What you need before you start
- Final commercial invoice with matching buyer and seller details
- Trade-licence and authorised-company information
- Correct goods, value, currency, origin and HS-code data
- Destination or buyer instruction showing why attestation is needed
When attestation may be requested
It may be requested by the destination authority, buyer, bank or trade-finance process. Requirements vary, so start with the importer’s written clearance instruction rather than assuming every export needs it.
Check the invoice before submission
Names, licence details, currency, values, quantities and product descriptions should match the shipment and supporting documents. Resolve errors before attestation because later changes can require a new process.
Use the current official digital service
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides an electronic document attestation service for commercial invoices and Certificates of Origin. Use the official service page for current eligibility, steps and fees.
Keep the attested version with the shipment file
Store the final invoice, receipt, COO if applicable, packing list and transport document together. Send the same version to the buyer and customs broker.
Pre-submission check
| Field | Must agree with |
|---|---|
| Exporter | Trade licence and account |
| Importer | Purchase order and clearance details |
| Goods | Packing list and shipment contents |
| Value/currency | Sale and payment documents |
| Origin/HS code | COO and customs classification, if applicable |
Official sources to verify
We use primary government, customs, chamber and carrier sources where available. See our shipping-content review policy.