All imports into UAE amounting to Dhs10,000 must have foreign ministry-attested invoice

Emaduddin Khalil, Staff Reporter

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation (MoFAIC) has announced that all imports into the UAE must be accompanied by an MoFAIC-attested invoice, effective from February 1, 2023.

The decision is based on cabinet resolution no. 38 for 2022 regarding the fees for attestation of documents, invoices and certificates of origin for imports into the UAE, it said.

According to the decision, a fixed fee of Dhs150 will be levied by the MoFAIC for the attestation of invoices related to imports amounting to Dhs10,000 or more in the country’s representative missions abroad, MoFAIC’s offices, branchs of banks operating in the country or through local customs.

The decision stipulates that the MoFAIC will levy a fee of Dhs2,000 for attesting commercial documents and a fee of Dhs150 for each of personal status documents, copies of attested certificates and invoices, certificates of origin, manifests, and any other documents.

The decision also stipulates that the MoFAIC will impose an administrative fine of Dhs500 on individuals who fail to attest certificates of origin and invoices for imported goods after 14 days from the date of entry of the goods into the UAE. More fines will be imposed in case of repeated violations and will be transferred to the Treasury Single Account.

Each interested party may submit a written grievance to the Ministry against the administrative fine that was imposed on him within 15 days from the date of notification, provided that the grievance is justified and accompanied by all supporting documents.

This grievance will be decided on within 30 days from the date of submission in line with the procedures in force at the MoFAIC.