DubaiCustom

Yes, if your business physically imports or exports goods through Dubai's ports, airports or free zones, you need a Dubai Customs code linked to your trade licence. Without it, customs will not clear your shipments. Whether it applies to your specific activity depends on your licence classification and the nature of the goods traded.

There is a government fee payable to Dubai Customs, plus a service fee if you use an agent to handle the application. We do not publish a fixed price for this work, as it depends on your company type and documentation. A proposal is provided once we understand your requirements.

Registration is usually completed within a few working days once the trade licence and supporting documents are in order. Timeframes can extend if information is missing or if the licence activity needs clarification with Dubai Customs before the code is issued.

You will generally need a valid trade licence, the establishment card, passport and Emirates ID copies of the owner or authorised signatory, and a memorandum of association where applicable. Additional documents may be requested depending on the free zone or mainland authority issuing your licence.

Shipments cannot be cleared through Dubai Customs without a valid code, which means goods are held at the port or airport until registration is completed. This causes delays, storage charges and disrupted supply chains, so it is worth arranging the code before any consignment is due.

Yes, the code is tied to your trade licence, so it needs updating whenever the licence is renewed or amended. Failing to keep the customs code current can hold up future shipments, so it is treated alongside licence renewal rather than as a separate annual task.