What are Incoterms and why do UAE companies use them?

Incoterms are global trade rules. UAE companies use them to clarify costs, risks, and duties when trading internationally.

How do Incoterms help with UAE VAT?

Incoterms show who is responsible for goods at each point. This makes VAT calculation easy and helps avoid mistakes.

What Incoterm should I choose as a UAE importer?

The right Incoterm depends on your trade deal. Many UAE importers choose DDP because the seller pays all duties.

Can Incoterms reduce shipping risks?

Yes, Incoterms tell who is responsible if something goes wrong. They lower risks by setting clear rules for both sides.

Who updates Incoterms, and how often?

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) updates Incoterms every ten years to match global trade changes.

Incoterms Guide for UAE Business: Key Rules

🥇Incoterms Guide for UAE Business: Key Rules Explained

What Are Incoterms in International Trade?

Incoterms means International Commercial Terms. People use these terms in global trade for shipping goods or providing services. The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) makes these rules, and all countries use them. These rules help buyers and sellers understand their responsibilities in every trade deal. With Incoterms, there’s less confusion between countries that have different laws.

Incoterms are important for companies that do import and export. For example, terms like DDP, EXW, DAP, CIF, and FOB show who will pay for shipping or insurance. With these rules, traders speak the same language when doing business around the world.

Why Do Companies Need Incoterms?

Incoterms help buyers and sellers work together without confusion. Here are the main reasons why companies use Incoterms:

They reduce mistakes in contracts.
They show who is responsible for each step during shipping.
They make costs and risks clear for buyers and sellers.
They help when writing purchase orders or transport documents.
They are updated by ICC to match new trade laws.

Using Incoterms in international business helps companies stay safe, avoid surprises, and build trust.

Main Advantages of Using Incoterms

There are many advantages for businesses in UAE when they use Incoterms:

Incoterms give a standard set of rules for global trade.
They help avoid arguments and misunderstandings.
All parties know their obligations and costs.
They are accepted by customs and trade authorities worldwide.
The ICC updates Incoterms, so the rules are always current.

Incoterms work as a universal language for companies to follow when trading across borders.

Importance of Incoterms for UAE Businesses

After UAE introduced VAT, Incoterms became even more important. Companies in UAE must know how VAT affects imports and exports. Many traders do not understand the reverse charge mechanism, but Incoterms help explain this. Every business in the UAE should mention their chosen Incoterm when making deals. This will help everyone calculate duties, taxes, and costs correctly.

Incoterms are also used when:

Making contracts for shipping goods.
Calculating VAT on imported or exported products.
Writing invoices and shipment labels.

When UAE companies use the right Incoterm, they avoid problems and make their business stronger.

Common Incoterms Used by UAE Businesses

Here are some Incoterms UAE businesses use the most:

DDP – Delivered Duty Paid

The seller pays all costs and takes on all risks to deliver goods at the buyer’s location. Seller pays for unloading, taxes, and duties. This term is very common in UAE business.

EXW – Ex Works

Seller makes goods available at their warehouse or factory. The buyer pays all transport, insurance, and export costs. Buyer takes all responsibility once goods leave the seller.

DAP – Delivered At Place

Seller is responsible for goods until they arrive at the place named by the buyer. The seller pays for all transport costs but not for unloading or import duties.

CIF – Cost, Insurance & Freight

Seller pays for shipping and insurance until the goods reach the buyer’s port. The buyer pays for unloading and import duties.

FOB – Free On Board

Seller’s responsibility ends when goods are loaded on the ship. Buyer pays for shipping, insurance, and other costs after loading.

Each of these Incoterms sets out exactly who pays for each part of the journey and who is responsible for the goods.

Tips for UAE Importers When Using Incoterms

Always pick the right Incoterm for your business need.
Check who will pay VAT, duties, and insurance.
Mention your chosen Incoterm in every contract.
Study the latest Incoterm rules from ICC.
Ask an expert like Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing if you feel unsure.

🥇How Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing Can Help with Incoterms

Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing helps UAE companies with Incoterms, VAT, and global trade compliance. Our team provides full guidance on contracts, tax, and shipping rules. We explain each Incoterm, so you never feel left out in the cold. Like they say, we help you “hit the nail on the head” when it comes to understanding international trade.

For more information, reach out or visit:

Saraya Avenue Building – Office M-06, Block/A, Al Garhoud – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
WhatsApp: +971 50 276 2132

Quick Contact Details

Visit Mubarak Al Ketbi (MAK) Auditing at Saraya Avenue Building, Office M-06, Block/A, Al Garhoud, Dubai, UAE.
Call or WhatsApp: +971 50 276 2132.
Our experts guide UAE businesses on Incoterms, VAT, and international shipping rules.
Get help with trade documents, compliance, and contract reviews.

FAQs on Incoterms Guide for UAE Business: Key Rules

What is a tax loss in UAE corporate tax?

tax loss is when your business deductions are more than your taxable income, making your taxable income negative.

How much of my tax loss can I use each year?

You can use up to 75% of your taxable income in a year to set off tax losses. The rest is carried forward.

Can I transfer tax losses to another company?

Yes, you can transfer losses to another UAE company if you meet the 75% ownership rule and both companies have the same financial year.

What happens if the ownership of my company changes?

You can only use tax losses if the same person owns at least 50% from the loss year to the year you use it, and the company keeps doing similar business.

Can I use tax losses from before corporate tax started?

No, you can’t use losses from before corporate tax was introduced in June 2023.