“Documents Required to Import Gold to Dubai from Africa [2025 Guide]”

Importing gold to Dubai from Africa requires strict legal compliance and accurate documentation. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned importer, understanding the required documents is crucial to avoid delays, penalties, or confiscation. This 2025 guide explains everything you need to legally import gold into Dubai directly from trusted sources like Gold Buyers Africa, your partner in secure and transparent gold trade.
In this guide, we’ll outline the key documents required to import gold into Dubai and how Gold Buyers Africa can assist you throughout the process.

Documents required to import gold to Dubai

1 Import License. An import license is required to legally import gold into Dubai and this license is given by the UAE’s Federal Customs Authority to ensure that the importer is authorized to conduct international trade it is most important during customs clearance.

2 Certificate of Origin. This certificate is used to verify that the gold being imported originates from the declared country of origin and it helps to ensure the gold is legally mined and complies with UAE’s import regulations.

3 Commercial Invoice. This invoice is a bill provided by the supplier detailing the price, quantity, description, and value of the gold being imported and it is a key factor during customs clearance and also used for taxation purposes. Documents required to import gold to Dubai

4 Assay Certificate. This assay certificate is needed because it proves the purity of the gold, is issued by an authorized assayer or laboratory, and certifies that the gold meets the required purity standards for the UAE market like 22K and 24K.

5 Packing List. This list is needed because it provides a detailed packing list that includes information about the contents of the shipment like the weight and description of the gold items which is necessary for customs to verify that the shipment matches the details provided on the invoice.

6 Customs Declaration Form. The customs declaration form is used to declare the gold being imported to UAE Customs which information about the quantity, value, and type of gold being imported, and this form is submitted electronically through the Dubai Customs system.

7 Import Customs Duty Payment Receipt. This receipt confirms that the applicable import duties and taxes on the gold have been paid to Dubai Customs and the payment needed during the clearance and release of gold.

8 Trade License. This license is needed when you are importing gold for business purposes, a valid trade license from the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) is required this license shows that the importer is a registered business entity authorized to engage in the gold trade. Documents required to import gold to Dubai

Steps on How to Import Gold from Africa to Dubai

Importing gold from Africa to Dubai has specific processes to comply with international trade laws to ensure the gold’s authenticity and smooth logistics.

1 Identify and Partner with Licensed Gold Exporters in Africa. Make sure you do research and select reliable gold sellers or mining companies in African countries like Ghana, Uganda, or Tanzania by verifying the seller’s export license and documentation to ensure legitimacy and check if the gold is conflict-free and comes with a Certificate of Origin this will help to ensure that the gold is mined ethically and complies with international trade laws.

2 Obtain an Import License in Dubai. Make sure your business is registered with the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) to obtain a trade license for importing precious metals when you register with Dubai Customs an importer code is provided which is mandatory for clearing gold this will help you legally authorize you to import gold into Dubai and trade within its markets.

3 Secure Proper Documentation for Export and Import. In Africa, make sure the following documents are obtained: Certificate of Origin (proving the gold’s source), Export license from the seller, Assay report (verifying gold purity and weight), Commercial invoice (with details of the gold’s value and transaction). While in Dubai prepare a customs declaration form, Airway bill, or bill of lading (proof of shipment) this helps to ensure compliance with customs requirements in both Africa and Dubai.

4 Use Trusted Logistics Services for Shipping. Make sure you choose a reputable logistics company specializing in transporting gold always opt for air freight as the safest method, with insurance, armed escorts, and real-time tracking because it safeguards the shipment against theft or damage during transit.

5 Complete Customs Clearance in Dubai. Make sure you submit all required documents to Dubai Customs upon the arrival of the shipment and pay all the applicable customs duties or fees based on the gold’s value and weight to ensure the shipment meets UAE’s quality and authenticity standards before release. This helps to ensure the gold is legally cleared for entry into Dubai and ready for sale or further processing. Documents required to import gold to Dubai

 Dubai Customs Rules for Gold

Dubai has strict customs regulations governing the import and export of gold to maintain transparency, prevent illegal trade, and ensure compliance with international standards.

1 Declare Gold at Customs

1 Rule. All Individuals or businesses importing or exporting gold must declare it at Dubai Customs upon entry or exit.

Details. Any gold exceeding the value threshold (typically 60,000 AED or equivalent) must be reported failure to declare may result in penalties or confiscation this is to ensure transparency in gold trade and prevent money laundering or smuggling.

2 Provide Supporting Documentation

1 Rule. All gold imports or exports must be accompanied by valid documentation to prove authenticity, origin, and legality. Required Documents Certificate of Origin, Assay report confirming purity 24K, Commercial invoice specifying quantity, value, and type of gold, Export/import licenses for businesses its purpose is to help verify the gold’s legality and compliance with trade laws.

3 Pay Applicable Customs Duties and Fees

1 Rule. All Importers must pay customs duties as per UAE regulations unless exempted.

Details. Gold jewelry typically attracts a 5% import duty unless exemptions apply to GCC nationals and raw gold bars or coins are generally duty-free this helps to ensure proper taxation and contributes to the UAE’s economic regulations. Documents required to import gold to Dubai

4 Comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Regulations

Rule: Importers and exporters must comply with UAE’s anti-money laundering laws to prevent illegal activities in the gold trade.

Requirements:

Declare the source of funds used for purchasing the gold submit evidence of transparent transactions and ensure the gold is conflict-free always register with Dubai Customs and other regulatory bodies. This will help you prevent financial crimes and ensure ethical trading practices.

 Documents Needed to Export Gold from Ghana to Dubai

1. Gold Export License (from PMMC)

Issued by the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC) or the Minerals Commission, this is mandatory for any legal gold export from Ghana. Documents required to import gold to Dubai

2. Assay Report (from PMMC or Refinery)

Details the gold’s purity (like 24K) and weight. Dubai customs requires this to verify the metal quality.

3. Certificate of Origin

Shows the gold is legitimately sourced from Ghana and not from conflict zones, fulfilling international compliance.

4. Customs Declaration Form (Ghana Revenue Authority)

Officially registers the gold shipment for export and tracks its quantity and value.

5. Air Waybill or Bill of Lading

Provided by the shipping or freight company, this document is required by both Ghanaian and UAE customs to track the shipment.

Exporting Gold from Uganda to Dubai: What Paperwork Do You Need

1. Gold Export Permit (from Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines – DGSM)

Required by law in Uganda to export any raw or refined gold out of the country. Documents required to import gold to Dubai

2. Assay Certificate (from UNBS or Authorized Lab)

Certifies the gold’s karat and weight, mandatory for legal compliance in Uganda and acceptance in Dubai

3. Export License (Company-based, renewable annually)

Granted to license gold trading companies, individual exporters need to partner with a licensed entity.

4. Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Export Clearance Form

A customs document for tax and compliance clearance at borders and airports.

5. Airway Bill / Shipping Invoice

Used to document transport and verify shipment with Dubai authorities.

 Required Documents for Gold Export from Mali to UAE

1. Gold Export Authorization (from Mali’s Ministry of Mines)

Legal permission to export raw or refined gold. Required for both individuals and companies.

2. Assay Report / Laboratory Test Certificate

Confirms the gold’s weight and purity accepted by Dubai customs and banks. Documents required to import gold to Dubai

3. Certificate of Origin

Ensures transparency in source and avoids conflict gold-related issues.

4. Malian Customs Declaration Document

Proof that the shipment has passed customs clearance in Mali.

5. Transport Documentation (AWB/Bill of Lading)

A key shipping document recognized by UAE customs and insurance agencies.

Nigerian Export Rules: Gold Shipping Papers for Dubai

1. Gold Export License (from the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development)

Mandatory for companies dealing in gold exports from Nigeria.

2. Assay Certificate (Government-Approved Lab)

Verifies the gold content and ensures compliance with Dubai’s import quality standards.

3. Nigeria Customs Export Permit (NCS)

Validates the shipment for international transport and records trade data.

4. Certificate of Origin (from NEPC)

Proves the gold was mined and refined in Nigeria needed to enter Dubai legally.

5. Air Waybill / Freight Invoice

Details how the gold is being shipped, by whom, and in what quantity.

 How African Buyers Can Legally Import Gold to Dubai

1. Work with Licensed Exporters in Africa

Only purchase gold from companies licensed by local authorities (e.g., PMMC in Ghana, DGSM in Uganda), and this ensures your gold is legally sourced and export-ready.

2. Obtain Complete Export Documentation

Ensure the seller provides a gold export license, assay certificate, certificate of origin, and customs declaration, and these documents are key for Dubai customs clearance.

3. Declare the Gold at UAE Customs

On arrival, declare your gold at the entry point (like Dubai International Airport). Avoiding a declaration can result in confiscation and fines.

4. Comply with UAE Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Regulations

Provide proof of the transaction, including invoices and payment records, and the UAE strictly monitors financial flows to combat money laundering through gold.

 Tips to Avoid Gold Seizure at Dubai Customs

1. Never Carry Undeclared Gold

Always declare gold upon arrival in Dubai, even if it’s for personal use. Undeclared gold may be seized or result in criminal charges.

2. Ensure All Documents Match

Make sure your airway bill, invoice, and gold quantity are consistent, and Mismatches raise red flags at customs.

3. Avoid Traveling with Gold from Suspicious Sources

Gold purchased without proper documentation or from unlicensed sellers in Africa increases your risk of seizure.

4. Verify Legal Purity and Quality Before Shipping

Dubai requires accurate gold purity reporting (like 24K). False assay reports can lead to rejection or seizure of your shipment.

Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Gold Importers to the UAE

1. Buy Gold from a Licensed African Dealer

Partner with reputable companies like Gold Buyers Africa to ensure legal and traceable transactions. Documents required to import gold to Dubai

2. Collect All Required Export Documents

You need the export license, assay report, certificate of origin, customs clearance, and shipping invoice.

3. Book a Trusted Logistics Company

Use secure air cargo services experienced in gold transport to Dubai. They can also help with customs processing.

4. Declare the Shipment and Clear UAE Customs

Upon arrival, present all documents to Dubai Customs. Pay any required duties (if not exempt) and ensure transparency.

 How to Verify Gold Export Documents Before Shipping to Dubai

1. Check License Authenticity

Verify that the seller’s gold export license is issued by the relevant authority (e.g., PMMC, DGSM, Ministry of Mines). You can cross-check license numbers on official government websites.

2. Confirm Assay Certificate Source

Ensure the assay report comes from an accredited lab or official body. It should mention karat rating (like 99.99% = 24K) and weight. Documents required to import gold to Dubai

3. Inspect the Certificate of Origin

This should be stamped and signed by a recognized government agency to confirm the country of origin and legal sourcing.

4. Validate the Customs Declaration Form

This proves the gold has been cleared for export by the country’s customs authority. Double-check cargo details and declared value. Documents required to import gold to Dubai

In conclusion, Importing gold to Dubai requires strict adherence to regulatory guidelines, and missing a single document can delay your shipment or lead to legal complications. With years of experience in gold trading and export, Gold Buyers Africa is your trusted partner in ensuring a smooth and legally compliant gold importation process. Contact us today for professional assistance in handling all the required documentation and making your gold importation to Dubai seamless and profitable. Documents required to import gold to Dubai