United Arab Emirates Import Duty Rate for Furniture
HS 9403 · Other furniture and parts thereof
United Arab Emirates MFN Import Duty Rate
Live5%
Standard GCC CET.
How duty is calculated
CIF value
Product cost + international freight + insurance
Import duty (5%)
Applied to CIF value. EU, UK, and most countries use CIF.
VAT (5%)
Applied to CIF value + duty. Collected at customs.
Use our Landed Cost Calculator to compute the full cost including freight, brokerage, and last-mile delivery.
Worked example: furniture worth US$10,000
A commercial shipment invoiced at US$10,000 with US$900 of international freight and insurance. United Arab Emirates charges duty on the CIF value (goods + freight + insurance), so the duty base is US$10,900. Customs converts the amount to AED at the official exchange rate on the day of import.
| Charge | At 5% |
|---|---|
| Import duty | $545 |
| VAT (5%) | $572 |
| Total paid at the border | $1,117 |
VAT is usually recoverable for a registered business, so the cost that stays with you is the duty. Excise, anti-dumping duties and broker fees are not included.
Classifying furniture correctly
Heading 9403 covers other furniture (desks, wardrobes, tables, cabinets) classified by material; seats and sofas are in 9401 and mattresses in 9404.
- Seats always go to 9401, even when sold as part of a dining set
- Furniture parts are classified with the furniture (9403.9x)
- Wooden furniture from China faces anti-dumping duties in some markets
Compliance. Wood furniture may need ISPM 15 marking on packaging, due diligence under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) once it applies and formaldehyde certification under TSCA Title VI in the US.
Importing into United Arab Emirates: what you need
Each emirate runs its own customs (Dubai Customs, Abu Dhabi Customs) under the GCC Common Customs Law; the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security sets federal policy.
Registration. A trade licence and an importer code registered with the emirate's customs authority.
Low-value shipments. Consignments worth AED 1,000 or less are exempt from customs duty; 5% VAT may still apply.
Documents customs will ask for
- Commercial invoice (attested where required)
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or air waybill
- Certificate of origin
- Permits from the relevant ministry for food, cosmetics, medicines and telecom equipment
Charges on top of duty
- VAT 5% on CIF value + duty
- 50% duty on alcohol and 100% on tobacco products
- Excise on tobacco, energy drinks and sweetened beverages
Watch out. Goods kept or re-exported from a free zone (Jebel Ali, KIZAD) pay no duty; duty is due only when they enter the UAE mainland.
Frequently asked questions
What is the import duty rate for Furniture in United Arab Emirates?
The MFN (Most Favoured Nation) import duty rate for Furniture (HS 9403) in United Arab Emirates is 5% on the CIF value. Standard GCC CET.
Is VAT charged on Furniture imports to United Arab Emirates?
Yes. United Arab Emirates charges VAT at 5% on the CIF value plus any import duty. This applies to virtually all commercial imports.
Are there FTA rates available for Furniture in United Arab Emirates?
United Arab Emirates has free trade agreements with GCC (Saudi, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar), UAE–India CEPA, UAE–Israel FTA. Check whether your origin country qualifies for a preferential rate on HS 9403.
How is import duty calculated for Furniture entering United Arab Emirates?
Duty is calculated on the CIF value of the goods. CIF value includes the product cost, international freight, and insurance. The MFN duty of 5% is applied to this value. VAT (5%) is then applied on the duty-paid value.
Verify this rate
Duty rates change. Always verify the current rate at the official tariff schedule before importing.
GCC Common External Tariff official database ↗Quick facts