to protect both exporter and importer.
How to Export from UAE to Japan
Regulations for Exporting to Japan
To understand how to export from UAE to Japan, companies must comply with UAE export laws and Japan’s strict import regulations. Japan has high standards for food safety, cosmetics, and electronics, requiring proper certification and Japanese-language labeling.
Export Requirements in Japan
Some categories such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and agricultural goods require import permits or conformity certificates before clearance in Japan.
Documents Needed to Export from UAE to Japan
• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
• Certificate of Origin
• Product conformity or test certificates (if required)
Best Shipping Options from UAE to Japan
Sea Freight: From Jebel Ali to Yokohama, Kobe, and Osaka for bulk shipments.
Air Freight: Dubai to Tokyo (Narita) or Osaka (Kansai) for urgent shipments.
Duties and Payments in Japan
Japan imposes customs duties and consumption tax on imports. Rates vary depending on HS code. Safe payment options include Letters of Credit (LC) and trusted banking transfers.
Final Tips on How to Export from UAE
When planning how to export from UAE to global markets, keep these steps in mind:
1. Check product classification (HS code).
2. Verify if goods need export licenses under UAE law.
3. Ensure compliance with the destination country’s import requirements.
4. Prepare all documents correctly to prevent clearance delays.
5. Work with professional freight forwarders for smoother logistics.
6. Use secure payment methods such as LCs or bank guarantees.
By mastering these steps, exporters can expand successfully into China, India, Japan, and beyond.
