Businesses in the UAE involved in import/export must comply with customs regulations and are subject to audits by the UAE Federal Customs Authority to ensure correct tax payments. Preparation for a post-clearance audit involves contacting a customs auditor, gathering relevant documentation, and voluntarily disclosing errors to mitigate penalties. It is essential to maintain comprehensive records and be proactive in compliance to avoid fines and missed opportunities for duty savings.

1. Guidelines for Post-Clearance Audit in UAE
HTTPS://FARAHATCO.COM/BLOG/POST-CLEARANCE-AUDIT-UAE/

2. Int.
Every business in UAE that’s involved with the import and/or export of goods in are to follow the
customs regulations, as well as pa tax and duties as appropriate. Complying to rules involves
effective management and careful planning as the regulations can be complex and remaining
fully compliant with movement of goods can be quite tricky, most especially for big businesses.
Shipping requirements are also frequently subjected to complex changes, making it incredibly
difficult for businesses to keep up with all of the latest procedures.
In our experience, majority of businesses aren’t proactive when it comes to compliance matters.
This means they are at risk for getting fined and penalized by the UAE Federal Customs Authority
when errors and violations are uncovered during a customs audit or post clearance audit in UAE.
Also, there is the possibility of several opportunities missed when it comes to saving duty.

3. Why do businesses get audited by the
UAE Federal Customs Authority?
The UAE Federal Customs Authority is a government authority on all Customs-related
procedures. They regularly carry out reviews on import and export declarations, company
official returns, as well as other relevant documents in order to make sure a business is fully
complaint and is paying the right amount of import/export taxes at the right time. The tax
authority also conducts official post clearance audits in UAE to ensure duty reliefs are applied
correctly. A business that will be scheduled for an audit will get a notification from the tax
authority in writing or by a surprise visit.
Given that a tax authority compliance check and post-clearance audit are both daunting
prospects to businesses importing and exporting goods between countries, it’s absolutely
important to be proactive, not only with the process of custom audit in UAE but also in the
managing of goods mov3ement as a whole.

4. How can I prepare my business for a
post-clearance audit in UAE?
If you’ve been notified regarding an audit by the UAE Federal Customs Authority, it is
recommended to contact a customs auditor in Dubai UAE or your customs broker. An expert will
provide you with a personalized guidance that is based on the parameters of audit for your
specific business.
As you are preparing, remember that the tax authority already has digital records regarding
import and export filings. It is important that you are completely honest when disclosing
information to the tax authority, even when you think you haven’t done anything wrong. Being
caught in withholding information is going to make your business suffer in the long run. It is
always best to disclose any violation you think you have committed even before it is targeted as
that can lead to better results for your business rather than the tax authority finds out your
business has violated regulations during a post clearance audit.

5. To prepare for a customs audit in UAE,
here are some useful tips to remember:
Contact a customs auditing firms in Dubai UAE immediately. A customs auditor that is not from the UAE Federal
Customs Authority can ensure that your business is ready for the official post clearance audit. Knowing possible
issues of a customs audit when the official process happens will let you be more prepared when investigated by
the tax authority. Also, you can hire the customs audit specialist in representing your business when a tax officer
arrives.
Gather all the relevant documents. Examine the transactions that are relevant to the focus of the customs audit.
You are going to need all relevant notes, receipts, invoices, and other paperwork. Be aware that records are to be
maintained at least five years starting from the date of transacting with the customs authority.
Take into consideration reporting errors and violations voluntarily. Voluntary disclosure can always aid a business,
most especially before the actual customs audit as penalties can significantly increase when a tax officer himself
uncovers an error.
Have answers to the most common questions asked during a post clearance audit in UAE. Do you have specific
customs strategies that are overseen by a team or dedicated person? Does your business have compliance plans
and risk management plans in place? Do you know your business’ total annual duty amount and total annual VAT
paid? Does the business have records on the annual value for its imports? Do you know all steps of the supply
chain of the business? Does the business know and implement all the latest changes to legislation including
regulations on classifications and tariffs?

6. The important documents that your business prepares for review of a
tax officer sent by the Customs authority include the following:
General ledger accounts
Inventory records
Disbursement records
Foreign vendor payments
Correspondence with all foreign suppliers
Customs entry records (including electronic and manual records)
To know more about customs audit in UAE, contact us here in Farahat & Co today!

7. Contact Us
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Email: sales@farahatco.com