Dubai Customs Registration

 

Businesses wanting to import or export goods to the Emirate need to proceed with the Dubai Customs Registration for their company and procure a code for clearance of goods. In order to obtain a code, it’s mandatory for companies to have a valid trading/commercial license issued by a competent authority in U.A.E. 

Contents

The UAE Cabinet approved two decrees, 617/7 of 2001G and 157/12 of 2002G, in the first half of 2002 that mandated the then-Ministry of Finance and Industry hire an international consulting firm to provide recommendations on the establishment of a federal customs authority and gave the ministry authority to monitor the implementation of the necessary procedures and measures. 

Businesses can register for more than one service provided they have a valid license for carrying out the service in Dubai.

Getting the Dubai Customs Code

For import-export business setup in Dubai, the Department of Dubai Customs is one of the leading government departments in the region as it makes sure the trading services are undergoing smoothly in companies around the city. The business is required to make sure its trading product does not come under the list of banned items before going for customs registration.

The norms in the UAE dealing with the trading of banned items are very strict and can impose high penalty fees. Custom code can be obtained by submitting an application through the "Dubai Trade Portal". 

Documents Required to Obtain a Dubai Customs Code

The following documents need to be furnished to obtain a code:

  • Valid trade license copy
  • A passport copy of the authorized person
  • Chamber of commerce certificate
  • An undertaking letter

The code is generated electronically after the application is reviewed and payment is collected by the customs authorities. The code obtained after registration with Dubai customs is renewed annually after the annual renewal of the commercial license by the concerned authority.

Dubai Customs Clearance Charges

The type of customs declaration and shipment method affect fees:

1. Import range: AED 15–AED 100.00

2. Export: Between 15 and 100 AED

3. Transit: from AED 15 to AED 80

4. For Transfer: 80.00 AED

5. Admission for a brief period: AED 100.00.

AED 20 Any service prices will be increased by Knowledge and Innovation fees of 50 AED and above.

*Prices are subject to change. Kindly confirm before proceeding further.

Licenses Permitted in Dubai Customs

The following licenses are permitted:

  • Commercial License
  • Industrial License
  • Professional License
  • Dubai Intelaq License
  • Free Zone License
  • Governmental Notification.

Dubai Customs Renewal

For Dubai customs renewal, businesses need to submit an application through the Dubai Trade Portal.

Customs Code Registration Assistance in Dubai

Commitbiz has been helping its clients with Company registration in Dubai Customs since its inception. We specialize in providing the following services:

  • Company registration in the Chamber of Commerce
  • Generate new import & Export code
  • Renew import & Export code
  • Company registration in Dubai municipality
  • Item registration in Dubai municipality.

Link the FTA TRN Number for the Dubai Customs Clearance Procedure

The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and the UAE Customs Departments collaborate to collect VAT on goods brought into the UAE. All VAT-registered enterprises are required to give the customs department their Tax Registration Number (TRN) in order to clear imported products.

The customs agency will permit companies to clear imported products without paying VAT at customs if the Tax Registration Number (TRN) in their system is updated and determined to be legitimate. By visiting dubaitrade.ae, you can connect your TRN with Dubai Customs.

  • Type in your login details
  • From the User Management menu, choose "DP World VAT Profile"
  • Fill out the relevant VAT information on the page that is presented
  • Select "Submit."

When you've finished, wait for Dubai Customs to send you a confirmation message.

Some Other Requirements

Let us have a look at the documents required for personal products and used/new cars.

Personal Products

Following an inspection by customs officers, imported goods that are intended for personal use are duty-free. If the inspectors discover that these products are brand-new and being sold in large numbers, a 5% customs charge will be applied.

Documents needed from the importer:

  • Copy of a passport or Emirates ID
  • Copy of a resident visa
  • A list of the items imported

Used and New Cars

In compliance with import laws, you are permitted to import both new and old cars. The following paperwork is necessary if the vehicle is imported using a shipping company:

  • Original statement
  • Packing order
  • Bill of lading passport or a copy of an Emirates ID

If imported by an individual, the following papers are needed:

  • Copy of a passport invoice

The customs duty on the imported vehicle will be assessed at 5% of its value after it has been evaluated by the customs valuation department and inspected by customs officers. ​​​​​​

Restricted and Allowed Products in Customs Clearance, Dubai

The following products are restricted:

  • Pets and Domestic Animals – A pre-approval is required from Dubai authorities, as well as a medical test of the pet animal
  • Food Items
  • Medicines and Drugs – Tourists need to be cautious with what they are carrying with them into the country and might need to carry a doctor’s prescription
  • Publications – Electronic or physical artwork which clashes with the beliefs of Islam
  • Technical Equipment – Certain equipments requires pre-approval from Dubai authorities
  • Alcohol and Cigarettes – One needs to be aged above 18 to carry items, and the amount should not increase the permitted amount.

The following entities are permitted:

  • Importer (commercial)
  • Exporter (commercial)
  • Broker
  • Free Zone
  • CTO
  • CH (Cargo Holder)
  • Overseas Company
  • Private Individual
  • Airline Agent
  • Shipping Line Agent
  • Importer (professional)
  • Importer (industrial)
  • Exporter (professional)
  • Warehouse
  • Gate Control Authority
  • Courier.

Commitbiz, with its experienced team, assists the client in obtaining the Dubai customs code in the most efficient and hassle-free manner. Our team will also advise and assist with the renewal of the custom code along with the license renewal of the company.  

Please contact us for cost details and quick assistance on Dubai Customs registration.

FAQs

What exactly is the customs import code?

A custom import code is issued by Dubai Customs that allows a business entity to import and export goods from the rest of the world or from a free zone to the Dubai Mainland.

Is it necessary to have a custom code for importing and exporting goods?

Yes

How long does it take for custom clearance in Dubai?

Customs clearance will take place in Dubai for 5-10 days.

What documents must be submitted to obtain a custom code?

The documents required to be submitted to obtain a custom code are,

  • Valid trade license copy
  • Passport copies of the authorised person
  • Chamber of commerce certificate
  • An undertaking letters