What is Noon DirectShip?
Noon DirectShip is a fulfillment option on Noon UAE where the seller handles the entire delivery process — from warehouse packing to shipping and last-mile delivery to the customer. Unlike FBN (Fulfilled by Noon), you bear all logistics responsibilities, but Noon charges a significantly lower per-shipment fee.
The key financial consideration for DirectShip is that fees are calculated based on the greater of actual weight and volumetric weight. This means large, lightweight packages can cost more to ship than small, heavy packages.
Noon DirectShip Fee Formula
Noon's official guidance for DirectShip fee calculation in UAE:
Step 1: Calculate Volumetric Weight
Volumetric Weight (kg) = (Length cm × Width cm × Height cm) ÷ 5000
Step 2: Determine Chargeable Weight
Chargeable Weight = max(Actual Weight, Volumetric Weight)
Step 3: Calculate DirectShip Fee
DirectShip Fee = Chargeable Weight (kg) × Rate per kg (AED)
Step 4: Add VAT
Total Cost = DirectShip Fee × (1 + VAT%)
Real-World Example
Scenario: Product listed at AED 150, package dimensions 30cm × 20cm × 15cm, actual weight 1.5 kg, DirectShip rate AED 3.50/kg
Volumetric Weight: (30 × 20 × 15) ÷ 5000 = 9,000 ÷ 5000 = 1.80 kg
Actual Weight: 1.50 kg
Chargeable Weight: max(1.50, 1.80) = 1.80 kg
Base DirectShip Fee: 1.80 kg × AED 3.50 = AED 6.30
VAT (5%): AED 6.30 × 0.05 = AED 0.32
Total DirectShip Cost: AED 6.30 + 0.32 = AED 6.62
Net After Shipping: AED 150.00 − 6.62 = AED 143.38
Shipping as % of Sale: 6.62 ÷ 150 = 4.4%
Volumetric vs Actual Weight: Why It Matters
Many sellers are surprised to find their DirectShip costs higher than expected because the package dimensions push the volumetric weight above the actual weight. This is especially common with:
- Apparel and soft goods: Lightweight but packed in large boxes
- Home decor: Fragile items needing extra padding
- Electronics accessories: Bundles that increase box size disproportionately
Reducing packaging dimensions can directly lower your DirectShip fee and improve profitability.
DirectShip vs FBN: Which is Cheaper?
Use this rule of thumb:
- Items under 500g: DirectShip is almost always cheaper
- Items 500g–2kg: Compare carefully; FBN may be competitive for high-value items
- Items over 2kg: FBN fulfillment may offer better economics for dense items
- Large/light items: DirectShip is better if you can optimize packaging dimensions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Noon DirectShip volumetric divisor for UAE?
Noon UAE uses a volumetric divisor of 5000 for standard DirectShip parcels. This is consistent with many carrier standard dimensional weight calculations. Formula: (L × W × H in cm) ÷ 5000 = volumetric weight in kg. This is then compared against actual weight.
Does Noon DirectShip charge VAT?
Yes. Like all UAE business transactions, Noon adds 5% VAT to the DirectShip fee. This is calculated on the base shipping fee and added to your total deduction at payout.
How do I find the exact DirectShip rate for my zone?
Noon publishes zone-specific DirectShip rates in the Noon Partner Hub. Rates vary by destination within UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.). Contact Noon support or check your Partner Portal dashboard for the exact per-kg rate applicable to your shipping zones.
What happens if my package exceeds Noon's size limits for DirectShip?
Noon has maximum dimension limits for DirectShip parcels. Packages exceeding these limits may be rejected or subject to oversized handling fees. Always check the current size and weight restrictions in the Noon Partner Hub before listing large items for DirectShip.
Can I use DirectShip for all product categories on Noon?
Most categories are eligible for DirectShip, but some product types — particularly fragile, hazardous, or oversized items — may have restrictions or require FBN fulfillment. Check your Noon Partner Portal for category-specific fulfillment restrictions.