Used Car Import Regulations in United Arab Emirates
Only left-hand drive vehicles can be registered in the UAE; right-hand drive vehicles may be imported only for re-export. Customs duty is 5% of the CIF value plus 5% VAT, and vehicles must pass an RTA inspection after arrival.
Left-hand drive only
No fixed age limit
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Import Eligibility
- Left-hand drive vehicles: can be imported for the domestic market (for road registration).
- Right-hand drive vehicles: in principle can be imported only for re-export. Domestic registration and driving are not permitted (classic cars 30+ years old may be registered as exceptions).
- Age limit: there is no explicit age ban, but because local inspection (RTA test) standards are strict, vehicles in good condition, typically within 10 years of manufacture, are recommended.
Import Duties & Taxes
- Customs duty: 5% of the CIF value (vehicle price + freight + insurance).
- VAT: 5% of (CIF value + customs duty).
- Invoice attestation fee: if the invoice amount is 10,000 AED (dirham) or more, online attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) is mandatory. The fee is approx. 150 AED per invoice.
*For re-export, the duty amount is lodged as a deposit and can be reclaimed with proof of re-export completed within 6 months.
Vehicle Condition
- After arrival, vehicles must pass inspection for safety, emissions and visibility (e.g., window film transmittance) at an RTA (Roads and Transport Authority)-designated center (e.g., Tasjeel).
- Accident-damaged, flood-damaged or repaired vehicles have a high risk of failing inspection.
- Tire condition is also strictly checked; tires past a certain age from manufacture must be replaced.
Required Documents
- Original Bill of Lading
- Commercial Invoice *MOFA attestation required depending on the amount
- Certificate of Origin
- Export Certificate (English translation of Japan's deregistration certificate)
- VCC (Vehicle Clearance Certificate): issued after clearing UAE customs
- Passport, visa and Emirates ID (for personal imports)
Steering (RHD/LHD) Rules
Only left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles can be registered domestically.
Right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles cannot be registered (they may be kept in bonded areas or handled as temporary imports for re-export).
Shipping Methods
RORO and container shipping.
Main ports include Jebel Ali.
Sources
JETRO – UAE import/export procedures
Information is current as of the verification date. Please check with the relevant government authorities for the latest information.