Procurement Guides

How to Import Chemicals into UAE — Customs, ESMA & Documentation Guide

The UAE is one of the world's most active chemical trading hubs, with Jebel Ali Port handling over 15 million TEUs annually — a significant proportion of which is chemical cargo destined for UAE manufacturing and re-export to the GCC. For procurement managers, R&D teams, and manufacturing companies sourcing chemical raw materials for paint, construction chemicals, polyurethane, or plastic processing, understanding the UAE import process is essential to avoiding costly delays, customs holds, and compliance failures. This comprehensive guide covers every step of the UAE chemical import process.

UAE Chemical Import Regulatory Framework

Chemical imports into the UAE are regulated by multiple authorities:

• UAE Federal Customs Authority (FCA): Oversees all customs procedures at UAE ports; enforces HS code classification and duty rates.
• Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE): Regulates import of hazardous chemicals, pesticides, and chemicals with environmental impact. Issues import permits for controlled substances.
• ESMA (Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology): Sets UAE technical standards and conformity requirements for regulated product categories.
• Dubai Civil Defense / Abu Dhabi Civil Defense: Regulates storage and handling of flammable, explosive, and hazardous chemicals at premises level — import clearance for large quantities of hazardous chemicals may require Civil Defense notification.
• Dubai Municipality: Regulates chemical use and disposal in Dubai — may require product registration for certain chemical categories.

Step-by-Step Import Process for Chemical Raw Materials

Step	Action	Timeline	Notes
1	Classify the chemical under the correct HS code	Before ordering	Incorrect HS codes cause customs holds and duty disputes
2	Verify the chemical is not on UAE's restricted/prohibited list	Before ordering	Check MoCCAE restricted substances list
3	Obtain required import permits (if applicable)	2–4 weeks before shipment	Required for ozone-depleting substances, some pesticides
4	Request GHS-compliant SDS from supplier	Before shipment	SDS required at time of customs clearance
5	Ensure proper chemical shipping classification (IMDG for sea)	Before booking freight	Hazardous chemicals require UN number, packing group, proper labels
6	Prepare commercial invoice with full chemical details	At time of shipment	Include CAS number, chemical name, HS code, and composition
7	Submit customs declaration (e-Mirsal 2 system)	On arrival or pre-arrival	UAE Customs uses e-Mirsal 2 electronic system
8	Physical inspection if flagged by customs	1–5 days	May include sampling and laboratory analysis
9	Pay customs duty and obtain release order	After clearance	UAE tariff is 5% for most chemicals from non-FTA countries
10	Arrange compliant storage at destination	Before delivery	Hazardous chemicals require Civil Defense-approved storage

Critical Documentation — Get This Right Every Shipment

• Commercial Invoice: Must include full IUPAC chemical name (not trade name alone), CAS number, HS code, UN number for hazardous chemicals, country of origin, gross/net weight, and value.
• GHS Safety Data Sheet (SDS): Mandatory for hazardous chemical imports. Must be in GHS format (16-section format). Ideally provided in English and Arabic. The SDS must reflect the actual product being shipped — not a generic SDS for the chemical family.
• Certificate of Analysis (COA): Confirms the actual composition and purity of the specific batch being shipped. Essential for quality compliance and may be required by customs for verification against the declared composition.
• Certificate of Origin (COO): Required for duty preference claims under UAE free trade agreements (e.g. GCC/China FTA). Must be issued by the relevant Chamber of Commerce in the origin country.

UAE Import Duty on Chemical Raw Materials

UAE applies a standard 5% customs duty on most chemical raw materials from countries without FTA agreements. Notable exceptions:

• Chemicals from GCC countries (Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait): 0% duty under GCC customs union.
• Chemicals from countries with UAE FTA (India from some categories, Singapore, Panama): Reduced duties — check the specific HS code and trade agreement terms.
• Free zone imports (JAFZA, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre): Often exempt from duty for manufacturing inputs — verify with free zone authority.

How Raykem Simplifies Chemical Procurement for UAE Buyers

Raykem handles the complete import and documentation process for chemical raw materials supplied to UAE and Saudi Arabia customers. Our services include provision of all export documentation: GHS-compliant SDS (English and Arabic), COA, TDS, Certificate of Origin, and proper IMDG hazardous goods documentation. By sourcing through Raykem, UAE manufacturers eliminate the complexity of international chemical import compliance, customs classification, and documentation management. Contact our Dubai office for a consultation on how we can simplify your raw material procurement process.