Mistakes to Avoid when Importing Cars into the UAE

You may be highly tempted to import a car from neighboring countries when friends talk about getting both used and new cars for significantly lower prices across the border. You might also have been living in another country and might prefer to use your vehicle there when you drive in Dubai. There are however a few things you should be aware of if you are planning to import a vehicle into Dubai:

1. You need to ensure that the vehicle you intend to import has GCC specs and is a left-hand drive vehicle. So, if you are eyeing vehicles with American specs that you see on auction sites with really tempting prices, give it another thought. They might quite possibly be salvage vehicles with a dodgy history. The process is a lot easier with less time and money spent for paperwork if the vehicle you intend to import has GCC specs.

2. The car needs to be deregistered in the country you are importing it from and you need to get export plates. A vehicle export certificate needs to be prepared with complete details of the vehicle and you need to get temporary insurance for the period it would be in transit. In the event that there is any damage, you are covered.

3. You also need to decide if it would be shipped in a container or would be driven onto the ship if the shipment is going to be made by sea. There are less chances of damage and theft if it is shipped in a container. If the shipment is to be made through a freight forwarder, you need to issue an authorization letter.

4. Once the shipment arrives in Dubai, the process is relatively straightforward. You will get a vehicle clearance certificate from Dubai Customs after paying the customs import duties and then like any other vehicle you buy, you will need to register and insure the vehicle.

5. Individuals are allowed to import only one vehicle for personal use and it should be less than 10 years old. Make sure that the vehicle you purchase is less than 10 years old.