How to import a Chinese electric car to the UAE (2026)

CRAVEUO EV Export · Rules last checked 2026-10-30 · General information, not legal advice

Quick answer

A Chinese electric car needs an Emirates conformity certificate from MoIAT, then customs clearance at a Dubai port, then RTA registration. In Dubai, RTA has suspended registering China-built Volkswagen electric cars on a customs certificate. Other electric cars need no local agent, only the MoIAT certificate (RTA). This page follows the Dubai route; we did not check registration in other emirates.

Key facts

Step by step: from order to registration

1. Pick a model. Ask the seller for its inlet type and any Gulf or Emirates conformity paperwork.
2. Ask MoIAT how conformity for that model is shown. Its certificate service lists a valid trade licence for companies, a UAE ID copy for individuals, and an accredited laboratory test report. Fees are AED 500 technical review, AED 2,500 issue and AED 620 registration, with 1.5 working days stated (MoIAT). Whether the certificate is per car or per model: not found.
3. Sign a contract naming the buyer, the licensed Chinese exporter and the company bank account ([how to verify an exporter](guide-verify-chinese-car-exporter.md)).
4. Keep the invoice, packing list and bill of lading when the car ships.
5. Declare the car at Dubai Customs. It inspects and values the car, and you pay duty and import VAT.
6. Obtain the Vehicle Clearance Certificate, which is mandatory for registration (Dubai Customs).
7. Register with RTA Dubai and pass inspection if the car has not been inspected. RTA limits its three-year inspection exemption to first owners of new, zero-kilometre cars from an authorised dealer in the UAE, so a directly imported car does not get it (RTA).

Rules and where they come from

• EV certificate: UAE.S 2698:2024 sets technical requirements for electric vehicles; the certificate comes from MoIAT (GSO list MY2027-D3, checked 2026-10-28). It became mandatory on 2025-05-31 under Resolution 50 of 2024 (TÜV Rheinland, a certification body, checked 2026-10-30; we could not open the resolution).
• Other UAE items on the GSO list: three-point belts on outboard seats, front fog lights to ECE 19 or SAE J583 with exceptions, eCall UAE.S 5019:2024 (GSO list MY2027-D3, checked 2026-10-28).
• Emissions, relevant to plug-in hybrids: from 2026-01-01 new types at first registration need at least Euro 6b, and from 2027-07-01 imported light vehicles need Euro 6b or equivalent (same list). Which conformity route applies to plug-in hybrids: ask a licensed customs broker.
• VIN upload: GSO says vehicles exported to GCC states need VINs uploaded to its Mutabiq system (same list, checked 2026-10-28).
• Duty base: the u.ae portal states 5% of CIF value in Dubai (u.ae, updated 2026-10-28, checked 2026-10-30). Other emirates: ask a licensed customs broker.
• VAT payment: the importer is the person named for customs clearance. A non-registered importer pays before release through the FTA portal (FTA, checked 2026-10-28).
• Registration in Dubai: RTA asks for Emirates ID, electronic customs certificate, sale and purchase agreement, and MoIAT proof of Gulf specifications if the Customs Card does not show compliance. The agreement is not needed when the customs certificate is in the applicant's name (RTA, checked 2026-10-30).
• Warranty: GSO says carmakers should apply for the warranty agreement for vehicles marketed in GCC countries (same list). Whether it covers a China-spec car: read the carmaker's written terms.

Full cost breakdown →

Documents list

• Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, passport copy (Dubai Customs)
• Sale contract naming the buyer and the exporter
• Emirates conformity certificate or MoIAT proof for the model
• Electronic customs certificate and Vehicle Clearance Certificate
• Emirates ID for RTA, and a sale and purchase agreement unless the customs certificate is in your name

Have a model in mind? Send an inquiry through the form at www.craveuo.com with your country, model and quantity.