Importing a car from China to UAE: full landed-cost guide 2026
Duties, VAT, who can import, what gets in, shipping — and the DDP price of 19 popular Chinese models in UAE, computed by our rules engine with sources and verification dates.
Who can import and what gets in
- • Who can import: Individuals (with residency) and companies; companies clear with a trade licence
- • Non-GCC-spec cars need a MoIAT conformity certificate and modifications
- • Export certificate valid only 30 days (matters for re-export to Africa)
Tax rules and sources
- Import duty 5% (on CIF) ↗ official 2026-09-02
- VAT 5% (on price + duty) ↗ verified 2026-09-02
- Registration AED 420–1,000 (by car value) ↗ verified 2026-09-02
GCC unified duty 5%, VAT 5% on (price + duty), about 10.25% in total; no recycling fee, no mandatory individual approval; Tasjeel/Shamil inspection then RTA registration. Total landed cost for used cars ≈ 13–18% of the car price. CIF is the usual basis in the Middle East.
Popular models: DDP price in UAE
| Model | Ex-works | DDP |
|---|---|---|
| BYD Seal 05 DM-i | $10,500 | $14,170 |
| BYD Song Plus DM-i | $14,500 | $18,602 |
| BYD Atto 3 (Yuan Plus) | $14,800 | $18,934 |
| BYD Seal EV | $21,000 | $25,804 |
| BYD Atto 2 (Yuan Up) | $11,500 | $15,278 |
| BYD Dolphin | $11,000 | $14,724 |
| BYD Sealion 7 | $22,500 | $27,466 |
| BYD Han EV | $22,000 | $26,912 |
| BYD Seal U (Sealion 6) | $17,500 | $21,926 |
| BYD Tang EV | $30,000 | $35,776 |
| Geely Coolray | $10,500 | $14,170 |
| Geely Xingyue L (Monjaro) | $17,000 | $21,372 |
| Zeekr 001 | $33,000 | $39,100 |
| Chery Tiggo 8 Pro | $15,000 | $19,156 |
| Changan CS75 Plus | $13,000 | $16,940 |
| GWM Haval H6 | $13,500 | $17,494 |
| XPeng G6 | $24,000 | $29,128 |
| MG4 EV | $18,000 | $22,480 |
| Tesla Model Y (Shanghai-built) | $30,000 | $35,776 |
Other countries
RussiaPortugal / EUKazakhstanKyrgyzstanSaudi ArabiaNigeriaKenyaGhanaMexicoPoland / EUGermany / EUUnited KingdomGeorgiaEthiopiaCôte d'IvoireSenegalTanzania · Dar es Salaam
Indicative only: rates, freight and rules change. Every rule shows its source; verify before you commit.