GTL Summary:

This Cabinet Decision introduces key amendments to Article 33 of the VAT Executive Regulations, clarifying the zero-rating of international transport services. It expands the scope to include the domestic leg of an international goods transport journey when supplied by the same provider. The Decision refines the conditions for zero-rating ancillary services, specifying they must be provided directly to the recipient of the transport service. It also clarifies the link between zero-rated related services, like insurance and consumables, and the primary international transport supply, ensuring a clearer application of the zero rate for qualifying transport operations.

Document Type: ERS - Executive Regulations
Law: VAT (FDL No 8 of 2017, as amended)
Decision Number: 52-article-33
Year: 2017
Country: 🇦🇪 UAE
Official Name: Article 33 - Applying the Zero Rate to International Transport Services for Passengers and Goods
Last updated at: 2025-12-26 14:13:51 UTC

Part 6 - Zero-Rated Supplies

Article 33 - Applying the Zero Rate to International Transport Services for Passengers and Goods [18]

  1. The supply of international transport services for passengers and goods and transport-related services shall be subject to the zero rate in the following cases:

    1. Services of transporting passengers or goods from a place in the State to a place outside the State;

    2. Services of transporting passengers or goods from a place outside the State to a place in the State;

    3. Services of transporting passengers from a place in the State to another place in the State by sea, air or land as part of a supply of an international transport of such passengers if the first place of departure and/or the final destination is outside the State.

    4. Services of transporting goods from a place in the State to another place in the State if the services are supplied as part of the supply of services of transporting goods either from a place in the State to a place outside the State or from a place outside the State to a place in the State [by the same supplier] [G32].

  2. The following goods and services shall be zero-rated if they are supplied in respect of the transport services for passengers or goods [in accordance with the provisions of Clause (1) of this Article] [G33]:

    1. Goods which are supplied for use, consumption or sale by or on an aircraft or ship;

    2. Services provided [to the recipient of the transport services] [G34]during the supply of transport services;

    3. Services of insurance, arranging the insurance, or arranging the transport of passengers or goods.

  3. A supply of postage stamps issued by the Emirates Post Group shall be zero-rated where the postage stamp may only be used or redeemed for transportation of goods to a place outside the State.

Footnotes

[18]Article amended as per Cabinet Decision No. 100 of 2024.

GTL Notes

[G32]Inserted by Federal Decree-Law No. 100 of 2024 effective from 15 November 2024

[G33]Amended by Federal Decree-Law No. 100 of 2024 effective from 15 November 2024. This replaces the phrase 'either Clause 1 of this Article applies or which are treated as taking place outside the State'

[G34]Inserted by Federal Decree-Law No. 100 of 2024 effective from 15 November 2024

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