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Importing a US car to the UAE in 2026: 5% duty, 5% VAT, salvage ban

Since 1 May 2019 the UAE won't register burned, flood-damaged, non-repairable or salvage-rebuilt cars — such lots come in only for re-export or as parts. For a clean car the charges are low: 5% duty and 5% VAT. No general age limit was found.

Updated: 2026-11

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Key facts

Age and eligibility

• No general age limit for import or registration was found.
• Registration requires compliance with GCC standards. Non-GCC-spec cars (including US spec) get a certificate of conformity through MoIAT or accredited centres.
• According to secondary sources, right-hand-drive cars can't be registered normally (except classics 25+ years old). Not relevant for US cars.

Duties and taxes

• Duty is 5% of the assessed value (essentially CIF) — the unified GCC tariff (Dubai Customs).
• VAT is 5% on value + duty — about 10.25% combined.
• No excise on passenger cars.
• MoIAT's "Product Status Statement" confirming a used import can be registered costs 200 AED and is issued online instantly. A car imported via Dubai also needs a Vehicle Clearance Certificate (VCC) from Dubai Customs.
• Traffic authority (RTA etc.) fees weren't checked.

Damaged cars and salvage titles

• Since 1 May 2019, used cars that are burned, flood-damaged, salvage-rebuilt, non-repairable or have serious manufacturing defects can't be imported for registration. They can't be registered or insured.
• Such cars can only be imported if declared for re-export or for dismantling/parts. Bringing damaged US cars in for re-export via Jebel Ali and the free zones is allowed — that's the basis of the transit trade to Iraq and other countries in the region.
• Repairing the car in the UAE doesn't make a banned car eligible: MoIAT tracks vehicle history through international databases.

EVs and hybrids

• No separate rates for hybrids or EVs were found — the same 5% duty applies.

Documents

• Confirmed: VCC from Dubai Customs, MoIAT Product Status Statement (needs Emirates ID and VIN), GCC certificate of conformity for non-GCC-spec cars.
• Usually also the US title or export documents, invoice and bill of lading — Dubai Customs' exact list wasn't checked.

Shipping from the US

• By sea from the US (container or RoRo) to Jebel Ali (Dubai).
• Shipping times and costs aren't confirmed.

Example: 2021 Toyota Camry 2.5, $10,000

• CIF $10,000: 5% duty = $500; 5% VAT on $10,500 = $525; total ≈ $1,025.
• Plus 200 AED (≈ $54) for the MoIAT statement, the GCC certificate, registration and broker.
• Registration is only possible if the car isn't burned, flood-damaged, salvage-rebuilt or non-repairable. A damaged Copart lot with a salvage title can only come in for re-export or parts.
• Estimate: Dubai Customs may reassess the value.

Still being checked

• Any age limit for import or registration.
• RTA registration, inspection and plate fees; cost of the GCC certificate.
• Whether the 2019 rules on damaged cars changed after ESMA's functions moved to MoIAT.

Cars to look at

Sources

1. Gulf News: Ban on import of used cars with major faults from May 1 2018-11-01
2. Zawya: UAE bans import of used cars with major faults from May 1 2018-11
3. MoIAT: Issue Product Status Statement for Used Imported Vehicles 2026-11-09
4. Dubai Customs FAQ: 5% duty on imported vehicles 2026-11-09
5. Dubai Customs: Request Vehicle Clearance Certificate 2026-11-09
6. UAE FTA: Automotive Sector VAT Guide 2021-06-29

This is a reference, not legal advice. Rules change often: confirm the numbers with customs or a licensed broker before you buy.

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