How to Export a Used Car from the UAE: Full Process, Costs & Documents!

The UAE is an important market for used cars and buyers. Sellers are exporting cars to countries throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council, Africa, and Asia. Before a used car is exported from the UAE, the owner will need to go through the registration cancellation procedures, export paperwork, customs, and shipping.

Before embarking on the process of exporting used cars from Dubai or any other emirate in the UAE, it is helpful to know what to expect and how to avoid hassles and delays.

The UAE used car export process has been outlined below.

Is it Possible to Export a Used Car from UAE?

Yes. Once the registration and customs procedures have been completed, a UAE-registered used car can be exported.

RTA's Dubai-registered vehicles have an Export Certificate, which is issued once the vehicle's UAE registration is cancelled. The process can be done online via the RTA website, smart apps, or RTA service centres.

Complete Process of UAE Used Car Export

In general, the procedure is:

1. Clear up fines and finance.

2. Verify the eligibility of the vehicle for export.

3. Obtain an Export Certificate.

4. Pass on the UAE registration numbers.

5. Complete customs procedures.

6. Make arrangements for shipping or land transport.

7. Pick up the vehicle at the destination.

8. Complete importation/registration in that country.

The registration process may differ based on the vehicle's registration emirate and the country of registration.

Step 1: Clear Fines and Vehicle Restrictions

Before registering for export, make sure that the vehicle does not have any outstanding traffic fines or other restrictions.

According to Dubai RTA, the process of export should include paying traffic fines and handing over the vehicle plates.

When the car is being exported with outstanding bank finance, contact the finance company before the exporting procedure. All the lender requirements must be first completed.

Step 2: Get the Export Certificate

For a Dubai car, click Cancel Vehicle Registration → Export/Transfer Certificate → Export Outside UAE.

The car can be delivered in:

Shipped through a shipping agent

Driven out of the UAE

During the application, RTA will request the destination and export method. When it is driven out, details about the driver will be needed as well.

The fee for the RTA Export Certificate is AED 50.

Step 3: Vehicle Inspection

Not all exports will require a technical inspection.

If the vehicle is registered with RTA and the ownership is correct, then no chassis inspection is required for an Export Certificate, RTA states. The inspection is necessary if the vehicle is unlicensed or the vehicle's ownership has lapsed.

This can save time and unneeded inspection expenses.

Step 4: Make the Export Documents

Have the documents ready when arranging transportation.

transportation.

Check customs and vehicle registration requirements of the destination country before shipping, as additional documentation may be required.

Step 5: Select a Shipping Method

The export of a used car from the UAE is a process available in two common ways.

a. Sea Freight

The most popular choice for overseas destinations is sea shipping. Depending on the route and availability, the car may be shipped by container or RoRo (roll-on/roll-off).

Final price is subject to destination, vehicle size, shipping method, and port charges.

b. Road Transport

The vehicle can be driven or road-moved for nearby countries.

The owner can use Dubai RTO's export application to detail that the vehicle will be used outside the UAE, along with the details of the driver.

Step 6: Complete UAE Customs Clearance

Once the car registration process is done, the customs export process should be finished.

Normally, you can have your shipping company or customs clearing agent handle the declaration and port documentation.

Make sure that copies of the customs declaration and any other export documents are retained, as the buyer may require them at the destination for vehicle clearance.

What is the Cost of Exporting a Used Car from the UAE?

The government export fee is just a fraction of the cost. The total price can be largely determined by shipping, port handling, insurance, and taxes in the destination country.

The current registration fees published by RTA for the basic Export Certificate are AED 50. The replacement of a lost or damaged Export Certificate costs AED 120.

Avoid mistaken shipping and destination taxes as fixed UAE fees. These will vary depending on route, vehicle, and importing country.

What Will Be the Next Step for UAE Number Plates?

As part of the export procedure, the UAE registration is cancelled.

RTA accepts existing plates and can provide export plates as appropriate. The application can also set whether plates are to be returned or reserved for later use.

If the vehicle is being driven across the border, ensure export plates and insurance are in place before departure.

Do You Need Insurance for Export?

It is dependent on the mode of transport.

When driving a vehicle to another country, suitable travel and destination insurance is crucial.

In the case of sea freight, inquire of the shipping firm regarding cargo or marine insurance. Make sure you know precisely what is included in the vehicle before you give it over.

What Happens After the Car Reaches the Destination?

The UAE export process continues after the vehicle leaves the country, but before it arrives in the country, the buyer must complete their import process.

This can include:

• Customs clearance

• Import duty and taxes

• Vehicle inspection

• Conformity requirements

• Local insurance

• Registration

This is different in each country.

Common Mistakes When Exporting a Used Car

1. Booking Shipping Too Early

Please fill in registration and export information before the shipping date is finalized.

2 .Ignoring Finance

If you have a financed car, you might need to get further approval from the lender.

3. Forgetting Fines

Failing to resolve outstanding traffic fines can make Dubai's export process impossible.

4. Set Only UAE Rules

A vehicle can be issued for road registration in the UAE and upon arrival may not be deemed eligible to be registered in the destination country.

5. Comparing Only Freight Prices

Shipping quotations may be low and do not include port charges, documentation, and/or destination charges. Request a detailed quote.

UAE Used Car Export Checklist

Before departure from the UAE, be sure to check that:

• All fines that are applicable are paid.

• Financial limitations are overcome.

• Export Certificate is issued.

• Number plates are dealt with appropriately.

• Documents for customs are completed.

• Shipping is confirmed.

• Vehicle documents are duplicated.

• Destination import requirements are checked.

Final Takeaway

If the paperwork is done in the right order, exporting a used car from the UAE is a simple process. To register a vehicle in Dubai, first clear all fines and finance restrictions, and then apply for the RTA export certificate and arrange all customs clearance and transportation.

The RTA Export Certificate is currently priced at AED 50; the export car budget is mainly based on shipping the goods, port charges, and import tax in the destination country.

Please make sure to verify with the appropriate UAE authority and the customs department of the country you're shipping to for the most up-to-date information before sending the car.