importing a car

[tarunkg]

Can we import a 7 year old car in UAE ?

[root]

Yes!

[root]

Just to elaborate...there was earlier a rule that 10 year old cars would not be allowed to get registered, but that law was removed before it came into effect by the Ruler.

As long as your car passes the vehicle test, you can register it. Also it has to be LHD and non-converted, and non-tuned.

[tarunkg]

Thanks root for your information. Is this rule valid for all the emirates? I hard last year Dubai government stopped importing vehicles older than 5 years.

[root]

Yes, its valid for all Emirates!
Dubai was the one who wanted to stop older cars, but Abu Dhabi put a stop to it.
I am pretty sure you can import older than 5 year old cars - otherwise a lot of those car dealers that import used cars from US would have to close shop.

[thedon]

importing old cars?? hi, i have just done exactly that with no problem at all. a 1998 bentley continental r from us of a.
car was shipped to jebel ali port, custom checked (about 4 days) paid duties etc via receiving agent and it was delivered to my front door by trailer. when i do it again (which i intend) i will have it delivered to RTA and immediately put it through the test/registration process. you can however get temp 48hr import plates which allow you to get it to RTA.
if it is usa or not gcc spec then you will have to pay a bit more for registration but it is not serious.
i want to start a collection of "interesting" cars here in Dubai -of which there are not many- everyone going for the latest models but usa does offer some rerally nice classic cars at good prices and the shipping and duty(5%) still makes it an attractive option. anybody interested?

[Brembo]

from which us port did you ship from? what size container? how much did shipping cost?
how much did you pay the clearing agent? any other fees at the us or uae side besides the import duty?

i am very much interested but i have to save up lots more cash and then i will be done handing over my money to the uae stealerships

sorry for asking so many questions hehe

[thedon]

hi brembo. glad to help.
car came through miami as car was bought in florida....though easier i am told through other ports. cost was ~$2750 inc full insurance plus 13500aed this end for clearing agent, jebel ali port clearance and customs duty(5% of purchase price)and doorstep delivery.
car was in a 2 car closed container- so had to wait for a second car to come with it which delayed things. ro ro is cheaper i believe.
needed clear title in my name from usa, copy passport etc, miami need your power of attorney for car handlers - visit us consulate here for notarised document 70aed i think. then wait ~5 weeks for it to arrive.

[Brembo]

13,500 for the clearing agent seems pretty high, does that include the 5% duty also?

do we really need a clearing agent? i know it might take a day running around but im sure it can be done ourself.

[thedon]

hi brembo. yes 5% was included and cost just above half of the 13500 but was an expensive car anyway-- not available here. you will need a clearing agent usually nominated by the US shipping company sending the car who they are used to dealing with here. you can deal with some of the collection stuff yourself. i didn't have the time so opted for door to door delivery.good luck--it is fairly painless.

[M3bmw]

hi thedon. what shipping company did you use for your car?

[M3bmw]

Can anyone tell me of a shipping company that will take care of door to door from the usa, including the RTA?

[root]

Search on these forums. There are some agents that posted their phone numbers providing such services earlier.

I personally think, you will be better off dealing with 2 companies. One in USA doing the export and putting it on a ship, and one in UAE receiving it and getting the rest done. Haven't heard of international transfer ones, but if there are any, they will charge you for that 'extra' service.

You could probably go to one of the dealers in Al-Awir Auto complex, and ask them if they can arrange it for you. Many of them regularly import cars from US and get them registered here. They have their partners/agents in US that do the US side of the work. They themselves are not freight forwarders, but would know who to use, and what the proper rates are.

[M3bmw]

thank you

[sheikh90]

I love car very much.