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UK to and from the UAE Pallet Delivery & Freight Forwarding – Made Simple
Pallet2Ship provides affordable pallet delivery and freight forwarding services to and from the UAE, giving UK businesses clear pricing, fast online quotes, and flexible air and sea freight options.
Whether you’re shipping a single pallet to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, or managing regular multi-pallet movements to and from Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain or Fujairah, we keep UK–UAE shipping predictable, compliant, and cost-effective.
Why UK Businesses Choose Pallet2Ship for Shipping to and from the UAE
Instead of relying on a single route or carrier, we connect into multiple global air and sea freight networks, giving you genuine choice when shipping pallets to and from the UAE, including major commercial hubs such as Dubai.
You can choose air freight when transit time is critical, or sea freight when cost per kilo matters most. In every case, you see the full UK–UAE shipping cost upfront before booking, and most services include end-to-end tracking.
Service Highlights
- Economy and express options for UK to and from UAE pallet delivery by air and sea
- UK door collection from all UK postcodes
- Delivery to business and private addresses across all seven emirates, including Dubai
- Full online tracking on most air and sea lanes
- Optional insurance available during booking
- Pricing, services, and support designed for SME shippers
Built with SMEs in Mind
Small and medium businesses need clarity, not jargon.
We help you line up the essentials for smooth pallet delivery and freight forwarding to and from the UAE, including:
- UK EORI number guidance
- Correct HS codes and classification
- Commercial Invoice and Packing List preparation
- Clear understanding of duties, VAT, and Importer of Record requirements
Whether you ship occasionally or every week, we guide you toward the most suitable freight forwarding service for your budget and deadline, not simply the fastest option.
Coverage & Typical Transit Times
We collect from all UK postcodes, without exception.
In the UAE, we deliver to business and private addresses across every emirate, supported by trusted local partners, with:
- Jebel Ali as the main sea freight hub serving Dubai
- Major air gateways at Dubai International (DXB), Al Maktoum / DWC, and Abu Dhabi (AUH)
Indicative transit times for pallet delivery from the UK to the UAE:
- Air Express (door-to-door): usually 2–5 working days
- Economy Air (door-to-door): around 4–7 working days
- Sea LCL (port-to-port, typically Jebel Ali): usually 24–32 days
- Sea (door delivery): allow an extra 3–7 days for clearance and final delivery
Transit times depend on routing, customs processing, and local delivery conditions.
During peak periods such as Ramadan, Eid, or major trade events in Dubai, clearance may take an additional 2–3 days.
Delivering to a UAE free zone (for example JAFZA or DAFZA in Dubai) may involve different customs procedures and documentation.
What Can I Ship to and from the UK and the UAE?
We support a wide range of freight, including:
In the UAE, we deliver to business and private addresses across every emirate, supported by trusted local partners, with:
- Small and large parcels
- Single pallets and multi-pallet consignments
- Oversized and custom-built pallets
- LCL (part-load containers) and FCL (full container loads)
Standard pallets under 750kg and 200cm are handled with tail-lifts.
Heavier or taller pallets require forklifts at both collection and delivery points.
See Forklift Requirements for details.
Most services include tracking, and you can add insurance during booking for extra peace of mind.
How to Prepare Your Freight for the UAE
Good packing is essential for secure and affordable pallet delivery.
For pallets:
- Use a strong, undamaged pallet
- Stack evenly and avoid overhang
- Protect corners and vulnerable items
- Shrink-wrap fully and strap where required
- Label at least three sides plus the top
For parcels:
- Use double-wall cartons for heavier goods
- Add internal cushioning
- Seal securely and label clearly
If your shipment includes restricted goods (such as batteries by air, certain liquids, or controlled items), check our Prohibited & Restricted Items guidance and declare this at quote stage so we can match you with a compliant service.
See How to Pack a Pallet for detailed instructions.
Customs, Duties & Paperwork – We Help You Get It Right
Customs clearance to and from the UAE is straightforward when paperwork is accurate.
For most shipments you will need:
- UK EORI registration
- Correct HS codes
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
On many routes we support DAP or DDP options — see the Incoterms guide for details.
The UAE applies 5% VAT on most imported goods, plus any applicable customs duties based on HS code classification.
Your UAE consignee will usually act as Importer of Record and must hold a valid Tax Registration Number (TRN) for customs clearance.
Some goods require additional permits, including:
- Pharmaceuticals (Ministry of Health approval)
- Telecommunications equipment (TRA approval)
- Food products (Dubai Municipality / ESMA certification)
We guide you through documentation and customs clearance requirements so your freight forwarding process runs smoothly.
How the UK to and from the UAE Booking Process Works
1.Get an instant quote
Select UK to UAE or UAE to UK, optionally enter your UK collection postcode, then add parcel or pallet weight and dimensions.
You do not need to enter a UAE delivery address to see prices.
2.Choose your service
Compare air versus sea, port versus door, and economy versus express, then select the option that matches your timescale and budget.
3.Confirm details and complete booking
You enter shipper and consignee details, add contact names and phone numbers, confirm goods description and value, select optional Insurance, make payment, and upload paperwork at the final stage.
4.Collection and customs coordination
We arrange collection and guide you immediately if any documents are missing or unclear. Linehaul, customs clearance, and UAE delivery are managed as part of the service.
5.Track to delivery
Follow your shipment from collection through to arrival and final delivery in the UAE, with real-time updates on most services.
Start Shipping to and from the UAE
No contracts. No minimum volumes.
Transparent, trackable pallet delivery and freight forwarding between the UK and the UAE, backed by established international carriers and a UK-based platform built for SMEs.
⚠️ Important: Many delays occur because requirements are missed. Please read the service information shown under the blue “i” button on each quote and check the service icons carefully. They provide essential details about what is and isn’t included (e.g., tail-lift, Amazon access, restricted goods). Always review these before booking.
* Extra charges only apply if shipment details are inaccurate — e.g. incorrect documentation, failed collections/deliveries, or under-declared weight/dimensions.
Shipping to UAE from UK
Pallet2ship offers the following pallet services to UAE:
By Air
- Door to Door express pallet delivery
- Door to Door express parcel delivery
By Sea
- Pallet delivery to Port
- Pallet delivery to Door [business addresses only]
What you need to know about our pallet services to UAE:
- We accept shipments of any weight and dimensions
- Send from a small parcel to container loads, we will accommodate:
- Small & large or bulky parcels
- Single & multiple pallets
- Oversized/custom pallets
- Part & full container loads
- Optional insurance is available through the website.
- Most services are fully trackable, for services both to and from UAE.
- Both business and private individuals can send a pallet to any address in UAE.
- We work with only the largest and most trusted international freight providers.
How much does it cost to send a pallet to UAE?
100 Kg, LxWxH: 120 x 80 x 50 cm
Air Freight service
£405.31
100 Kg, LxWxH: 120 x 80 x 50 cm
Sea Freight service
£92.59
Please be advised these are just price examples as we do offer many parcel and pallet delivery services to and from UAE. For the best option for you please use the Quote & Book system above in order to obtain instant quotes.
Case Study – Shipping Personal Effects from the UK to Dubai (UAE)
Quick Summary
In September, a UK-based individual needed to ship a personal effects consignment from Reading to Dubai by air freight. Although the shipment consisted only of used household items and personal belongings, UAE customs authorities apply strict documentation controls to personal effects shipments.
By following Pallet2Ship’s guidance and preparing the correct paperwork in advance, the customer achieved smooth customs clearance and on-time delivery to Dubai.
What Happened
The shipment included used clothing, books, kitchenware, and small household items and was transported by air freight from Reading to Dubai.
Dubai is the UAE’s main commercial hub and primary entry point for personal effects shipments, with dedicated customs inspection facilities at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
As the goods were non-commercial and used, the customer initially assumed minimal documentation would be required. However, Pallet2Ship identified early that UAE customs authorities require specific paperwork to distinguish genuine household moves from undeclared commercial imports.
The key documentation required included:
- A detailed personal effects inventory
- A personal effects declaration
- A copy of the customer’s passport and UAE residence visa or entry stamp
- Written confirmation that the goods were used, owned, and not for resale
Without these documents, the shipment risked customs holds, inspections, storage fees, or refusal at the border.
What the Customer Did Right
Booking & Documentation
- Accurately entered weights, dimensions, and number of boxes at the quote stage
- Selected air freight based on urgency and delivery requirements
- Clearly declared the shipment as personal effects, not commercial goods
- Completed a detailed packing list and inventory, itemising contents box by box
- Submitted a personal effects declaration confirming goods were used and for personal use only
- Provided copies of passport and UAE residence visa or entry stamp as requested
- Uploaded all documentation promptly after booking, allowing pre-clearance checks
Physical Preparation
- Packed all items securely in strong, double-walled cartons suitable for air freight
- Clearly labelled each box to match the inventory list
- Avoided restricted items such as alcohol, new goods, or high-value electronics (see Prohibited & Restricted Items)
- Ensured all boxes were sealed properly and ready before collection
- Attached multiple copies of the inventory and air waybill in clear document wallets
Physical Preparation
- Remained available during the collection window to assist the driver
- Responded promptly when additional documentation was requested
Key Learnings (UK to UAE Personal Effects)
Do This
- Declare shipments clearly as used personal effects, not commercial goods
- Provide a detailed inventory listing contents box by box
- Submit passport and UAE visa documentation before departure
- Confirm in writing that goods are used and not for resale
- Follow UAE-specific documentation requirements even for personal items
Avoid This
- Vague inventory descriptions such as “household items” or “miscellaneous”
- Including new or prohibited items without declaring them
- Submitting documents after the shipment has departed the UK
- Assuming personal effects require less documentation than commercial goods
- Treating UAE customs procedures like EU or UK domestic shipments
Why It Matters
Personal effects shipments to the UAE require detailed documentation and customs declarations, even when goods are used and non-commercial. UAE customs authorities carefully verify personal effects to prevent undeclared commercial imports.
Without proper paperwork—including a detailed inventory, personal effects declaration, and proof of residence—shipments can face customs holds, inspections, storage fees, or refusal at Dubai entry points.
In this case, early identification of documentation requirements allowed the customer to prepare everything in the UK before departure. This enabled smooth customs clearance in Dubai with no delays or additional charges.
Air freight is often the fastest option for urgent personal effects moves, but documentation must be ready before the shipment leaves the UK. If unsure about UAE personal effects rules or required paperwork, it is best to check requirements before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
about shipping services to and from UAE
Quotes & Pricing
Sea freight (LCL/FCL) is usually the most cost-effective option for non-urgent shipments. Economy air can be suitable for lighter, time-flexible cargo. Compare options with our Instant Quote Tool.
Pricing depends on pallet size, weight or chargeable volume, collection and delivery points, and service speed (economy air, express air, or sea freight). Use the Instant Quote Tool for live pricing.
Prices are final if weight, dimensions, contents, and access details are accurate. Surcharges only apply for incorrect declarations or failed collections/deliveries.
Often yes. Consolidating pallets or using sea freight containers usually reduces the cost per pallet.
Slightly. Major hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi are generally more cost-efficient. Remote areas or outer emirates may increase last-mile costs or transit time.
Express air: typically 2–5 working days. Economy air: around 4–7 working days. Sea freight: roughly 4–6 weeks (24–32 days port-to-port, plus 3–7 days for door delivery). Exact ETAs appear next to each service when quoting.
Yes. LCL and air quotes are instant online. FCL or outsized cargo is quoted manually, usually within 24 hours.
No. Optional services are itemised before payment. Extra charges only apply if shipment details are inaccurate or conditions change.
Packing & Pallet Requirements
Use strong pallets, shrink-wrap and straps together, protect corners, and keep goods within the pallet footprint. See How to Pack a Pallet.
UK 120×100 cm and Euro 120×80 cm pallets are accepted, as well as custom and oversized pallets (within carrier limits).
Yes, provided they are securely packed and accurately declared. Large pallets may need sea freight or special handling.
Most services accept up to about 1,200 kg per pallet. Pallets over 750 kg usually require forklifts at both ends.
Standard pallets under 750 kg and 200 cm are usually handled with tail-lifts. Heavier or taller pallets require forklifts.
Loads should be stable, evenly stacked, wrapped, strapped, and labelled on at least three sides plus the top. Photos can be shared before collection if needed.
Yes. ISPM-15 compliance is mandatory for wooden pallets shipped to the UAE.
No. Shippers must provide their own pallets and internal protection.
Yes, if professionally packed. Optional Insurance is strongly recommended.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
Most industrial and consumer goods are accepted. Always check the Prohibited & Restricted Items guidance before booking.
Yes, if fully drained of fluids, cleaned, and securely fixed to a pallet.
Yes via certain services, but personal effects are generally excluded from Insurance.
Yes, subject to strict rules. Lithium batteries require MSDS and UN-approved packaging.
Some dangerous goods are accepted with correct documentation and approval. See Hazardous Goods (ADR).
Alcohol is strictly regulated and requires permits. Pork products are prohibited for import into the UAE.
Yes. Pharmaceuticals require Ministry of Health approval; medical devices may need additional certification.
Some telecom equipment requires TRA approval. Declare this at quote stage.
Yes. Food products may require Dubai Municipality or ESMA approval. Fresh or perishable food is tightly controlled.
Documentation & Customs
Yes. A valid EORI is required for UK export declarations.
TRN (Tax Registration Number) is required for UAE imports. The consignee must provide a valid TRN or customs clearance will be delayed.
DAP is most common. DDP is not available for all services, so customers should check with us before booking. See the Incoterms guide.
HS codes classify goods for customs and must be declared correctly. Check the UK Trade Tariff.
Yes. A licensed broker or clearing agent is normally required. We coordinate this as part of the service.
The IOR is legally responsible for the import. Usually, this is the UAE consignee, who must hold a valid TRN and trade licence if required.
Some goods do, including pharmaceuticals, telecom equipment, and food products.
Yes, but documentation is still required. Duty relief may apply if declared correctly.
Delays usually relate to missing or incorrect paperwork. You will be notified if further information is required.
Insurance & Claims
Yes. Additional Insurance can be purchased instantly online for goods valued up to £50,000.
Yes. Shipments over £50,000 are insured via a manual quotation process, where shipment details are reviewed. A tailored insurance quote is usually provided within 15–20 minutes.
Generally no. Used personal items are rarely covered by underwriters.
Loss or damage in transit for professionally packed goods. See Pallet Insurance.
Notify us immediately with photos and proof of value. Follow the Claims Process.
Note damage on the delivery receipt, take photos, and contact us within 24 hours. Follow the Claims Process.
Collections & Deliveries
Typically 08:00–18:00 UK time. Timed collections are available with dedicated vehicles.
Yes via premium courier services, subject to checks and surcharges.
Limited-time options are available depending on location and service.
Often possible if booked early and documentation is ready.
Yes, subject to cut-off times.
Provide details at booking. Smaller vehicles or special handling may be required.
Yes. Ramadan, Eid, UAE National Day (2 December), and New Year can slow transit.
Expect reduced working hours and slower clearance, usually adding 2–3 days.
Yes. You simply need to request an instant quote or contact our customer service team for assistance.
Yes — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.
Yes, subject to local rules and documentation.
Services & Tracking
Economy air, express air, sea freight (LCL/FCL), parcels, and pallet services.
Yes. Parcels and pallets can be booked through the same platform.
Yes. Most services include end-to-end tracking.
Economy air is cheaper but slower (4–7 days). Express air is faster (2–5 days) with priority handling.
We work with leading air and sea carriers selected per route and service.
Yes. Multi-pallet bookings often reduce average costs.
Yes. Select UAE as the collection country to arrange imports.
Difficult once in transit and may incur extra charges.
Yes. Dedicated vehicles can be arranged. See Dedicated Vehicle Services.
Yes. Door-to-airport services are available for urgent shipments.
Additional Services
Abu Dhabi
Bahrain
Egypt
Israel
Jordan
Kuwait
Lebanon
Oman
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
If you have any questions regarding our services, tracking your parcel or advice, we're here
Get in TouchPallet2Ship is your one-stop shop for all your transport needs.
Create your export or import documents — including Customs and Pro forma Invoices — directly through our online platform once your booking is complete.
All documents are automatically saved to your Pallet2Ship account, and you'll receive clear step-by-step instructions by email.
Whether you're a regular shipper or booking for the first time, the website gives you everything you need, and our UK-based team is always ready to help.