Key Documentation for Importing Oil & Gas / Energy Equipment into the UAE

Commercial Invoice
Detailed invoice outlining the transaction, including buyer and seller information, full description of oil and gas or energy-related equipment, quantities, unit values, total declared value, and currency.

Bill of Lading (BOL)
Legal transport document issued by the carrier, detailing the type, quantity, weight, and final destination of oilfield or energy equipment destined for the UAE, typically via the Ports of Jebel Ali or Abu Dhabi.

Packing List
Itemized list of all cargo, including number of packages, dimensions, gross and net weights, and packing method. Essential for customs clearance and physical inspections.

Certificate of Origin
Confirms the country of manufacture of the equipment. Must typically be attested by the Chamber of Commerce and legalized by the UAE Embassy or Consulate, when required.

Import License
Certain oil and gas, power generation, or industrial machinery—especially specialized, high-capacity, or regulated equipment—may require prior import authorization from UAE authorities, such as the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) or other relevant regulatory bodies.

Customs Declaration
Formal customs submission to UAE Federal Customs Authority, providing full shipment details for clearance through the Ports of Jebel Ali, Abu Dhabi, or other UAE customs jurisdictions.

Technical Documentation
Specification sheets, operation manuals, conformity certificates, and engineering drawings. Required for customs inspections, safety verification, and regulatory approvals.

Insurance Certificate
Proof of cargo insurance covering loss or damage during international and domestic transportation.

Harmonized System (HS) Codes
Accurate classification of equipment under the UAE Customs Tariff, aligned with GCC HS nomenclature, determining applicable customs duties, VAT, and statistical reporting.

Pro-forma Invoice
Preliminary invoice used for approvals, financing arrangements, or advance customs processing, particularly for project cargo or long-lead equipment.

Environmental and Safety Certifications
Documentation confirming compliance with UAE environmental, safety, and industrial regulations, especially for oilfield, refining, power generation, and heavy industrial equipment.

Letter of Credit or Payment Terms Agreement
Financial instrument or contractual agreement outlining payment terms between buyer and seller, often required by banks and customs authorities.

Import Duties and Taxes Payment
Proof of payment for applicable customs duties and VAT (typically 5%), as administered by the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and UAE Customs.

---

Compliance and Regulatory Requirements for Oil & Gas / Energy Equipment Imports into the UAE

Registration with UAE Customs
Importers must be registered with UAE Customs and hold a valid Trade License issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the respective Emirate.

Compliance with UAE and GCC Technical Standards
Imported oil and gas, energy, and industrial equipment must comply with GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) regulations and relevant UAE authorities’ requirements, including:

• Industrial and occupational safety

• Electrical conformity

• Emissions and environmental protection

• Hazardous materials handling

Engagement with a Licensed Customs Broker
Due to the technical and regulatory complexity of oil and gas and energy-sector imports in the UAE, it is strongly recommended to work with a licensed UAE customs broker, particularly for shipments cleared through the Ports of Jebel Ali and Abu Dhabi.

Commercial Invoice (for Oil & Gas / Energy Equipment – UAE)

Exporter Information
Name and Address: Full legal name and registered address of the oilfield or energy equipment supplier/exporter.
Contact Details: Phone number, email, and fax (if applicable).

Importer Information
Name and Address: Legal name and registered address of the oil & gas, energy, or industrial company or buyer in the UAE.
Contact Details: Email and phone number for local coordination.

Invoice Number and Date
Invoice Number: Unique reference number for tracking and recordkeeping.
Date of Issue: Date the invoice was generated.

Purchase Order Number
Reference Number: Buyer’s purchase order number, if issued, for procurement and internal tracking.

Description of Goods
Detailed Description: Include part numbers, model numbers, serial numbers, pressure ratings, power specifications, material grades, and specific oil & gas or energy application (e.g., drilling, power generation, refining).
HS Codes: Accurate Harmonized System (HS) codes in accordance with the UAE Customs Tariff (e.g., 8431.43 for drilling equipment parts).

Quantity and Unit of Measure
Quantity: Number of units per item.
Unit: Units, kilograms, meters, sets, etc.

Unit Price and Total Price
Unit Price: Price per unit for each item.
Total Price: Line-item totals and overall invoice value.

Currency
Type: USD, EUR, or other agreed currency, clearly stated.

Terms of Sale (Incoterms® 2020 / 2024)
Examples: CIF Port of Jebel Ali / Port of Abu Dhabi, FOB Houston, DAP Dubai, defining cost, risk, and delivery responsibilities.

Shipping and Delivery Information
Port of Loading / Destination: Examples: Houston → Port of Jebel Ali, Vancouver → Port of Abu Dhabi
Estimated Shipping Date: Projected departure date.

Payment Terms
Method: Letter of Credit (L/C), Telegraphic Transfer (TT), Net-30, or as per contract.

Signature
Authorized Representative: Signature, printed name, and title of the exporter’s authorized signatory.

---

Bill of Lading (BOL) – Oil & Gas / Energy Equipment

Shipper Information
Full name and address of the equipment exporter or appointed freight forwarder.

Consignee Information
Full details of the UAE buyer, EPC contractor, or licensed customs broker.

Carrier Information
Name: Shipping line or logistics provider.
Vessel Details: Vessel name and voyage number for sea freight shipments.

Description of Goods
Technical descriptions such as drilling equipment, compressors, pumps, generators, transformers — must match the commercial invoice exactly.

Gross Weight and Dimensions
Accurate gross weight, net weight, and dimensions (CBM).

Freight Charges
Charge Terms: Prepaid or Collect, including responsible party.

Bill of Lading Number
Unique BOL reference number for shipment tracking.

Date of Shipment
Date cargo is loaded onboard the vessel or released to the carrier.

Terms and Conditions
Reference to carrier liability, applicable conventions (e.g., Hague-Visby Rules), and force majeure clauses.

---

Packing List (Oil & Gas / Energy Equipment)

Exporter and Consignee Information
Full names and addresses, consistent with the invoice and BOL.

Shipment Details
Commercial Invoice number
Bill of Lading number
Shipment date

Itemized Contents
Equipment descriptions and part numbers
Intended oil & gas or energy application (drilling, production, power generation, refining)
Quantity and packaging type (crates, skids, pallets, steel containers)

Package Identification
Marks and numbers (e.g., SKID 1 of 4, CASE A), clearly visible on all packages.

Total Weight and Volume
Total gross and net weight and total cubic volume (CBM).

---

Certificate of Origin (Oil & Gas / Energy Equipment)

Exporter and Consignee
Full legal details of both parties.

Goods Description
Technical description, HS codes, and type of equipment.

Origin Criterion
Statement confirming country of manufacture (e.g., “Manufactured in the United States of America”)

Certification
Authorized signature and stamp, typically issued by the Chamber of Commerce and legalized by the UAE Embassy or Consulate, when required for customs clearance.

---

Key Considerations for Oil & Gas / Energy Imports into the UAE

Technical Accuracy
All descriptions must match manuals, datasheets, and equipment nameplates to prevent customs delays or inspections.

Regulatory Compliance
Equipment must comply with UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA), and GCC standards, including:

• Electrical conformity

• Pressure equipment

• Safety and emissions standards

• Hazardous materials compliance

Language Requirements
English is generally accepted; Arabic documentation or labels may be required for regulatory approval, manuals, or safety markings.

Importer Registration
The importer must hold a valid Trade License issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the respective Emirate and be registered with UAE Customs.

Work with Experts
Engage a licensed UAE customs broker, especially for shipments via the Ports of Jebel Ali and Abu Dhabi, to ensure smooth clearance, permits, duties, and VAT compliance.