Importing tableware from the UAE: what to prepare

Agree the delivery terms

Delivery terms decide who pays for and manages each stage, from the supplier's warehouse to your door. Many international contracts use Incoterms® rules, published by the International Chamber of Commerce, which set out the responsibilities of buyers and sellers for delivering goods.¹

Before you confirm an order, agree in writing where the supplier's responsibility ends and yours begins, and which costs each side covers.

Choose how the goods travel

• Supplier arranges shipping: the supplier books transport to your destination. Ask what is included and to which point.
• Your forwarder collects: your freight forwarder picks up the goods in the UAE and handles the export and shipment.

Either way, share your destination city or port early, so it can be included in the quotation.

Documents you may need

Requirements depend on your country and your customs broker, but these documents are commonly requested for exports:

• Commercial invoice listing each item, quantity and value
• Packing list showing the number of cartons and their contents
• Certificate of origin, which confirms where goods come from and helps determine customs duties. In Dubai it is issued by Dubai Chambers to its members and is submitted with an itemised commercial invoice.²

Check your local rules

Before ordering, ask your customs broker or local authority about import duties, labelling rules and any requirements for products that touch food in your market. Rules differ by country, and it is the importer's job to confirm them.

Ordering from FAMES

FAMES is based in Dubai with offices in Jeddah and Oman, and supplies buyers worldwide, including the Middle East and Africa. Send your item list, quantities and destination through the quote form. Read more on international wholesale enquiries.