Arabic Customs Declaration Dubai: Online Order Released

You ordered clothes from ASOS. Tracking says “held at customs.” Aramex sends you a WhatsApp with a form in Arabic. They need you to sign it and send back a photo of your Emirates ID. You have no idea what the form says. You sign it anyway because you want your package.

What the form actually says

The Arabic customs declaration form is a standard document. It typically states:

• The goods are for personal use, not commercial resale
• The declared value matches the actual purchase price
• The items are not prohibited under UAE import regulations
• You accept responsibility for the accuracy of the declaration

For most online shoppers, this is straightforward. The problem is signing a legal declaration in a language you don’t read. If the declared value is wrong (some sellers under-declare to help buyers avoid duties), you’re the one who signed the form.

When it gets complicated

Personal items under a certain threshold clear customs with minimal paperwork. Above that threshold, duties apply. The Arabic form may reference the duty percentage, the assessed value, and the payment method.

Things get more complex if you’re importing:

• Electronics. May require additional documentation or conformity certificates.
• Health products or supplements. Some are restricted. The customs form may reference specific import regulations.
• Business inventory. If customs suspects the items are for resale, the personal-use declaration doesn’t apply. Commercial import procedures and duties kick in.

Before you sign

For a standard personal order, the form is usually what you’d expect. But if the value is high, the items are unusual, or you’re importing regularly enough that customs might question personal use, read the form first.

If you receive an Arabic customs declaration form from your courier, send it on WhatsApp: +971 50 862 0217. We can clarify what you are signing.