Why is Attestation of Commercial Invoices Required in the UAE?
When businesses engage in international trade, they exchange a variety of commercial documents to facilitate transactions. These documents, such as invoices, certificates of origin, and bills of lading, are crucial for ensuring a smooth flow of goods. Among these, commercial invoice documents, both for export and import, play a vital role in proving the legitimacy and value of the goods being traded. Attested commercial documents assure UAE customs authorities that your documentation is genuine, facilitating a smooth customs clearance process.
As of February 1, 2023, UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 38 of 2022 mandates the attestation of commercial invoices for all imports with a declared value of AED 10,000 (approximately USD 2,723) or more. This applies to both import for local markets and import for re-export.
attestation of Commercial Invoices for Import/Export Businesses
Attestation is the official verification process that validates the authenticity and legitimacy of documents mandatory for your import/export activities. Attested documents, such as the commercial invoice document, assure UAE customs authorities (Federal Customs Authority – FCA) that the presented commercial information is genuine, facilitating a smooth customs clearance process.
Why is attestation of Commercial Invoices important in the UAE?
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) shattered non-oil trade records in the first half of 2023, reaching a staggering AED 1.9 trillion (Source: Dubai Media Office https://mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2023/August/30-08/UAE-NonOil-Foreign. This surge underscores the critical role of streamlined import and export procedures, including ensuring accurate and complete documentation like commercial invoices for export. To maintain this impressive momentum, foreign attestation – the process of verifying documents for international use – plays a vital role.
Improperly documented shipments are a major pain point in international trade. A 2022 FCA report revealed that these issues caused delays in over 20% of customs clearances. By ensuring all necessary documents are accurately attested, you can significantly reduce the risk of clearance hold-ups, saving valuable time and resources.
Attestation is a formal process that confirms the legitimacy of documents for foreign entities. By certifying that documents are genuine and issued by the appropriate authority, attestation builds trust between businesses and foreign entities. This trust is fundamental for smooth, hassle-free transactions and strong international partnerships.
Attestation is your safeguard against costly disruptions to your supply chain. By ensuring all necessary documents are accurate and legally valid, attestation helps prevent delays, financial penalties, or even the seizure of your goods due to documentation errors.
- Commercial Invoice (Mandatory attestation for invoices above AED 10,000 since February 1, 2023): A detailed breakdown of the imported/exported goods, including quantity, value, description, and HS Code (Harmonized System Nomenclature code).
- Certificate of Origin: A document issued by a competent authority in the exporting country, verifying the product’s origin. This can be crucial for preferential trade agreements.
- Packing List: A detailed list of the items being imported/exported, including packaging information, weight, and dimensions.
- Bill of Lading (for Sea Cargo): A document issued by a carrier company acknowledging receipt of the goods for transportation.
- Air Waybill (for Air Cargo): A document issued by an airline company serving as a contract of carriage for air shipments.
- Power of Attorney (if applicable): A legal document authorizing a representative to handle import/export activities on your behalf.
- Company Registration Certificate: A document confirming your company’s legal existence and registration in the UAE.
Additional Documents for the following Industries:
Free Sale Certificate: Issued by the exporting country’s health authority, this document confirms that the product is legally manufactured and sold within the exporting nation. It’s often required by importing countries to verify product legitimacy.
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certificate: Demonstrating adherence to stringent quality control standards, a GMP certificate is issued by a regulatory body and is crucial for industries like pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and food products. It assures customers and authorities of product safety and reliability
Health Certificate: Issued by the exporting country’s health authority, this certificate verifies that the product is safe for consumption and meets the importing country’s health standards.
Certificate of Analysis (CoA): Provided by a reputable laboratory, the CoA details the product’s composition, including ingredients, nutritional values, and any additives. It also confirms compliance with relevant food safety regulations.
Step # 1. Begin by obtaining a pre-attestation for your documents from their country of origin to verify their authenticity.
Step # 2. Chamber of Commerce Attestation: you’ll need to get your commercial invoice document and certificate of origin verified by the appropriate chamber of commerce in your country. This step is crucial for authenticating these documents.
Step # 3. Secure UAE Embassy/Consulate attestation.
Step 4: MOFA Attestation : The final stage of document verification is through the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). This step is essential for validating documents for official use within the UAE. Notably, commercial invoices document with a value of AED 10,000 or higher must now be electronically attested through MOFA. This recent mandate, effective from February 1, 2023, offers a quicker and more convenient attestation process.
Translation Requirement: Documents issued in languages other than Arabic or English must be accurately translated into Arabic by a certified translator approved by the UAE government.
Navigating the complexities of document attestation can be time-consuming and stressful. Our experts can quickly and accurately certify your documents, ensuring they meet all legal requirements. By partnering with us, you can save valuable time, ensure compliance with UAE regulations, and minimize the risk of document rejection. Contact us today to discover how we can simplify your attestation process.
- Established businesses in the UAE
- Companies located outside the UAE importing or exporting to the UAE
- Free zone companies operating within the UAE
Required Documents for Import/Export attestation
General Imports:
- Bill of Entry
- Waybill (original)
- Commercial Invoice (original)
- Certificate of Origin (originally approved by Chamber of Commerce in exporting country)
- Detailed Packing List
- Form of exemption from customs duties (if applicable)
Any Certificate attestation From the Following Countries
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We serve clients across all UAE We are providing Document attestation Service in all the emirates including Dubai ,Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al-Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Al Ain ,Fujairah. With Service Partner across 120 countries.
documents attestation Service in UAE
In UAE We are providing our attestation Service in all the emirates including Dubai ,Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al-Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Al Ain ,Fujairah. Internationally With Service Partner Across 120 countries GloboPrime is the best attestation company in Dubai – UAE
We are a team of experienced professionals who are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest quality of service.
Document Attestation in UAE with GloboPrime
- Contact GloboPrime: Send us a scan of your certificate (marriage certificate, birth certificate, degree, etc.).
- Personalized Proposal: We Will Send you a detailed service proposal outlining the exact steps, timeline, and associated costs. Our team confirms its validity for UAE attestation and answers any questions.
- Convenient & Secure Collection: We offer free and secure document pickup within Dubai at your chosen location.
- Expert Handling & Processing: Our Expert team manages all necessary certifications, notarizations, and embassy approvals efficiently. We handle the entire Attestation Process Up to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Attestation (MOFA) attestation in Dubai.
- Updates & Support: Stay informed throughout the process with regular updates on the status of your document attestation.
- Secure Delivery of Your Documents: Get your fully attested documents delivered securely back to your preferred location in Dubai or Anywhere in UAE.