Straight answers
Trading cards in the UAE — your questions
What things actually cost, how importing and grading really work from the Gulf, and who you're buying from. If your question isn't here, ask us directly.
Where can I buy trading cards in the UAE?
Collectiverse sells factory-sealed trading card boxes, cases and singles online at collectiverse.me, priced in AED and shipped from Dubai with free UAE delivery. We are a licensed UAE company (Collectiverse General Trading LLC, Trade License No. 1639822), so you buy locally instead of importing — no customs forms, no surprise courier charges.
How much does it cost to import sealed cards to Dubai yourself?
Typically 5% customs duty plus 5% VAT on the declared value, plus the courier's clearance fee — often AED 50–150 — on top of international shipping. A USD 300 hobby box commonly lands 15–25% above its sticker price, and couriers collect these charges before delivery. Buying locally in AED avoids all of it.
Are trading cards subject to customs duty in the UAE?
Yes — imported trading cards are generally subject to 5% customs duty on shipments above the low-value threshold, and 5% VAT applies on import. There is no special exemption for collectibles. Exact treatment depends on the declared value and courier, so check current Federal Customs Authority guidance for the shipment you're planning.
How do I get cards graded from the UAE?
You ship to the grading company — PSA and Beckett in the United States are the most used — via insured courier, then pay grading fees per card plus return shipping. Realistic all-in timelines from the UAE run several weeks to months depending on service level. Declare the shipment correctly as goods being returned after grading to avoid paying duty twice.
Is Collectiverse a licensed company?
Yes. Collectiverse is operated by Collectiverse General Trading LLC, UAE Trade License No. 1639822, registered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The legal entity appears in the footer of every page, on our terms, and on your invoice — every order is backed by a licensed UAE business, not an anonymous storefront.
Do you ship to Saudi Arabia and the rest of the GCC?
Yes — we ship across the GCC: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, from Dubai. Delivery within the UAE is free. GCC shipping options and costs are shown at checkout before you pay, and cross-border orders may be subject to your country's import rules.
How do I know sealed product is authentic?
Every product we sell is 100% authentic — factory-sealed stock from authorized distributors and vetted suppliers, inspected on intake in Dubai and never opened, weighed or resealed by us. We're a licensed UAE retailer (No. 1639822), and if any item we sold is ever shown to be counterfeit, we refund you in full. The complete policy — sourcing, verification and returns — is on our Authenticity page.
New to the hobby? Our glossary explains every term — hobby box, parallel, slab and the rest — in plain English.