Free Trade Agreement Analysis Services
Driving Your Global Growth with Industry-Leading Best Practices
As globalization and free trade continue to drive economic growth worldwide, countries are increasingly focused on enhancing their international trade and economic relationships for mutual benefit. The UAE offers both local and international businesses numerous opportunities to optimize their supply chains by leveraging the many free trade agreements it is a signatory to.
The UAE operates under a unified customs law with other GCC countries and is a participant in the Greater Arab Free Trade Agreement. These regional and global preferential trade agreements allow eligible goods to benefit from reduced or zero customs duties based on origin or customs status. Each agreement carries its own set of rules, which requires careful consideration.
A thorough analysis of these agreements in relation to your specific supply chain could lead to significant savings on duties.
Our team of experts combines extensive knowledge with practical experience to guide your business through the best pathways for global expansion. We assist with navigating import and export regulations, ensuring you take full advantage of duty-saving opportunities. Additionally, we support companies seeking to enter the UAE market, offering guidance at every step to help establish a successful presence in the country.
What can we help you accomplish?
Stay ahead in a fast-evolving world and create a sustainable future with our support.
Save on Customs Duty with UAE Trade Agreements
The UAE is building a fast-growing network of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) and is part of the GCC Customs Union and the Greater Arab Free Trade Area. Goods that meet the rules of origin can enter partner markets at reduced or zero customs duty, which can make a large difference to landed cost and margins.
Many businesses miss these savings because origin rules are technical: products must be wholly obtained or sufficiently transformed, documentation must be right, and certificates of origin must be issued correctly.
What Our FTA/CEPA Analysis Covers
- Mapping your products to HS codes and identifying applicable agreements and preferential tariff rates
- Rules of origin testing (wholly obtained, change in tariff classification, value-added thresholds)
- Supplier declarations, bill of materials review and cost build-ups to support origin claims
- Certificate of origin process and record-keeping for customs audits
- Duty savings calculation and supply chain recommendations
- Links with UAE VAT, customs procedures and duty exemptions (including MOIAT industrial exemptions)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which UAE trade agreements are in force?
The UAE has CEPAs in force with several partners, including India, Indonesia and Türkiye, with more signed or under negotiation. We confirm the current status for your specific markets.
Is the duty saving automatic?
No. The importer must claim the preferential rate and hold valid proof of origin. Without correct documentation the standard duty applies.
Find out how much duty you could save
Speak to an FTA-registered tax agent. Free 15-minute initial consultation.
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