Steel and Aluminum Import Duty & Landed Cost: South Korea to United Arab Emirates
Full 2026 tariff breakdown, customs duty calculations, and compliance alerts for importing into United Arab Emirates.
2026 Tariff & Cost Breakdown for Importing Steel and Aluminum
Steel and Aluminum imports into UAE incur an 8.5% customs duty rate and 20% VAT rate. Duties are calculated on CIF value in AED. Importers must consider these costs when calculating their landed cost.
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Product Value | — | USD 15000.00 |
| Shipping | — | USD 1200.00 |
| Insurance | — | USD 150.00 |
| CIF Value | — | USD 16350.00 |
| Customs Duty | 8.5% | USD 1389.75 |
| VAT/GST | 20% | USD 3547.95 |
| Total Landed Cost | — | USD 21287.70 |
HS Code Classification for Steel and Aluminum
Primary HS Code: 7210.49 — What It Covers
HS 7210.49 classifies flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel. This code is specific to certain types of Steel and Aluminum products. Importers must ensure accurate classification to avoid penalties.
Why Misclassification Carries Risk in UAE
The Federal Customs Authority enforces a fine for HS code misclassification. Accurate classification is crucial to avoid this penalty. Federal Customs Authority requires importers to comply with HS code regulations.
Step-by-Step Guide: Importing Steel and Aluminum from South Korea to UAE
Step 1: Verify Your HS Code & Product Description
Importers must verify their HS code using the UAE tariff lookup tool. Binding tariff information may be available for certain products. The UAE-Korea Free Trade Agreement may also apply to Steel and Aluminum imports.
Step 2: Gather Required Import Documents
Commercial Invoice Requirements
The commercial invoice must include the HS code, product description, quantity, and value in AED. Importers must also include the Steel and Aluminum product's country of origin.
Certificate of Origin
A Certificate of Origin is required for Steel and Aluminum imports. The UAE accepts the UAE-Korea Free Trade Agreement origin certificate. Importers must verify the required format with the Federal Customs Authority.
Packing List & Shipping Documents
The bill of lading or airway bill must include specific details, such as the shipper's and consignee's information. Importers must comply with UAE requirements for these documents.
Step 3: Calculate Your Landed Cost
The landed cost is calculated as: CIF Value + Customs Duty (8.5% of CIF) + VAT/GST (20% of CIF + Duty) = Total Landed Cost in AED.
Step 4: Submit to UAE Customs Authority
Importers must submit their customs declaration through the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA). The Federal Customs Authority requires compliance with this system for customs clearance.
Step 5: Pay Duties & Clear Goods
Importers can pay duties through various methods, including online payment. The typical clearance timeline is several days, depending on the complexity of the shipment.
How to Legally Reduce Duty on Steel and Aluminum Imports into UAE
Applicable Free Trade Agreements in 2026
The UAE-Korea Free Trade Agreement provides reduced or eliminated tariffs on certain Steel and Aluminum products. Importers can benefit from this agreement by reducing their duty costs.
Duty Deferral Options: Bonded Warehouses & FTZs
Importers can use UAE Free Zones to defer duty payments. This option allows importers to store their goods without paying duties until they are released into the UAE market.
Preferential Tariff Programs
No preferential tariff programs currently apply to Steel and Aluminum imports from South Korea. Importers must rely on other options, such as free trade agreements, to reduce their duty costs.
UAE Customs Compliance Rules for Steel and Aluminum
Federal Customs Authority Requirements for Steel and Aluminum
The Federal Customs Authority requires importers to comply with specific filing and documentation requirements. Importers must obtain SASO and Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme (ECAS) certifications for their Steel and Aluminum products.
De Minimis Threshold
The de minimis threshold is N/A AED, meaning that all imports are subject to duties and taxes. Importers must consider this when calculating their landed cost.
Anti-Dumping or Safeguard Duties
Anti-dumping duties may apply to certain Steel products from South Korea. Importers must verify with their customs broker to determine if these duties apply to their products.
Frequently Asked Questions About Steel and Aluminum Import Duty from South Korea to UAE
What is the duty rate for Steel and Aluminum imports from South Korea to UAE?
The duty rate is 8.5% for Steel and Aluminum imports from South Korea to UAE. Importers must also pay a 20% VAT rate.
What documents are required for importing Steel and Aluminum from South Korea to UAE?
Importers need a commercial invoice, Certificate of Origin, and packing list. They must also comply with UAE requirements for these documents.
Am I eligible for the UAE-Korea Free Trade Agreement?
Importers of Steel and Aluminum products may be eligible for the UAE-Korea Free Trade Agreement. They must verify their product's eligibility with the Federal Customs Authority.
What are the penalties for non-compliance with UAE customs regulations?
The Federal Customs Authority enforces fines for non-compliance. Importers must ensure they comply with all regulations to avoid these penalties.
How long does it take to clear Steel and Aluminum imports through UAE customs?
The clearance timeline is typically several days, depending on the complexity of the shipment. Importers must plan accordingly to avoid delays.
Can I use a bonded warehouse to store my Steel and Aluminum imports in UAE?
Yes, importers can use UAE Free Zones to store their Steel and Aluminum imports. This option allows for duty deferral until the goods are released into the UAE market.