07.08.2026 Regulation #EAEU #Export #Trade agreements #Duties

EAEU-UAE trade deal cuts tariffs on 86% of tariff lines from October 6, 2026

The economic partnership agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the United Arab Emirates will enter into force on October 6, 2026 — the date marks the end of a 60-day period that started once the parties exchanged notifications confirming completion of their domestic ratification procedures. The announcement was made by EEC Minister for Trade Andrey Slepnev, as reported by the Eurasian Economic Commission. The deal was signed on June 27, 2025 in Minsk on the sidelines of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting, according to an earlier EEC statement.

How the tariff schedule changes for exporters

The UAE will grant preferential access on 86% of tariff lines, covering 98% of the EAEU's export volume to the country — over $12.1 billion in current shipments, per the EEC. The average duty rate on these goods will drop from 5% to 0.6%. The commission estimates total annual savings for EAEU exporters on customs duties at no less than $266 million.

The preferences apply to a broad range of product groups:

grains — wheat, barley, corn;
beef, lamb, poultry meat and eggs;
dried vegetables (chickpeas, peas, lentils, beans), vegetable oil, dairy products, confectionery, mineral water, jams, chocolate;
metallurgy products, petroleum products, pulp and paper and printing products, chemicals;
machinery, including turbines and pumps.

What it means for exporters on the ground

For exporters in agriculture, metallurgy, chemicals and machinery, the lower duty does not apply automatically — the terms for claiming preferences are set out in the agreement itself, and trade operators should check with their customs brokers on the origin-confirmation procedure that UAE declarants will require at import. Slepnev noted the agreement includes "modern regulatory provisions," including rules on e-commerce and small and medium-sized enterprise participation — broadening the pool of businesses that could realistically use the preferences beyond large commodity exporters.

Trade outlook and the runway before entry into force

EAEU-UAE trade grew 12% in 2025 versus 2024 and has more than tripled since 2020, according to the EEC. Once the agreement takes effect, the commission expects annual bilateral trade to rise by at least $5-6 billion, with a longer-term outlook of surpassing $20 billion. About two months remain before entry into force: exporters should map their product ranges against the preferential list now and allow enough lead time to obtain the required origin documentation so the reduced rates can be applied from day one of the agreement.

Primary sources

This material is for information only and does not constitute legal advice or customs consulting. Verify changes against the primary sources before acting.