Dubai has grown into one of the most prominent trading hubs in the world thanks to its prosperous economy and flourishing trade. The UAE imported from China more than $51 billion dollars in 2021 alone.
Many trading firms in Dubai are eager to capitalise on the demand for Chinese products, yet importing from China to Dubai can be a complex procedure, from customs clearance to product compliance and ensuring product quality.
This guide takes a deep dive into how to import from China to UAE as effortlessly as possible.
What Products Does the UAE Import From China?
The United Arab Emirates’ relationship with China is strong — as seen in the imports between the two countries. The UAE imports a vast array of items from China, including in descending order:
- Electrical, and electronic equipment – $23.85B
- Machinery, nuclear reactors, boilers – $10.14B
- Plastics – $1.41B
- Furniture, lighting signs, prefabricated buildings – $1.19B
- Pharmaceutical products – $1.18B
- Articles of iron or steel – $1.11B
- Iron and steel – $1.10B
- Vehicles other than railway, and tramway – $957.72M
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Reduce Risks when Import Goods from China to Dubai
There are several steps to consider when to import from China to UAE. Although the procedure may seem daunting initially, following some simple precautions can help to ensure a smoother process. Let us look at some of the most important factors.
Ensure Compliance with Import Regulations in Dubai
Before making any shipments to Dubai, importers must understand all the rules and requirements and comply with local regulations. Firstly, you must obtain the correct trade license from the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the emirate.
You may find all applicable rules on the UAE official website. UAE’s Federal Customs Authority sets the country’s customs policies. Keep in mind that each emirate has its own customs authority.
How to Find Suppliers in China?
Finding a reliable supplier in China is easier said than done. China is widely regarded as the “world’s factory”, yet it is wise to remember that not all suppliers you come into contact with will maintain a consistent standard. Let’s first take a look at some of the most popular channels.
Use Online Directories
Many trading companies in Dubai source their goods using online directories and marketplaces; the most popular ones include:
Visit Trade Shows
Attending tradeshows overseas and in China is a great way to identify potential manufacturers. Some of the most important trade shows are:
- Canton Fair in Guangzhou
- The Yiwu Commodities Fair in Zhejiang
- The East China Import and Export Commodity Fair in Shanghai.
- China HomeLife Dubai
Strategy to Find Chinese Supplier
One strategy is to choose suppliers strategically located in the country’s industrial clusters, scattered across the country.
Industrial clusters are unique because they have a robust infrastructure, and factories are surrounded by like-minded businesses. Consequently, these areas will give you the best opportunity to find Chinese suppliers who can create products to exact specifications or has the right competence.
Currently, most of China’s exports to Dubai are from Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Shangdong and Shanghai – which house more than 80% of all industrial clusters in the country.
Below are some of the key industrial clusters for the respective product category.
- Chinese Electronics Manufacturer – Most of the Chinese electronics are produced in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Dongguan.
- Clothing Manufacturers in China – Nearly all textile factories are located in Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian and Guangdong provinces.
- Toys Manufacturers in China – Most toy manufacturing companies are situated in Guangzhou, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces.
- Shoe Manufacturer in China – China is a significant hub for shoe manufacturers, with Guangdong (Guangzhou and Dongguan), Fujian (Quanzhou and Jinjiang), and Wenzhou as the three most prominent manufacturing centres. Specifically, Wenzhou produces mainly leather shoes.
Verify the Chinese Manufacturer
Before signing contracts with a Chinese factory, it is wise to conduct proper research and background checks. Unfortunately, many importers in Dubai cannot personally visit the factories, due to geographical distance or restrictions – making it difficult for them to evaluate suppliers in China.
To confirm the credibility of a Chinese manufacturer, it is wise to conduct a supplier audit using an independent quality control company in Dubai. Doing so will provide you the insight into whether or not that business is legitimate. Unfortunately, some Chinese trading companies do try to pass themselves off as manufacturers. While working with trading companies can be beneficial, it is essential to remember that trading companies:
- Have limited to no control over factory products or any possible quality problems.
- Likely to have limited expertise in the field of your product.
Many businesses rely on external quality inspection services to audit their suppliers and factories. Supplier audits will help you validate the company’s business licenses and experience. While, a factory audit is a more thorough audit, following a comprehensive evaluation of the manufacturer’s premises, production, quality management systems and more. To access an entire sample audit report, click here!
Check the Quality of the Products in China
Although you may find a supplier who appears dependable on paper, it doesn’t guarantee the quality of their manufactured products. Therefore, it is essential to inspect the product before you ask the supplier to ship the goods to you.
Quality control comes in four forms: pre-production, during-production, pre-shipment and container loading/unloading inspections. Each inspection can be beneficial to your business at various stages of the supply process. Take a look at this sample inspection report for an example!
Ensure Product Compliance
Keep in mind that several consumer products are regulated for product quality and safety and need to meet the technical requirements under the UAE’s Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme (ECAS). The regulated product categories include cosmetics, perfumery, personal care products, electrical and electronic appliances, machinery, automotive, and others.
Conclusion: A Complete Guide on How to Import from China to Dubai
All in all, trading with China can be a daunting task for those who are not experienced importers. By following the steps mentioned in this guide, you can avoid many common pitfalls associated with importing from China to Dubai.
At AQM BD, we are a CNAS-accredited quality control company for quality inspections and testing in China. We can deploy our technical inspectors nationwide and issue same-day reports to you. Contact us to learn more about our services.
