Procedures for Temporary Import into Abu Dhabi

Temporary import (entry) means the entry of goods via customs checkpoints into the country on a temporary basis (against a deposit similar to customs duties levied on the total value of goods). The purpose of the temporary entry can be manufacturing, repairing, participation in an exhibition or show or implementing certain projects
Required Documents

1. Letter from the exhibition organizer in certain cases.
2. Manifesto or original statement of border crossing stamped by the customs centre in the country of export or the neighbouring country.
3. A detailed statement on the incoming consignment (number, type, quantity, pictures of some consignments such as gold and jewellry).
4. The original invoice showing items and quantities of goods being exported.
5. Original Certificate of Origin showing the country of origin of the goods.
6. Packing list.

Procedures for Temporary Import

1. The importer should notify customs about his intention of temporary import before clearing the shipment.
2. In order to facilitate an easy customs clearance process, the attached invoices must include the serial number for each item in order to enable the customs to view and cross check the contents against the invoice.
3. After the cross checking process is over, the importer shall keep a copy of the invoices carrying customs stamp and remarks of the customs officer (the contents comply with re-export, exhibiting and return norms)
4. Those who import for exhibitions should submit an application from the exhibition organizer addressed to the General Director of Customs requesting to facilitate the entry of the consignment before receiving goods.
5. 6% of the value of goods should be paid (value of goods + value of shipping + insurance + 1%).
6. The customs officer will approve the customs declaration, clear the consignment and refer the transaction with all documents to the Insurance Section until re-export.
7. Goods will be given a temporary entry period of 6 months only, after that the deposit amount will not be refunded in case of re-export.
8. If the importer wishes to extend the temporary entry period, he has to apply to the Abu Dhabi Customs Administration before the expiry of the insurance period and there will be a fee charged on extending the insurance period.
9. To refund the deposit amount, the importer or the clearing agent should notify Customs to cross check the invoice against the contents upon export to obtain clearance on the imported shipment.
10. After that the importer has to approach the Customs Administration and submit the clearance in order to refund the deposit amount.

Special Conditions

1. Goods will be given a temporary entry period of 6 months only, and in case of re-export after this period, the deposit amount will not be refunded . If the importer wishes to extend the temporary entry period, he has to apply to the Abu Dhabi Customs Administration before the expiry of the period and pay the fee of extention.
2. Temporary entry is not applicable to the import of spare parts, tyres, batteries and other consumable materials that are used in projects.

Source: Abu Dhabi Customs