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Three guides that answer most first questions.UAEHow to Import from China to the UAE: The Complete RoadmapHow to import from China to the UAE in 2026: trade licence, customs code, supplier checks, Incoterms, booking, clearance, duty, VAT and final delivery.8 min readShipping basicsIncoterms 2020 explained: the 11 rules, who pays and where risk passesIncoterms 2020 explained for importers buying from China: all 11 rules, who pays each cost, where risk passes, and the container traps to avoid in 2026.9 min readShipping basicsHow to calculate CBM for sea freight, step by stepHow to calculate CBM for shipping: the formula in cm, mm and inches, worked carton and pallet examples, rounding, cartons per container and how W/M is charged.7 min read
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25 articlesUAEShipping from China to Abu Dhabi: ports, ATLP clearance and 2026 routingHow cargo from China reaches Abu Dhabi in November 2026: Khalifa Port vs Jebel Ali or Khor Fakkan plus truck, ATLP clearance, transit times, duty and VAT.8 min readUAEShipping from China to Sharjah: Khor Fakkan, free zones and clearanceShip from China to Sharjah in 2026: Khor Fakkan vs Port Khalid and Hamriyah, SAIF Zone and Hamriyah Free Zone, Sharjah Customs clearance, trucking to Dubai.7 min readUAEJebel Ali Free Zone import guide: duty suspension, onshore sales and re-exportHow Jebel Ali Free Zone import works in 2026: storing goods duty-suspended, selling into the Dubai mainland, re-exporting to the GCC and Africa, and documents.7 min readUAEShipping furniture from China to Dubai: from Foshan showroom to your doorHow to ship furniture from Foshan to Dubai in 2026: packing, LCL vs FCL by CBM, 5% duty and VAT, damage claims and delivery. Practical steps from our team.8 min readUAEShipping tiles and building materials from China to the UAEShip tiles, sanitary ware and steel from China to the UAE: payload limits, ECAS and Dubai Central Laboratory approvals, anti-dumping, breakage and duty.8 min readUAEShipping solar panels, inverters and batteries from China to the UAEShip solar panels, inverters and batteries from China to the UAE in 2026: packing, lithium battery DG rules, DEWA and ECAS approvals, rebate changes and duty.8 min readUAEShipping electronics from China to the UAE: approvals, batteries, security and dutyShipping electronics from China to the UAE in 2026: TDRA type approval, ECAS, lithium batteries, theft risk, insurance and the 5% duty and VAT on CIF value.7 min readUAEImporting cosmetics from China to the UAE: registration, labels, heat and shelf lifeImporting cosmetics from China to the UAE: MOIAT ECAS, Dubai Municipality Montaji registration, label rules, ingredient limits, heat, shelf life and 5% duty.7 min readUAEShipping clothes from China to Dubai: markets, LCL, labels and dutyHow to ship clothes from Guangzhou to Dubai in 2026: market buying, LCL consolidation, HS chapters 61 and 62, Arabic labels, 5% duty and VAT.8 min readUAEShipping auto parts from China to the UAE: codes, DG, duty and re-exportShip auto parts from China to the UAE in 2026: HS codes, counterfeit risk, batteries and oils as dangerous goods, consolidation, 5% duty and re-export.8 min readUAEShipping machinery from China to the UAE: equipment, lashing, insurance and dutyHow to ship machinery from China to the UAE in 2026: flat rack, open top or breakbulk, lashing, surveys, cargo insurance, 5% duty and exemptions.7 min readUAEShipping cars and EVs from China to the UAE: RoRo or container, specs, duty and re-exportShip cars and EVs from China to the UAE: RoRo vs container, EV battery DG rules, GCC specs, 5% duty and VAT, and duty-free re-export. Updated November 2026.7 min readUAEImporting food from China to the UAE: registration, labels, shelf life, halal and reefer shippingImport food from China to the UAE: municipality product registration, Arabic labels, shelf life, halal certificates, reefer or dry box, duty and VAT in 2026.8 min readUAEShipping from China to Amazon and noon warehouses in the UAEShip stock from China to Amazon FBA and noon FBN warehouses in the UAE: inbound rules, labels, DDP vs DAP, consolidation and returns. Updated November 2026.8 min readUAEHow to Import from China to the UAE: The Complete RoadmapHow to import from China to the UAE in 2026: trade licence, customs code, supplier checks, Incoterms, booking, clearance, duty, VAT and final delivery.8 min readUAEUAE Customs Clearance Process, Step by StepThe UAE customs clearance process in 2026: Mirsal 2 and ATLP declaration types, delivery order, invoice attestation, inspection, typical timeline and fees.8 min readUAEUAE Import Duty and VAT Calculator, with Worked ExamplesCalculate UAE import duty and VAT: 5% duty on CIF, 5% VAT on CIF plus duty, reverse charge, exemptions, excise goods and worked examples in AED for 2026.8 min readUAEHow to get an importer code in the UAE: licence, customs code, broker and VATGet a UAE importer code in 2026: the trade licence activity you need, Dubai Trade registration, fees, documents, using a broker and linking the code to VAT.8 min readUAEECAS certificate in the UAE: which products, who applies, how long it takesECAS certificate UAE 2026: which products need it, who applies, MOIAT steps and fees, a realistic timeline from China, and the penalties for skipping it.8 min readUAEBest UAE free zones for importers: JAFZA, KEZAD, SAIF, Hamriyah and RAKEZ comparedBest UAE free zones for importers in 2026: JAFZA, KEZAD, SAIF Zone, Hamriyah and RAKEZ compared for traders, plus duty suspension rules and Hormuz routing.9 min readUAERe-export from Dubai: a practical 2026 guide for tradersHow re-export from Dubai works in 2026: free zone vs import for re-export vs transit, deposits and refunds, documents, and routes to GCC and Central Asia.9 min readUAECertificate of origin and invoice attestation for UAE imports in 2026Certificate of origin attestation in the UAE for 2026: getting a CO from CCPIT in China, MOFA eDAS 2.0 invoice rules, AED 150 fees, deadlines, exemptions.8 min readUAEUAE prohibited and restricted goods: what you can ship from ChinaUAE prohibited and restricted goods in 2026: the banned list, which authority approves each restricted product, and how to check your goods before shipping.8 min readUAEKhor Fakkan port shipping in 2026: a practical guide for UAE importersKhor Fakkan port shipping in 2026: why ships discharge there, how the bonded truck to Jebel Ali works, realistic timelines and the extra costs to budget.8 min readUAEStrait of Hormuz shipping disruption 2026: what importers need to knowStrait of Hormuz shipping disruption 2026: what happened, which ports outside the strait carry Gulf cargo, land bridges, cost and time impact, how to plan.7 min read
Shipping basics
27 articlesShipping basicsShipping lithium batteries from China: UN numbers, documents and Gulf rules for 2026Ship lithium batteries from China in 2026: the right UN number, UN38.3, SDS, DG declaration, sea vs road vs air rules and the Gulf approvals you will need.8 min readShipping basicsTIR carnet explained: the transit passport for road freightWhat a TIR carnet is, how sealed trucks cross borders without paying duty at each one, which countries use it in 2026, what it costs and the alternatives.9 min readShipping basicsIncoterms 2020 explained: the 11 rules, who pays and where risk passesIncoterms 2020 explained for importers buying from China: all 11 rules, who pays each cost, where risk passes, and the container traps to avoid in 2026.9 min readShipping basicsFOB vs CIF: which is better when you import from China to the Gulf?FOB vs CIF for importers in the UAE and Gulf: who pays freight and destination charges, where risk passes, the CIF insurance gap, and a worked duty example.7 min readShipping basicsEXW vs FOB: the China export clearance problem, and when FOB is saferEXW vs FOB for buyers in China: why EXW leaves you an export clearance you cannot file, how the VAT rebate affects price, and when FOB or FCA is the safer term.7 min readShipping basicsDDP vs DAP: who pays duty and VAT, and which term works for Gulf importsDDP vs DAP explained for Gulf importers: who pays duty and VAT, who is importer of record, why DDP often fails in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and when to use each.8 min readShipping basicsFCL vs LCL: choosing between a full container and shared spaceFCL vs LCL from China to the Gulf: how to find your break-even CBM, what each option costs, transit time, damage and delay risk, and when consolidation wins.8 min readShipping basicsShipping container sizes and dimensions: what really fitsShipping container sizes with inside dimensions, door openings, usable CBM and payload for 20GP, 40GP, 40HQ, reefer, open top and flat rack containers.8 min readShipping basicsHow to calculate CBM for sea freight, step by stepHow to calculate CBM for shipping: the formula in cm, mm and inches, worked carton and pallet examples, rounding, cartons per container and how W/M is charged.7 min readShipping basicsChargeable weight explained: how sea, road, rail and air freight are billedHow chargeable weight works: sea LCL at 1 CBM = 1,000 kg, road and rail at about 333 kg, air at 167 kg, with worked examples and a calculator for China cargo.9 min readShipping basicsTypes of bill of lading: which B/L you need and why it mattersTypes of bill of lading explained: original negotiable, to order, straight, telex release, sea waybill, house vs master and switch B/L, and when to use each.9 min readShipping basicsTelex release vs original bill of lading: how each works and when to use itTelex release vs original B/L: how each releases your cargo, who carries the payment risk, what it costs when originals are late, and which to use from China.7 min readShipping basicsDemurrage vs Detention: What You Pay, When the Clock Starts and How to Avoid ItDemurrage vs detention explained for Gulf importers: who charges what, when free time starts, port storage, how to avoid daily fees, and 2026 empty returns.8 min readShipping basicsOcean Freight Surcharges Explained: What Each Line on Your Quote MeansOcean freight surcharges explained: what BAF, LSS, CAF, THC, PSS, GRI, ISPS, war risk and documentation fees cover, who pays them, and 2026 Gulf extras.8 min readShipping basicsHS Code Lookup Guide: From the 6-Digit System to the GCC 12-Digit TariffHS code lookup guide for Gulf importers: how the 6-digit system works, the GCC 12-digit tariff and UAE rollout, the six classification rules, and duty impact.7 min readShipping basicsCommercial invoice and packing list for Gulf imports from ChinaWhat a commercial invoice and packing list must show for Gulf customs, how UAE MOFA attestation works, and the document mismatches that stop cargo at the port.8 min readShipping basicsCertificate of origin from China: issuers, forms, FTAs and Gulf rulesWho issues a certificate of origin in China (CCPIT or customs), which forms exist, why no FTA cuts Gulf duty in 2026, and when UAE and GCC customs ask for one.7 min readShipping basicsLetter of credit for importers: how it works, what it costs, when to use itHow a letter of credit works for Gulf importers buying from China: UCP 600 rules, required documents, discrepancies, real UAE bank fees, and L/C vs T/T and D/P.8 min readShipping basicsCargo Insurance for Importers: What It Covers and How Much You NeedCargo insurance for China–Gulf importers: ICC A vs B vs C, carrier liability limits, how much to insure (110% of CIF), 2026 war risk cover and how claims work.9 min readShipping basicsGeneral Average: Why You Pay for a Ship's Emergency Even If Your Cargo Is FineGeneral average explained: how the York-Antwerp Rules share a ship's emergency costs, real cases like Ever Given and Dali, and the bonds to release cargo.8 min readShipping basicsHow to Claim for Damaged Cargo, Step by StepHow to claim for damaged cargo: notice deadlines by sea, road, rail and air, the evidence you need, how surveys work, and when to claim from carrier or insurer.8 min readShipping basicsShipping dangerous goods by sea: classes, documents, packaging, labels and costsHow to ship dangerous goods by sea from China in 2026: the 9 IMDG classes, DG declaration, UN packaging, labels and placards, and the extra costs to plan for.8 min readShipping basicsHow to choose a freight forwarder: checklist, questions and red flagsHow to choose a freight forwarder in 2026: licences to check, questions to ask, red flags, and how to compare quotes line by line before you book from China.8 min readShipping basicsFreight forwarder vs customs broker: roles, when you need both, and costsFreight forwarder vs customs broker: what each one does, when you need both on a China to UAE shipment, and which costs come from each and from customs itself.7 min readShipping basicsDoor to door shipping from China: what you actually getDoor to door shipping from China explained: what a real door-to-door price includes, DDP vs DAP, typical 18–30 day timeline to the UAE and what can go wrong.9 min readShipping basicsConsolidation from multiple Chinese suppliers: one container, one B/LHow consolidation from multiple Chinese suppliers works: one warehouse, carton checks, one container and one B/L, export declaration options and real savings.8 min readShipping basicsSea vs rail vs road freight: which mode fits your cargoSea vs rail vs road freight from China compared on cost basis, transit time, reliability, cargo types and corridors, with November 2026 route status and tools.8 min read
Oman
4 articlesOmanShipping from China to Muscat: the 2026 guide for importersShipping from China to Muscat in 2026: containers via Sohar port then road, Bayan customs clearance, 5% duty and 5% VAT, documents and typical transit time.7 min readOmanSohar port and free zone: a practical guide for importers in 2026Sohar port and free zone explained for 2026: container terminal rules, freezone duty and tax benefits, storage options and onward trucking across the GCC.8 min readOmanOman customs duty and import rules: what importers need to know in 2026Oman customs duty and import rules for 2026: 5% duty on CIF, 5% VAT, Bayan importer registration, restricted goods and permits, plus the latest ROP changes.7 min readOmanDubai to Oman trucking: crossings, FTL and LTL, documents and duty rulesDubai to Oman trucking in 2026: Hatta and Khatmat Malaha crossings, FTL vs LTL, customs documents, transit times and when UAE duty already paid counts in Oman.7 min read
Saudi Arabia
7 articlesSaudi ArabiaShipping from China to Saudi Arabia: ports, approvals, VAT and 2026 routingShipping from China to Saudi Arabia in November 2026: Jeddah vs Dammam, SABER and SFDA approvals, 15% VAT, transit planning and current Red Sea routing.8 min readSaudi ArabiaSABER certificate in Saudi Arabia: product and shipment certificates explainedSABER certificate Saudi Arabia explained: PC vs SC, which products need them, the step-by-step process, realistic timelines and the most common rejections.8 min readSaudi ArabiaSFDA registration for importers: food, cosmetics and medical devicesSFDA registration for import into Saudi Arabia: what food, cosmetics and medical devices need, the GHAD and eCosma systems, documents, labels and port release.7 min readSaudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia import duty and VAT 15%: rates, examples and FASAHHow Saudi import duty and 15% VAT are calculated in 2026: tariff bands from 0% to 20%, VAT on CIF plus duty, worked SAR examples and paying through FASAH.8 min readSaudi ArabiaShipping from China to Jeddah: Red Sea routing, clearance and onward truckingShip from China to Jeddah in 2026: Jeddah Islamic Port, Red Sea routing and risks, FASAH and SABER clearance, transit rules and trucking on to Riyadh.8 min readSaudi ArabiaShipping from China to Riyadh: via Jeddah, Dammam or the UAEShip from China to Riyadh in 2026: via Jeddah and truck, Dammam and rail to Riyadh Dry Port, or the UAE and Batha. Clearance, timelines, duty and VAT.8 min readSaudi ArabiaUAE to Saudi Arabia trucking: Ghuwaifat–Batha, documents, transit and VATUAE to Saudi Arabia trucking in 2026: the Ghuwaifat–Batha crossing, GCC transit vs duty-paid goods, SABER and FASAH documents, waiting times and 15% VAT.9 min read
Gulf
5 articlesGulfShipping from China to Kuwait: ports, overland routes, 5% duty and no VATShipping from China to Kuwait in 2026: Shuwaikh and Shuaiba ports, overland via Saudi Arabia while Hormuz is closed, 5% duty on CIF, no VAT, KUCAS documents.7 min readGulfShipping from China to Qatar: Hamad Port, duty, no VAT and 2026 routingShipping from China to Qatar in 2026: Hamad Port, routing around Hormuz via Khor Fakkan or overland through Saudi Arabia, 5% duty, no VAT, document checklist.8 min readGulfShipping from China to Bahrain in 2026: routes, customs, 5% duty and 10% VATShip from China to Bahrain in 2026: Khalifa Bin Salman Port, the Jeddah land bridge over King Fahd Causeway, 5% duty, 10% VAT, documents and clearance steps.7 min readGulfThe GCC Customs Union Explained: First Point of Entry, Duty Transfer and GCC OriginHow the GCC customs union works in 2026: 5% duty paid once at the first point of entry, transfer of duty between states, intra-GCC trucking and GCC origin.8 min readGulfVAT Rates in GCC Countries Compared: Import VAT, Excise and What Changed in 2026VAT rates in GCC countries for 2026: UAE 5%, Oman 5%, Saudi Arabia 15%, Bahrain 10%, Kuwait and Qatar none. Import VAT base, excise and a worked example.8 min read
Iraq
2 articlesIraqShipping from China to Iraq in 2026: Umm Qasr, overland routes, the new tariff and COSQCShip from China to Iraq in 2026: Umm Qasr and overland routes via Turkey, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the new item-based tariff, COSQC certificates and documents.8 min readIraqShipping to Erbil and the Kurdistan Region from China: routes, customs and documentsShip from China to Erbil in 2026: routes via Turkey and the Habur crossing, Kurdistan Region customs, the unified Iraqi tariff, ASYCUDA status and documents.7 min read
Central Asia
7 articlesCentral AsiaShipping from China to Kazakhstan: routes, times, duty and VAT in 2026Rail or truck from China to Kazakhstan in 2026: Khorgos, Dostyk and Altynkol crossings, transit times, EAEU duty, 16% VAT, EAC certificates and EAEU transit.7 min readCentral AsiaShipping from China to Uzbekistan: rail, road and Tashkent clearance in 2026Ship from China to Uzbekistan in 2026: rail via Kazakhstan, trucks via Kyrgyzstan and Irkeshtam, Tashkent clearance, 12% VAT, certification and documents.7 min readCentral AsiaShipping from China to Kyrgyzstan: Torugart, Irkeshtam, EAEU Rules and Delivery to Bishkek and OshShipping from China to Kyrgyzstan in 2026: Torugart and Irkeshtam road routes to Bishkek and Osh, transit times, EAEU duty, 12% VAT, customs fees and documents.8 min readCentral AsiaShipping from China to Tajikistan: Kulma pass, rail via Uzbekistan and Dushanbe clearanceShipping from China to Tajikistan in 2026: Kulma pass trucks, rail via Uzbekistan, the Irkeshtam road, Dushanbe customs clearance, 14% VAT and documents.7 min readCentral AsiaShipping from China to Turkmenistan: rail routes, Caspian links and import rulesShipping from China to Turkmenistan in 2026: rail via Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan, Caspian links at Turkmenbashi, contract registration, duty, VAT and documents.7 min readCentral AsiaKhorgos border crossing: road, rail, free zone and waiting times in 2026Khorgos border crossing explained for 2026: Nurzhol road checkpoint, Altynkol rail and gauge change, the ICBC free zone, Eastern Gate dry port and truck queues.7 min readCentral AsiaEAC certification and EAEU customs: what importers and Chinese suppliers need to knowEAC certification for the EAEU explained: who needs it, EAC declaration vs certificate, the EAC mark, product marking, the single customs tariff and 2026 VAT.8 min read
Afghanistan
3 articlesAfghanistanShipping from China to Kabul: routes, timelines and compliance in 2026How to ship from China to Kabul in 2026: rail and road via Uzbekistan and Hairatan, Iran and Pakistan route status, documents, Afghan duties and compliance.8 min readAfghanistanThe Hairatan–Termez route: rail bridge, Uzbek transit, documents and timelinesThe Hairatan Termez route in 2026: the Friendship Bridge, rail to Mazar-i-Sharif, Uzbekistan transit, documents, typical timelines and compliance checks.7 min readAfghanistanShipping from Dubai to Afghanistan in 2026: routes, compliance and paymentsShipping from Dubai to Afghanistan in 2026: Iran and Pakistan route status, northern alternatives, UAE transit rules, compliance screening and banking limits.8 min read
Russia
1 articlesTurkey and Europe
7 articlesTurkey and EuropeChina Europe rail freight: routes, transit times and when rail beats sea (2026)China Europe rail freight in 2026: northern and Middle Corridor routes, gauge changes at Dostyk and Brest, 12–22 day transit, when rail beats sea, cost drivers.8 min readTurkey and EuropeThe Middle Corridor route: how the Trans-Caspian corridor works in 2026The Middle Corridor route in 2026: Kazakhstan, Caspian ferry, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey. Transit times, capacity, bottlenecks, pros and cons for shippers.8 min readTurkey and EuropeShipping from China to Turkey in 2026: routes, timing and dutiesSea to Mersin or Istanbul versus the Middle Corridor, transit times, Türkiye's additional duties on Chinese goods, 20% KDV and what the EU customs union means.8 min readTurkey and EuropeTürkiye's additional customs duty on Chinese goods: what it is and how to check itTürkiye's additional customs duty (IGV) on Chinese goods: which products, 2026 rates up to 48%, how to check your GTİP line and what it does to landed cost.9 min readTurkey and EuropeChina to Europe by truck: how TIR road freight works in 2026Trucking from China to Europe in 2026: TIR and CMR explained, Middle Corridor vs northern routes, 15–25 day transit, when road beats rail or sea, documents.8 min readTurkey and EuropeImporting into the EU from China: EORI, ICS2, duty and VAT in 2026Importing into the EU from China in 2026: get an EORI, file the ICS2 entry summary, pay duty and import VAT, and what the end of the €150 duty exemption means.8 min readTurkey and EuropeCBAM for importers: what the 2026 definitive period means for youCBAM for importers in 2026: which goods are covered, the 50-tonne threshold, authorised declarant status, certificates, the 2027 declaration and forwarder data.7 min read
India
1 articlesCompliance
1 articlesSourcing in China
10 articlesSourcing in ChinaYiwu market guide: districts, MOQ, agents, 1039 export and shipping to the GulfYiwu market guide for Gulf buyers: what each district sells, real MOQs, agents, the 1039 export mode, and how to consolidate and ship to Dubai or Oman.8 min readSourcing in ChinaCanton Fair guide: phases, dates, visas, negotiation and shipping to the GulfCanton Fair guide for Gulf buyers: phase dates and what each sells, visa rules for GCC nationals, how to negotiate at the booth, and shipping orders home.8 min readSourcing in ChinaGuangzhou wholesale markets: where to buy what, how to buy, and how to ship to the GulfGuangzhou wholesale markets by product: clothing, fabric, shoes, beauty, toys, furniture, electronics, plus how to buy and consolidate for shipping to Dubai.8 min readSourcing in ChinaHow to verify a Chinese supplier before you payHow to verify a Chinese supplier before paying: check the business licence online, tell a factory from a trader, audit, test samples and protect payment.8 min readSourcing in ChinaPre-shipment inspection in China: a buyer's guidePre-shipment inspection in China explained: when to book it, how AQL sampling decides pass or fail, what inspectors check on site and what drives the cost.7 min readSourcing in ChinaChinese New Year shipping 2027: how to plan your ordersChinese New Year 2027 shipping plan for Gulf importers: factory closure dates, pre-holiday rate peaks and rollovers, a booking timeline and Golden Week tips.6 min readSourcing in ChinaChina Export Customs Clearance: What Buyers Need to Know in 2026How China export customs clearance works in 2026: who declares, the documents, licences, VAT rebates, export controls and the mistakes that hold cargo at port.9 min readSourcing in ChinaHow to Pay Chinese Suppliers Safely: T/T, L/C, Escrow and Scam ChecksHow to pay Chinese suppliers without losing money: T/T deposits, letters of credit, escrow, Alibaba Trade Assurance, B/L control and the scams to watch in 2026.9 min readSourcing in ChinaShipping from Yiwu to Dubai: Consolidation, Ningbo Port and Dubai ClearanceShipping from Yiwu to Dubai in 2026: market goods consolidation, 1039 export, Ningbo port, LCL vs FCL, routing via Khor Fakkan and Dubai customs clearance.8 min readSourcing in ChinaShipping from Alibaba to Dubai: Supplier Freight, Your Own Forwarder and ClearanceShipping from Alibaba to Dubai: supplier freight vs your own forwarder, the right Incoterm, consolidating suppliers, Hormuz diversions and UAE customs in 2026.8 min read