How do you ship cargo from Dubai to the UK?
An export from Dubai starts with the papers. Our Dubai team files the export declaration with Dubai Customs and books the sailing or the flight.
Your UK buyer may ask for a certificate of origin. Dubai Chamber of Commerce issues it for goods exported or re exported from Dubai, and we arrange it with the rest of the file.
When the cargo lands, the Gxpress UK office handles the UK side and the delivery to your buyer. An export shipment usually needs these papers.
- Customs client code for the exporter
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Booking, bill of lading or airway bill
- Certificate of origin where the buyer asks for one
- Export permit for controlled goods
Can you re export goods from a Dubai free zone to the UK?
Yes. Goods held in a Dubai free zone can be re exported to the UK. We prepare the re export papers in Dubai and ship from Jebel Ali, DXB or DWC.
Goods that came from another country can be consolidated in Dubai first and sent to the UK as one shipment.
How do you ship from the UK to Dubai?
Our UK office collects from your supplier and books the freight. Our Dubai team clears the cargo at Jebel Ali, DXB or DWC and delivers it in the UAE.
The UAE consignee needs an import code. Most goods pay 5 percent of the CIF value in duty, then 5 percent VAT on the CIF value plus duty.
An import shipment usually needs these papers.
- Import code for the UAE consignee
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading or airway bill
- Certificate of origin
- Import permit where the goods need one
Should you send cargo to the UK by sea or by air?
Sea freight suits heavy loads and goods that can wait. A full container suits a large load and a shared container suits a small one.
Air freight suits urgent or high value goods. It goes on the next available flight and is charged on chargeable weight.
Who handles customs in the UK?
Gxpress has had its own UK office since 2018. It handles import clearance for cargo that arrives from Dubai and the export papers for cargo that leaves for Dubai.
You deal with one company at both ends, on one file and one invoice.
What do we need to quote a UK shipment?
Send these five details and we reply within one business day.
- Collection address and delivery address
- What the goods are, with the HS code if you have it
- Weight and dimensions, or the number of containers
- The trade term on your order
- The date the goods will be ready
Written by the Gxpress Dubai team on 10 October 2026.
