UAE Re-Export to Africa — How the Documentation Actually Works

An African buyer arriving at our Sajaa yard needs a specific paperwork package to move the unit through UAE customs export and onward to the destination country. This article maps the eight documents needed.

The eight documents

1. Al Razzaq commercial invoice (AED and USD).
2. Sharjah Chamber of Commerce Certificate of Origin.
3. UAE Bayan export declaration.
4. Cargo insurance certificate (Jebel Ali → destination).
5. Bill of Lading from the carrier.
6. Packing list.
7. Hayaza (bill of sale in the buyer's name).
8. Destination-country import paperwork (buyer-side).

UAE-side documents

• Commercial invoice — issued by Al Razzaq with buyer's legal name, HS code, unit specifications and pricing.
• Sharjah Chamber CoO — proves UAE re-export status. AED 500–1,200 fee; issued within 1–2 working days of application.
• Bayan export declaration — via Federal Customs system. Our team files; typically 1 working day.
• UAE-side cargo insurance — usually 0.25% of unit value; issued by insurer at booking.

Destination-side documents

• Kenya: Import Declaration Form (IDF), pre-shipment inspection by KEBS-approved body, KRA duty payment.
• Ghana: Ghana Revenue Authority declaration, ECOWAS CET compliance.
• Ivory Coast: French-language customs declaration, WAEMU CET compliance.
• South Africa: SARS customs valuation, ITAC import permit if applicable.

Total documentation cost

UAE side: AED 800–2,500 (CoO + Bayan + admin). Destination side varies widely; typically 2–5% of shipment value including agents' fees.

Time from Sajaa handover to vessel

Best case: 5 working days. Realistic: 7–10 working days. Documentation is typically the critical path — the physical low-bed transport from Sajaa to Jebel Ali port is a same-day operation.