05/03/2025
Movement of goods within a designated zone and outside of a designated zone is treated differently in the VAT law. Here are three scenarios and their VAT treatment.
Supply of Goods within a Designated Zone:
If the goods are moved within a designated zone, such transactions are treated as transactions outside the scope of VAT because such transactions are considered as taking place outside the UAE. VAT will not be charged for these transactions. However, it is important to remember that goods must remain within the designated zone for businesses to qualify for this rule.
Supply of Goods from a Designated Zone to Mainland UAE:
When the movement of the goods is from a designated zone to the mainland UAE, this movement is considered as an import for VAT purposes. In such cases, the standard rate of VAT would apply on the goods being transferred.
Supply of Goods from Mainland UAE to a Designated Zone:
When the movement of goods is from the mainland UAE to a designated zone that movement is treated as an export. Such a transaction is zero-rated for VAT. This means that there is no VAT charged on such a transaction. However, the conditions prescribed for these transactions must be met by the businesses to avail of this tax rate.