Expanding to Jordan? What UAE Businesses Should Know Under the CEPA

The UAE–Jordan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), now officially in force, is reshaping how businesses in both countries trade, expand, and collaborate. For UAE-based companies, especially those in free zones or service sectors, this agreement opens new doors to one of the region’s most strategic markets.

What is the UAE–Jordan CEPA?

The CEPA is a bilateral trade agreement designed to eliminate tariffs, simplify customs, and enhance market access across goods, services, and investments. As of its enforcement in 2025, the agreement covers:

  • 95% of tariff lines eliminated
  • Liberalized trade in services, including professional, financial, and construction services
  • Customs cooperation to reduce clearance times
  • Dedicated chapters for SME support and digital trade facilitation

Benefits for UAE Businesses

1. Duty-Free Exports- Even from Free Zones

In a significant shift, UAE free zone businesses can now enjoy tariff exemptions for qualifying goods exported to Jordan. This enhances the appeal of UAE as a regional export hub.

 2. Expanded Service Market Access

The agreement allows UAE-based professional and financial services firms to offer services in Jordan with fewer regulatory barriers, a major win for consulting, fintech, legal, audit, and cloud accounting providers.

3. Support for SME Growth

CEPA contains provisions to help SMEs navigate cross-border challenges, such as administrative simplifications and joint platforms for trade facilitation.

How to Get Ready for CEPA Opportunities

If you’re considering expanding operations to Jordan, here’s what you need to prepare:

  • Review your product origin documentation
    Ensure your goods meet the Rules of Origin criteria to qualify for duty exemptions.
  • Obtain accurate Certificates of Origin
    This is essential for customs clearance under CEPA’s preferential terms.
  • Align your services with Jordan’s market
    Assess local licensing, compliance, and partnership requirements before entry.
  • Plan your tax and regulatory strategy
    Expansion requires a proactive look at VAT, corporate tax, and reporting in both jurisdictions.

Ideal for These Sectors

SectorCEPA Relevance
Export/TradingDuty-free access, faster customs
Professional ServicesLiberalized market access
Fintech & Cloud ServicesDigital trade chapter benefits
SMEs & StartupsCross-border facilitation provisions

Ready to Expand Under CEPA?

The UAE–Jordan CEPA opens doors, but moving forward with confidence requires the right partner. KLOUDAC combines regional expertise, regulatory insight, and business vision to guide your expansion into Jordan from start to scale.