Commercial Invoice Legalization for UAE
A Commercial Invoice (CI) is a key export document required for international trade and customs clearance. When exporting goods from the United States to the United Arab Emirates, UAE customs authorities require that the Commercial Invoice be certified and legalized before the shipment can be processed.
The UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C. provides official legalization services to verify the authenticity of your Commercial Invoice for use in the UAE. Legalization ensures that your export documents comply with UAE import regulations and are accepted by customs, banks, and business entities in the UAE.
When Commercial Invoice Legalization is Required
Legalization of a Commercial Invoice is typically required when:
Exporting goods or equipment to the UAE
Submitting documents for customs clearance in the UAE
Verifying the declared value of goods in trade transactions
Completing a Letter of Credit (L/C) process for international payment
Establishing authenticity for trade-related contracts or tenders
Required Documents
To legalize a Commercial Invoice for the UAE, please ensure the following are included:
Original Commercial Invoice, signed by the exporter or authorized representative
Certificate of Origin (if applicable) to verify the product’s country of manufacture
Service Request Form, indicating “UAE” as the destination country
Payment for legalization services
Prepaid return envelope with tracking information
Commercial Export Documents Processing Time & Fees.
| Service | Fees | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Service fee | $180 | - |
| Maryland notary, court and state fees | $30 | 1 |
| U.S. Department of State fee | $40 | 9 |
| Chamber of commerce fee | $70 | 1 |
| Embassy of UAE for Commercial Invoice | $45 | 8 |
| Embassy of UAE for Certificate Of Origin | $45 | - |
| Total | $410 | 19 business days |
How to Submit Your Documents Applicants may submit Commercial Invoices by mail or via an authorized courier service. Each submission should clearly specify that legalization is required for use in the UAE. Include a prepaid, self-addressed return envelope with a tracking number (FedEx, DHL, UPS, or USPS). Required submission package: Original Commercial Invoice and any supporting export documents Certificate of Origin (if applicable) Service Request Form listing UAE as the destination Payment for legalization services
Prepaid return envelope with tracking
Why Legalization Matters
Legalizing a Commercial Invoice confirms:
The authenticity of business details and invoice value
That the exporter is a verified U.S. entity
Compliance with UAE import regulations
Without legalization, shipments may be delayed, rejected, or held at UAE customs.
Start Your Commercial Invoice Legalization Today
Ensure your trade documents are fully compliant and recognized in the UAE. The UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C. provides reliable, professional legalization for all Commercial Invoices and supporting export documents, facilitating smooth and compliant international trade.