Exporting automation technology: USA, UAE, India, Oman

1. Export from the EU

• EORI number of the exporter, commercial invoice with commodity code, country of origin, net weight and Incoterm, packing list.
• Export declaration electronically via ATLAS. Mandatory from €1,000 of goods value; below that an oral declaration at the exit office usually suffices. With an authorisation for simplified customs declarations, clearance runs without presenting the goods at the customs office.
• Export control: check whether goods, consignee or end use fall under the EU Dual-Use Regulation (EU) 2021/821 or sanctions. Rarely the case for common automation components, but the check must be documented.
• Proof of origin: chamber-of-commerce certificate of origin or supplier's declaration, depending on the destination.
• Incoterms 2020: EXW shifts everything to the buyer, FCA and DAP are common in component trade, DDP only if the seller can handle the import in the destination country.

2. United States

• Import under the HTSUS (10 digits). The first six digits match the HS, the rest is US-specific.
• An importer of record with a US tax ID and usually a customs broker are required. As a seller in Germany you typically deliver DAP or FCA and leave the import to the customer.
• Additional duties (e.g. Section 232 on steel and aluminium content, Section 301) can affect components; origin and material composition must be documented. The situation changes frequently, check it before every quote.
• Electrical equipment: customers often ask for UL or cULus marking. Not a customs matter, but a reason for returns if missing.

3. United Arab Emirates

• Import duty usually 5 % on the CIF value (GCC common tariff), plus 5 % VAT.
• Commercial invoice and certificate of origin are often required in attested form; practice differs between Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the free zones.
• The importer needs an import licence from the respective customs authority; deliveries into free zones (e.g. JAFZA) are duty-free as long as the goods stay in the zone.

4. India

• The importer needs an IEC code (Importer Exporter Code) and a GST registration.
• Many electronic and IT products are subject to BIS registration (CRS). Check before quoting whether the product or its power supply is on the list.
• Duty consists of basic customs duty, Social Welfare Surcharge and IGST; the invoice should state commodity code and origin unambiguously. Commercial invoices are strictly matched against the packing list on import.

5. Oman

• Like the UAE part of the GCC customs union: usually 5 % import duty on the CIF value.
• Certificate of origin and commercial invoice are required, often attested by the chamber of commerce; clarify legalisation requirements with the customer in advance.
• Electrical equipment may be subject to a conformity certificate.

What ZWOD handles

We consolidate deliveries from several manufacturers in Berlin into one shipment, prepare the commercial invoice, packing list and export declaration in-house and arrange express, air or sea freight by agreement. Regular destinations include the USA, the United Arab Emirates, India and Oman. Details under Warehouse & logistics and in the FAQ.

As of September 2026. Duty rates and import rules change; the respective customs authorities are authoritative. Not legal advice.

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