The SME Guide to Exporting Apparel from the UAE

You’ve poured your heart and creativity into a stunning apparel line—and now the ambition to go global is calling. Few places in the world offer a better launchpad than the United Arab Emirates, a hub uniquely designed to help local SMEs grow into international brands.

The UAE’s apparel market reached AED 50.3 billion in 2023 and is set to keep growing over the next five years. At the same time, the GCC textile market is projected to expand from USD 20 billion in 2024 to over USD 33 billion by 2033. For entrepreneurs, this is a clear signal: the UAE is not just a thriving retail market, but also a springboard for global expansion.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• Why the UAE is the ideal base for apparel exports
• The documents you need to ship internationally
• Key compliance rules in major export destinations
• How the right logistics partner can set you up for success

Choosing the UAE isn’t just a good idea, but can prove to be a strategic power move. Here’s why this is the ultimate launchpad for your brand:

• A Logistics Epicenter: The UAE's world-class infrastructure is the backbone of its trade dominance. With strategic transportation hubs, businesses gain unparalleled access to global markets, making it a prime choice for logistics and international trading. This seamless connectivity ensures your shipments move from your design studio to your international customer with incredible efficiency. Dubai and Abu Dhabi alone provide direct access to over 2.5 billion consumers across Europe, Asia, Africa, and CIS countries.
•  The Power of Free Zones: The UAE boasts over 40 free zones, each offering a suite of benefits that are a game-changer for SMEs, such as 100% foreign ownership, zero company income tax for up to 50 years, and no customs duties on re-exports.
• Surging Regional and Global Demand: The GCC textile market size hit nearly $20 billion in 2024 and is forecasted to reach over $33 billion by 2033, thanks to rapid urbanization, high disposable incomes, and infrastructure development.

Capitalizing on this incredible advantage means getting the practical steps right. Let's break down the process, starting with the universal language every customs officer understands.

Navigating the export process can feel complex, but it becomes a clear and manageable path once you understand the key documents and procedures. Think of this as your pre-flight checklist for every shipment.

Every single apparel item you export requires a Harmonized System (HS) code. This critical 6-to-10-digit universal code tells customs authorities exactly what you're shipping, which in turn determines the tariffs and taxes applied. Getting this wrong can ultimately lead to delays and financial penalties.

Your apparel will likely fall under two main chapters: Chapter 61 for knitted or crocheted items and Chapter 62 for non-knitted items.

•  6109.10: Cotton T-shirts (knitted)
• 6204.49: Women's or girls' dresses (not knitted)
• 6203: Men's or boys' suits (not knitted)
• 6104: Women's or girls' suits (knitted)

Where to Confirm Your Codes: Your first port of call should be your national customs authority's website. For absolute certainty, partnering with a logistics expert like DHL Express ensures your products are classified correctly, every single time. Our Global Trade Services (MyGTS) portal can assist in identifying and validating HS codes specific to your product range.

While some documents are standard worldwide, there are UAE-specific requirements that SMEs must master for a smooth exit.

• Commercial Invoice & Packing List: These are the foundational documents of your transaction.
• Certificate of Origin (CoO): This critical document officially certifies that your goods were manufactured in the UAE. It is essential for customs clearance and for your international customers to benefit from any applicable trade agreements. In Dubai, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the central issuing body. To apply, you'll need an active Chamber membership, and the details on your application must perfectly mirror your commercial invoice.
• Export Declaration: Before any goods can leave the UAE, they must be declared to customs. This is typically handled online and requires a detailed breakdown of your cargo and invoice information.
• Air Waybill (AWB): When shipping by air, this document is your contract with your courier.
• Ministry of Economy Approval: All goods exported from the UAE must have the proper documentation issued by the Ministry of Economy and the relevant Emirate's Chamber of Commerce.

With your paperwork in order and your shipment ready to go, the next frontier is your destination's border. 

Going Global, Acting Local: Nailing Destination Country Compliance

Each country has its own unique rulebook for imports. For an SME, getting this right from the very first shipment is crucial for building an international reputation for reliability.

• Labeling and Packaging Rules:
  • United States: Labels must be permanent and clearly state the fiber content, country of origin, and manufacturer's identity. Care instructions are also a must.
  • European Union: Fiber co mposition is mandatory on labels. While there's no single flammability standard for all apparel, specific rules apply to items like children's nightwear.
  • Saudi Arabia & the GCC: Labels should be in Arabic or both Arabic and English, including country of origin, fiber content, and care instructions. Products and packaging must not violate Islamic values.
• Fabric and Safety Certifications:
  • United States: Children's apparel is subject to strict safety standards under the CPSIA, often requiring third-party testing.
  • European Union: The REACH regulation restricts certain chemicals like specific azo dyes.
  • Saudi Arabia: To clear customs, textile imports often need a Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC) from a SASO-approved body to verify they meet local standards.
• Fabric and Safety Certifications:
  • Tariffs vary widely and depend on your product's HS code. A knowledgeable logistics partner is your best asset for navigating these complexities and identifying any potential restrictions.

Navigating this intricate web of international regulations can feel like a full-time job. This is precisely why your most critical business decision isn't just what you ship, but who you ship with.

This is one of the most impactful decisions you'll make as an exporter. Far more than a simple delivery service, you need a strategic partner who functions as an extension of your own team.

When choosing the carrier for your multinational ambitions, prioritize one that:

• Possesses deep knowledge of international regulations.
• Offers reliable services and an expansive network reach, ensuring your products arrive securely and on schedule.
• Delivers a wide spectrum of solutions, from lightning-fast express delivery for urgent samples to more economical options for bulk orders.
• Provides end-to-end tracking, which gives you and your international buyers ultimate peace of mind.

From the initial design sketch to a global brand, your journey is an exciting one. The UAE has provided the runway; now it’s time for your brand to take flight. By harnessing the country's incredible strategic advantages, mastering your documentation, and understanding the needs of your target markets, you are well-positioned for international success.

Ready to see your apparel on the global stage? Let our Certified International Specialists handle the complexities of fast, secure, and reliable export logistics so you can focus on growing your brand.

Discover what a partnership with DHL Express can do for your business.