What Is a Delivery Order (DO) in Dubai? Full Explanation of Fees & Process

Introduction

If you're importing cargo through Dubai, you'll inevitably encounter the term "Delivery Order" (DO). This document is essential for collecting your cargo from the port, yet many first-time importers are confused about what it is, why they need it, and how much it costs. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about Delivery Orders in Dubai, including DO fees, validity periods, amendment charges, and the complete process from arrival to cargo collection.

What Is a Delivery Order (DO)?

A Delivery Order (DO) is an official document issued by the shipping line (carrier) that authorizes the release of cargo from the port terminal to the consignee or their authorized representative.

**Official Definition (DP World & Shipping Lines):**

The DO serves as proof that the cargo owner (consignee) has the legal right to collect the shipment. It acts as the shipping line's instruction to the port terminal to hand over the cargo.

**Legal Purpose:**

The DO confirms that:

• The original Bill of Lading (BL) has been surrendered to the shipping line

• All freight charges have been paid

• The cargo ownership has been transferred to the consignee

• The port terminal is authorized to release the cargo

**Who Issues It:**

The DO is always issued by the **shipping line** (ocean carrier such as MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM) or their agent in Dubai. The port terminal (like DP World Jebel Ali) does not issue the DO—they only accept it as authorization to release cargo.

**DO vs Bill of Lading (BL):**

The Bill of Lading is the original shipping document that proves ownership of cargo during transit. The DO is issued after the BL is surrendered and serves as the final release authorization at the destination port.

When Do You Need a DO in Dubai?

**FCL (Full Container Load) Imports:**

A DO is **always required** for FCL imports. Whether you're importing 1 container or 100 containers, each consignment needs a DO from the shipping line.

**LCL (Less than Container Load) Imports:**

For LCL cargo, your freight forwarder handles the master DO on your behalf. The freight forwarder receives the master DO from the shipping line (covering the entire consolidated container) and then issues a "house DO" or delivery instruction to you for your specific cargo within the container.

**Air Freight:**

Air freight doesn't use a DO. Instead, airlines issue a **Delivery Note** or use the **Air Waybill (AWB)** as the release document. The process is similar but the terminology differs.

**Free Zone vs Mainland Imports:**

• **Free Zone Imports (JAFZA, DAFZA, DMCC, etc.):** DO required for FCL, simplified process

• **Mainland Imports:** DO required + full customs clearance documentation

DO Fees in Dubai (2024-2025 Tariff Data)

DO fees vary by shipping line and are charged per Bill of Lading (not per container). Here are verified DO fees from major carriers operating in Dubai:

**Shipping Line DO Fees (2024-2025):**

| Shipping Line | DO Fee (AED) | Amendment Fee (AED) | Notes |

|---------------|--------------|---------------------|-------|

| MSC | 250-300 | 200 | Most common carrier in Dubai |

| Maersk | 280-320 | 220 | Includes telex release option |

| CMA CGM | 275-300 | 200 | Standard pricing |

| COSCO | 250-280 | 180 | Lower fees, competitive |

| Hapag-Lloyd | 300-350 | 250 | Premium carrier |

| ONE (Ocean Network Express) | 270-300 | 200 | Standard pricing |

| OOCL | 260-290 | 200 | Competitive rates |

| APL | 280-310 | 210 | Standard pricing |

**Why DO Fees Vary by Carrier:**

1. **Carrier Pricing Policies:** Each shipping line sets its own DO fees based on operational costs and market positioning.

2. **Service Type:** Express DO processing may cost more than standard processing.

3. **Telex Release vs Original BL:** Some carriers charge lower DO fees for telex release (no physical BL document).

4. **Volume Discounts:** Regular shippers with high volumes may negotiate lower DO fees.

**Hidden DO-Related Charges:**

Beyond the standard DO fee, be aware of these additional charges:

• **Switch BL Fee:** AED 500-800 (if changing consignee or notify party)

• **Surrender BL Fee:** AED 300-500 (if surrendering original BL for telex release)

• **Express Release Fee:** AED 200-400 (for urgent DO issuance outside business hours)

• **Late DO Collection Penalty:** AED 100-200/day (if DO not collected within specified time)

DO Validity Period

The DO has a limited validity period, and understanding these time limits is crucial to avoid additional charges:

**Standard Validity:**

Most shipping lines issue DOs with a validity period of **5-7 days** after customs clearance is completed. The exact validity depends on:

• Shipping line policy (MSC: 7 days, Maersk: 5 days, CMA CGM: 7 days)

• Port free time policy (interacts with demurrage calculations)

• Type of cargo (reefer/hazardous may have shorter validity)

**Free Time Impact on DO Validity:**

The DO validity is separate from port free time, but they're related:

• **Port free time:** 3-5 days from cargo discharge at port (demurrage starts after this)

• **DO validity:** 5-7 days from DO issuance date (not from discharge date)

**What Happens If DO Expires:**

If you don't collect your cargo before the DO expires:

1. **DO Extension:** Request extension from shipping line (fee: AED 150-200)

2. **DO Re-issuance:** If extension not granted, must pay full DO fee again (AED 250-350)

3. **Processing Time:** Extension takes 1-2 business days

4. **Demurrage Accumulation:** Meanwhile, port demurrage charges continue to accrue

**Carrier-Specific Validity Policies:**

• **MSC:** 7-day validity, flexible with extensions for customs delays

• **Maersk:** 5-day validity, stricter on extensions

• **CMA CGM:** 7-day validity, grants extensions for permit delays with documentation

• **COSCO:** 7-day validity, competitive extension fees

The DO Process: Step-by-Step

Here's the complete process for obtaining and using a DO to collect your cargo from Jebel Ali Port:

**Step 1: Cargo Arrives at Jebel Ali Port**

• Vessel docks and containers are discharged

• Port sends discharge report to shipping line

• Timeline: Day 0

**Step 2: Shipping Line Sends Arrival Notice**

• Carrier sends arrival notice to consignee (email/SMS)

• Notice includes: vessel name, container number, cargo details, discharge date

• Timeline: Day 0 (same day as arrival)

**Step 3: Submit Import Documents to Shipping Line**

Documents required:

• **Original Bill of Lading (BL)** – or telex release confirmation

• **Commercial Invoice** – from supplier

• **Packing List** – detailed cargo description

• **Import Permit** – if required for your product category (TDRA for electronics, MOCCAE for food, etc.)

• **Consignee's Import Code** – registered with Dubai Customs

Where to submit:

• Shipping line's local office (MSC office in JAFZA, Maersk office in Port Saeed, etc.)

• Online portal (some carriers allow digital submission)

• Through your freight forwarder (they submit on your behalf)

Timeline: Day 0-1

**Step 4: Pay DO Fee**

• Shipping line verifies documents and calculates DO fee

• Payment methods: bank transfer, cash at carrier office, online payment

• Fee: AED 250-350 (depending on carrier)

• Timeline: Day 1 (same day as document submission)

**Step 5: Shipping Line Issues Delivery Order (DO)**

• After payment confirmation, shipping line issues DO

• DO includes: container number, consignee details, cargo description, validity period

• DO sent via email (PDF) or collected physically from carrier office

• Timeline: Day 1 (within 2-4 hours of payment)

**Step 6: Complete Customs Clearance**

• File customs declaration on Dubai Trade portal

• Pay customs duties and 5% VAT

• Obtain customs clearance certificate

• Timeline: Day 1-3 (depends on inspection channel: green/yellow/red)

**Step 7: Submit DO + Customs Clearance to Port Terminal**

Documents to submit to DP World terminal:

• Delivery Order (DO) from shipping line

• Customs clearance certificate

• Truck driver's Emirates ID

• Vehicle registration (Mulkiya)

Where to submit:

• DP World Jebel Ali terminal gate

• Online pre-clearance system (for registered transport companies)

Timeline: Day 2-4

**Step 8: Port Issues Gate Pass**

• Port verifies DO and customs clearance

• Issues gate pass for cargo collection

• Timeline: Day 2-4 (within 1-2 hours of document submission)

**Step 9: Cargo Released and Loaded onto Truck**

• Container loaded onto truck at port terminal

• Truck exits port with gate pass

• Timeline: Day 2-4 (same day as gate pass issuance)

**Step 10: Delivery to Final Destination**

• Truck transports cargo to your warehouse or facility

• Import process complete

• Timeline: Day 3-5

**Total Timeline Summary:**

• **Best case (green channel clearance):** 2-3 days from arrival to warehouse

• **Average case (yellow channel):** 3-4 days

• **Red channel inspection:** 4-7 days

• **With permit delays:** 7-14 days

Common DO Problems & How to Solve Them

**Problem 1: Original BL Lost or Delayed**

**Situation:** Your supplier sent the original Bill of Lading by courier, but it's lost in transit or delayed.

**Solution:**

1. **Telex Release:** Contact your supplier and request they arrange a telex release with the shipping line. The carrier will release the cargo without the original BL.

• **Cost:** AED 300-500 (surrender BL fee)

• **Timeline:** 1-2 days processing

2. **Switch BL:** If consignee details need to change, request a switch BL (new BL with updated consignee).

• **Cost:** AED 500-800

• **Timeline:** 2-3 days processing

3. **Bank Guarantee:** As last resort, provide bank guarantee to shipping line for cargo value + 20% buffer.

• **Cost:** Bank charges + carrier processing fee

• **Timeline:** 3-5 days

**Problem 2: DO Amendment Needed (Consignee Name Change, Notify Party Change)**

**Situation:** You need to change the consignee name or notify party on the DO after it's been issued.

**Solution:**

1. Submit amendment request to shipping line with:

• Original DO

• Revised consignee/notify party details

• Letter of authorization from original consignee

2. Pay amendment fee: AED 180-250 (depending on carrier)

3. Shipping line issues revised DO

**Timeline:** 1-2 business days

**Problem 3: DO Expired Before Cargo Collection**

**Situation:** Customs clearance took longer than expected and your DO expired.

**Solution:**

1. **Request DO Extension:**

• Submit request to shipping line with reason (customs delay, inspection, permit pending)

• Provide supporting documents (customs inspection notice, permit application proof)

• **Fee:** AED 150-200

• **Timeline:** 1-2 days

2. **If Extension Denied, Request DO Re-issuance:**

• Pay full DO fee again: AED 250-350

• **Timeline:** Same day

**Pro Tip:** If delay is due to customs inspection or permit processing, most carriers will grant free extension if you provide official documentation.

**Problem 4: Multiple DO Copies Needed for LCL Consolidation**

**Situation:** You're a freight forwarder handling an LCL consolidation with multiple consignees.

**Solution:**

1. Obtain master DO from shipping line (covers entire container)

2. Issue house DOs to each individual consignee

3. Coordinate cargo de-stuffing at CFS (Container Freight Station)

4. Each consignee collects their portion with house DO + individual customs clearance

**Cost:** Master DO fee (AED 250-300) divided among consignees, plus CFS handling fee per consignee

DO vs Other Documents: What's the Difference?

Many importers confuse the DO with other shipping documents. Here's a clear comparison:

**Delivery Order (DO) vs Bill of Lading (BL):**

| Aspect | Bill of Lading (BL) | Delivery Order (DO) |

|--------|---------------------|---------------------|

| **Issued By** | Shipping line at origin port | Shipping line at destination port |

| **Purpose** | Proof of shipment, contract of carriage | Authorization to release cargo from port |

| **When Issued** | When cargo is loaded onto vessel | After BL is surrendered at destination |

| **Validity** | Throughout voyage | 5-7 days after issuance |

| **Required For** | Tracking shipment, cargo ownership | Collecting cargo from port terminal |

**DO vs Customs Declaration:**

| Aspect | Delivery Order (DO) | Customs Declaration |

|--------|---------------------|---------------------|

| **Issued By** | Shipping line | Customs broker (filed on Dubai Trade portal) |

| **Purpose** | Cargo release authorization from carrier | Import declaration to Dubai Customs |

| **Required For** | Port terminal cargo collection | Customs clearance, duty/VAT payment |

| **Cost** | AED 250-350 | Free to file (but duties/VAT must be paid) |

**DO vs Port Gate Pass:**

| Aspect | Delivery Order (DO) | Port Gate Pass |

|--------|---------------------|----------------|

| **Issued By** | Shipping line | Port terminal (DP World) |

| **Purpose** | Shipping line's release authorization | Port's vehicle entry/exit authorization |

| **Required For** | Obtaining gate pass | Truck entry to port to collect cargo |

| **When Obtained** | Before customs clearance | After DO + customs clearance submitted to port |

Free Zone vs Mainland DO Requirements

**Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) Imports:**

**Process:**

1. Obtain DO from shipping line (standard process)

2. No customs duties or VAT (cargo stays in free zone)

3. Simplified customs declaration (free zone entry declaration only)

4. Faster processing (typically 1-2 days)

**Required Documents:**

• DO from shipping line

• Free zone entry declaration

• JAFZA company license/registration

• Commercial invoice and packing list

**DO Fee:** Same as mainland (AED 250-350)

**Mainland Imports (Dubai Mainland / Non-Free Zone):**

**Process:**

1. Obtain DO from shipping line

2. Full customs clearance required

3. Pay customs duties (0-5% depending on HS code) + 5% VAT

4. Longer processing (typically 2-4 days)

**Required Documents:**

• DO from shipping line

• Customs declaration (Dubai Trade portal)

• Customs clearance certificate (after duty/VAT payment)

• Import permits (TDRA for electronics, MOCCAE for food, etc.)

• Commercial invoice and packing list

**DO Fee:** Same as free zone (AED 250-350)

**Direct Delivery (Port to Mainland) vs Transshipment:**

**Direct Delivery:**

• Cargo goes straight from Jebel Ali Port to mainland warehouse

• Full customs clearance at port

• DO + customs clearance submitted together at port gate

**Transshipment (Port → Free Zone → Mainland):**

• Cargo first moves to free zone warehouse (no duty/VAT)

• Later transferred to mainland when needed (triggers customs duty/VAT)

• Requires two separate processes: free zone entry + mainland import

• More complex but allows tax deferral until cargo moves to mainland

How to Reduce DO Costs

While DO fees are relatively small (AED 250-350), you can still optimize costs, especially for regular importers:

**1. Negotiate Volume Discounts with Shipping Lines**

If you're a regular importer with consistent volume:

• **Approach:** Contact carrier's key account manager for rate negotiation

• **Volume Threshold:** Typically 50+ containers/year qualifies for discounts

• **Potential Savings:** 10-20% off standard DO fees (AED 25-60 per DO)

• **Additional Benefits:** Priority processing, extended free time, waived amendment fees

**2. Use Telex Release Instead of Original BL**

**How It Works:**

• Your supplier arranges telex release with shipping line at origin

• No physical BL document sent (all electronic)

• Faster DO issuance (no waiting for courier delivery of original BL)

**Benefits:**

• **Time Savings:** 3-7 days faster (no courier transit time)

• **Cost Savings:** No courier fees (AED 150-300 saved)

• **Risk Reduction:** No risk of lost BL documents

**When to Use:**

• Trusted suppliers

• Regular trade lanes

• Time-sensitive cargo

**3. Avoid DO Amendments by Ensuring Accurate Consignee Details Upfront**

**Common Amendment Triggers:**

• Consignee name spelling errors

• Incorrect consignee address

• Wrong notify party details

• Mismatched trade license number

**Prevention:**

• Provide supplier with exact consignee details from your trade license

• Double-check BL draft before cargo ships

• Verify all details match your Dubai Customs import code

**Savings:** AED 180-250 per avoided amendment

**4. Work with Freight Forwarders Who Have Volume Discounts**

Large freight forwarders often have:

• Negotiated DO fee discounts with carriers (due to high volume)

• Streamlined DO processing (faster turnaround)

• Consolidated billing (easier accounting)

**Typical Freight Forwarder DO Fee:**

• Small forwarder: Passes through full carrier DO fee (AED 250-350) + service fee (AED 100-200)

• Large forwarder: Negotiated carrier DO fee (AED 200-280) + service fee (AED 100-200)

• **Net Savings:** AED 50-70 per shipment

**5. Consolidate Multiple Shipments to Reduce Per-Unit DO Costs**

**Strategy:**

Instead of shipping small orders weekly, consolidate into larger monthly shipments.

**Example:**

• **Before:** 4 weekly LCL shipments × AED 300 DO fee = AED 1,200/month

• **After:** 1 monthly FCL shipment × AED 300 DO fee = AED 300/month

• **Savings:** AED 900/month (75% reduction)

**Considerations:**

• Inventory carrying costs

• Warehouse space requirements

• Demand predictability

Real-World Example: FCL Import DO Process

Let's walk through a complete real-world example of the DO process for an FCL import:

**Scenario:**

• **Importer:** Dubai-based electronics retailer

• **Cargo:** 1× 40' container of smartphones from China

• **Supplier:** Shenzhen, China

• **Shipping Line:** MSC

• **Port:** Jebel Ali South Terminal

• **Destination:** Dubai mainland warehouse

**Step-by-Step Timeline:**

**Day 1 (Monday):**

• **8:00 AM:** Container arrives at Jebel Ali Port, vessel berths

• **10:00 AM:** MSC sends arrival notice to importer via email/SMS

- Subject: "Arrival Notice - Container MSCU1234567"

- Details: Vessel name, discharge date, container number, cargo description

• **2:00 PM:** Freight forwarder receives cargo manifest from MSC

**Day 2 (Tuesday):**

• **9:00 AM:** Freight forwarder submits documents to MSC office:

- Original Bill of Lading (received from supplier via DHL)

- Commercial invoice (smartphones, CIF value AED 500,000)

- Packing list (500 units, 20 boxes)

- TDRA permit (electronics import permit, obtained 5 days earlier)

- Importer's trade license and customs import code

• **11:00 AM:** MSC verifies documents and calculates DO fee

- DO fee: AED 300

- Payment method: Bank transfer to MSC account

• **12:00 PM:** Payment confirmation received by MSC

• **2:00 PM:** MSC issues Delivery Order (DO)

- DO sent via email (PDF)

- DO validity: 7 days from issuance date

- DO number: MSCDXB-DO-789456

**Day 3 (Wednesday):**

• **9:00 AM:** Customs broker files import declaration on Dubai Trade portal

- HS code: 8517.12.00 (smartphones, 0% customs duty)

- CIF value: AED 500,000

- TDRA permit number entered

• **9:30 AM:** Dubai Trade system assigns **Yellow Channel** (document verification)

• **10:00 AM:** Customs officer reviews documents (invoice, packing list, TDRA permit)

• **10:30 AM:** Documents approved, duty/VAT calculation:

- Customs duty: AED 0 (0% rate for HS code 8517.12.00)

- VAT: AED 500,000 × 5% = **AED 25,000**

• **11:00 AM:** Importer pays AED 25,000 VAT via bank transfer to Dubai Customs

• **12:00 PM:** Customs clearance certificate issued (electronic)

**Day 4 (Thursday):

• **8:00 AM:** Freight forwarder submits to DP World Jebel Ali terminal:

- Delivery Order (DO) from MSC

- Customs clearance certificate from Dubai Customs

- Truck driver's Emirates ID

- Vehicle registration (Mulkiya)

• **9:00 AM:** DP World terminal verifies documents and issues gate pass

• **10:00 AM:** Container loaded onto truck at terminal

• **11:00 AM:** Truck exits Jebel Ali Port with container

• **2:00 PM:** Container arrives at importer's warehouse in Dubai Industrial City

• **5:00 PM:** Container de-stuffed, smartphones unloaded and checked

**Day 5 (Friday):**

• **9:00 AM:** Empty container returned to MSC depot (within 7-day detention free time)

• **Import complete**

**Total Costs Breakdown:**

| Item | Amount (AED) |

|------|--------------|

| Customs Duty (0% rate) | 0 |

| VAT (5% of CIF) | 25,000 |

| DO Fee (MSC) | 300 |

| THC (Terminal Handling Charge, included in freight) | 1,185 |

| Customs Broker Fee | 500 |

| Trucking (Jebel Ali to Dubai Industrial City) | 400 |

| Demurrage | 0 (cleared within free time) |

| Detention | 0 (returned within free time) |

| **Total Import Costs** | **27,385** |

**Total Time:** 5 days from arrival to warehouse delivery

**Key Success Factors:**

1. TDRA permit obtained before cargo arrival (saved 5-7 days)

2. Original BL received via courier in time (no telex release needed)

3. Yellow channel clearance (document check only, no physical inspection)

4. Payment processed same day (no delays)

5. Container returned within detention free time (avoided AED 500/day charges)

Key Takeaways

• **Delivery Order (DO) is mandatory** for collecting FCL cargo from UAE ports—you cannot collect containers without it.

• **DO fees range AED 250-350** depending on the shipping line (MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, etc.).

• **DO validity is 5-7 days** from issuance date—plan your customs clearance and cargo collection within this window.

• **DO is issued by the shipping line**, not the port terminal. The port only accepts the DO as authorization to release cargo.

• **DO amendments and extensions cost AED 150-250**—avoid these by ensuring accurate consignee details upfront.

• **Telex release is faster and cheaper** than waiting for original BL via courier (saves 3-7 days and AED 150-300 in courier fees).

• **For LCL cargo**, your freight forwarder handles the DO process—you receive a house DO for your specific cargo portion.

• **Free zone vs mainland:** DO process is the same, but free zone imports skip customs duties and VAT (cargo must stay in free zone).

• **Common problems:** Lost BL (solution: telex release), expired DO (solution: extension request), amendment needed (solution: submit request with supporting docs).

• **Cost optimization:** Negotiate volume discounts, use telex release, avoid amendments, work with forwarders who have carrier discounts.

Understanding the DO process and planning ahead will save you time and money—most delays and extra charges come from poor preparation, not the process itself.

References & Data Sources

This guide is based on verified information from:

• DP World Jebel Ali Port procedures and tariff documentation (2024-2025)

• MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, COSCO official DO fee schedules (November 2024)

• Dubai Customs import procedural guide

• Freight forwarder verified tariffs and operational procedures

• CustomsEZ user feedback from 1,300+ Dubai customs professionals

**For Latest Tariff Updates:**

Always verify DO fees directly with your shipping line, as rates may change. Contact the carrier's local Dubai office or your freight forwarder for current pricing.