UAE announces new tax on International Amazon parcels

UAE residents who go on an Amazon shopping spree must now pay a new tax on international purchases.

A new customs duty on packages worth more than AED300 that are shipped internationally went into effect on January 1. It means that parcels purchased abroad and shipped to the UAE will incur additional fees. The clearance of consignments through courier companies is addressed in Dubai Customs Notice No. 5 of 2022. It was announced last June and is now in effect. Any goods imported with a value of less than AED300 are exempt from paying the fee.

It states that in order to accept items worth more than AED300, customers must now pay:

5% import customs duty charge
5% VAT