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, these attested commercial documents prove the legitimacy and value of the goods being imported or exported. Attested documents assure UAE customs authorities that your commercial documents are 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 mandaotry for your import/export activities. Attested documents assure UAE customs authorities (Federal Customs Authority – FCA) that the presented commercial documents are genuine, facilitating a smoth customs clearance process.
Why is attestation of Commercial Invoices important in the UAE?
The UAE’s non-oil trade boomed to a record AED 1.9 trillion in the first half of 2023, highlighting the growing importance of efficient import/export procedures [Source: Dubai Media Office https://mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2023/August/30-08/UAE-NonOil-Foreign Attestation plays a vital role in maintaining this momentum.
According to a 2022 FCA report, improperly documented shipments were responsible for over 20% of customs clearance delays. Attestation significantly minimizes this risk, saving you valuable time and resources.
Attestation assures foreign authorities and business partners that the documents are genuine and issued by a competent authority, fostering trust and smoother transactions.
Attestation minimizes the risk of delays, penalties, or even the confiscation of your goods due to missing or invalid documents.
- 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, confirming the product is legally manufactured and sold there.
- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certificate: Issued by a regulatory body, demonstrating compliance with quality standards for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Health Certificate: Issued by the exporting country’s health authority, confirming the product is safe for consumption.
- Certificate of Analysis: Issued by a laboratory, outlining the product’s composition and adherence to safety regulations.
Step # 1. Pre Attestation from the country of origin of the documents.
Step # 1. Chamber of Commerce Attestation: Begin by having your commercial invoice and certificate of origin authenticated by the relevant chamber of commerce in your country of origin.
Step # 2. UAE Embassy/Consulate Attestation
Step # 3. MOFA Attestation: The final step involves attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for documents intended for use within the UAE. Important Considerations Mandatory Attestation for Invoices Above AED 10,000: Since February 1, 2023, electronic attestation through MOFA is mandatory for all commercial invoices with a value of AED 10,000 or above. This simplifies the process and reduces turnaround times.Translation Requirements: Non-Arabic or English documents typically require certified translations by a UAE-approved translator.
Seek Professional Assistance: Consider partnering with a reputable attestation service provider in the UAE. Experienced attestation providers can save you valuable time, ensure compliance, and minimize the risk of delays or rejections. contact us for your attestation requirementsAny business engaged in importing or exporting goods to or from the UAE needs to comply with attestation requirements. This includes:
- 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.