Importing a car into the UAE can sometimes bring unexpected challenges. One of the most common issues arises when your Vehicle Clearance Certificate (VCC) includes a remark stating: “This vehicle cannot be registered in UAE.”
If you’re facing this, don’t worry, there are solutions. Here’s why this happens and how you can resolve it.
Why Does the VCC Say the Vehicle Cannot Be Registered?
There are a couple of key reasons why this comment may appear on your VCC:
- Your car is brand new, not used.
- UAE regulations allow registration of imported cars only if they are classified as used.
- If the car has never been driven or doesn’t have sufficient mileage, it is considered brand new, making registration difficult.
- The car’s manufacturing year matches the current year and it is not driven yet.
- For example, if you’re registering a 2025 car in 2025, it must have been driven a certain number of kilometers to qualify as used.
- Without this, the car is treated as a new vehicle, and registration may be blocked.
Steps to Fix the Issue and Register Your Imported Car
If your VCC says the car cannot be registered, here’s the process to follow:
- Visit the Customs Happiness Center
- Request them to clear the remark.
- If your car is brand new and has an authorized agency in the UAE, they may ask for a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
- Obtain an NOC from the Authorized Agency
- Go to the official dealership/agency for your car brand.
- Explain that you were unaware of the rule requiring imported cars to be classified as used.
- Request an NOC confirming their approval.
- Submit the NOC to Customs
- Once you provide the NOC, the Customs Happiness Center will remove the remark and reissue your VCC.
- Proceed with Registration
- With the corrected VCC, you can now register your imported car in the UAE without further issues.
Final Thoughts
Registering an imported car in the UAE is possible even if your VCC initially states otherwise. The key is understanding why the issue occurs and following the right process, visiting Customs, securing an NOC, and getting your VCC reissued.
By ensuring your car meets the used vehicle criteria, you can smoothly complete the registration process and get your vehicle on the road legally.
Can I still register my imported car if it’s marked it can't be registered in the VCC?
Yes. You need to get an NOC from the authorized agency and submit it at the Customs Happiness Center to reissue a cleared VCC.
Why does my imported car’s VCC say it cannot be registered in UAE?
This usually happens if the car is brand new or the manufacturing year is current year and isn't driven, meaning it cannot be classified as a used car.
How do I avoid this issue when importing cars?
Always make sure the car qualifies as “used” before shipment. Check the year and ensure it has been driven certain kilometers to avoid restrictions.