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Complete guide to obtaining your Dubai Customs Code, import/export license, and clearing goods through UAE ports, free zones, and borders
Get Your License Started →Dubai is one of the world's largest import-export hubs. Whether you're trading electronics, food, perfumes, automotive parts, fashion, cosmetics, machinery, or raw materials, your business operations depend on having the proper licensing and customs clearance codes.
An Import Export License is a trade license issued by Dubai mainland (DED/DET) or Dubai free zones (DMCC, JAFZA, DAFZA, Dubai South, IFZA, Meydan, etc.) that permits your company to import, export, and re-export goods through UAE ports.
A unique importer/exporter registration code issued by Dubai Customs that enables you to clear shipments, access the MIRSAL 2 system, and work with freight forwarders to move goods across UAE borders.
⚠️ Critical Requirement: Without both a valid trade license with import/export activity AND a Dubai Customs Importer/Exporter Code, goods cannot clear ports, free zones, airports, or borders. Both documents are mandatory for any import/export operations in the UAE.
Understanding the fundamental differences between mainland and free zone trade licenses is crucial for structuring your import/export operations effectively.
Best for: Businesses focusing on UAE domestic market distribution, wholesale operations, and direct retail supply chains.
Best for: International traders, re-export businesses, e-commerce fulfillment, and companies storing inventory for global distribution.
Your business activities determine customs classification requirements, approval processes, and potential restrictions. Choose the category that best matches your trading operations.
Important: Your selected activities define customs classification codes (HS Codes), required approvals from regulatory bodies (like Dubai Municipality for food, or ESMA for electronics), and determine whether additional permits or certifications are needed before importing specific product categories.
Transparent pricing breakdown for mainland and free zone import/export licenses, including all mandatory government fees, office requirements, and customs registration costs.
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Professional/General Trading License | AED 12,000 – 17,500 |
| Local Service Agent (if needed) | AED 3,000 – 7,000 |
| Ejari (office/warehouse registration) | AED 8,000 – 35,000 |
| Dubai Customs Importer/Exporter Code | AED 500 |
Note: Ejari costs vary significantly based on location and office size. Warehouse facilities in industrial areas cost more but may be necessary for certain product categories requiring storage facilities.
| Free Zone | Cost (License + Flexi Office) |
|---|---|
| IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) | AED 12,900 – 18,500 |
| Meydan Free Zone | AED 12,500 – 17,000 |
| Dubai South | AED 15,000 – 20,000 |
| DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) | AED 30,000 – 60,000 |
| JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) | AED 20,000 – 40,000 |
Free Zone Advantage: Customs Code issuance is typically included in free zone packages at no additional cost, though requirements vary slightly by authority. Free zones also offer 100% foreign ownership and tax benefits.
The documentation requirements vary based on whether you're applying as an individual entrepreneur or corporate entity. Ensure all documents are current and properly certified.
Your Dubai Customs Code is the gateway to all import/export operations in the UAE. Without this unique identifier, your goods cannot move through any port, free zone, airport, or border crossing.
No import/export activity is possible without this code. It is issued by Dubai Customs and serves as your permanent identification for all customs operations, shipment clearances, and freight forwarding activities throughout the UAE.
Import goods into UAE
Export goods from UAE
Re-export through UAE ports
Clear shipments at borders
Access MIRSAL 2 system
Register with freight forwarders
One-time registration fee
Annual renewal required
Yearly renewal cost
Follow this step-by-step process to obtain your Dubai Customs Importer/Exporter Code through the Dubai Trade (MIRSAL 2) portal.
Create your account on the official Dubai Customs portal and provide the required business information:
Submit your formal application through the MIRSAL 2 system with these supporting documents:
Complete the payment of AED 500 through the online portal using approved payment methods. Payment is processed immediately upon successful transaction.
Once approved, your unique Dubai Customs Code will be issued. You can now legally import and export goods, clear shipments at ports and airports, and work with registered freight agents and customs brokers.
Processing Time: Dubai Customs Code applications are typically processed within 2-3 business days after document submission and payment confirmation. Ensure all documents are accurate to avoid delays.
Complete walkthrough of the import process from documentation to cargo release, including customs declarations and duty payments.
Collect all required documentation from your supplier and freight forwarder before goods arrive at UAE ports.
File your import declaration through the MIRSAL 2 system. Dubai Customs will verify the HS Code classification, declared value, applicable duties, and check for any restricted items.
Calculate and pay the applicable customs duties based on your goods classification and CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value.
Standard Rate
(Most goods)
Medicine, Books
Educational supplies
Tobacco, Alcohol
Luxury goods
Customs may conduct random or risk-based physical inspections of containers. Inspection selection is automated through the MIRSAL 2 system based on risk assessment algorithms.
Once cleared, your cargo can be delivered directly to your premises, moved to a warehouse for storage, or prepared for re-export to another destination.
Streamlined process for exporting goods from the UAE to international markets through Dubai's world-class logistics infrastructure.
Gather all required export documents
File export declaration online
Random inspection if selected
Goods cleared for departure
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Certificate of Origin (if required)
Export Declaration
Jebel Ali Port
Dubai Airport
Port Rashid
Dubai Logistics Corridor
Free zones offer unique advantages for international traders, including duty deferment, bonded warehousing, and streamlined re-export procedures.
Import goods into free zones without paying immediate customs duties. Duty is deferred until goods move to mainland UAE or suspended indefinitely if re-exported.
Store goods in bonded warehouses without duty payment. Perfect for inventory management and international distribution without customs costs.
Re-export goods internationally without any customs duty payments. Ideal for trading companies serving global markets through Dubai hub.
Sell into UAE domestic market through a licensed mainland distributor while maintaining free zone advantages for international operations.
When goods move from free zone to mainland for UAE domestic sales, standard 5% customs duty becomes payable on CIF value.
International Traders
E-Commerce Businesses
Re-Export Companies
Warehouse/Fulfillment
Understanding UAE import restrictions is critical for compliance. Certain goods require special approvals, while others are completely prohibited from importation.
Require Pre-Approval from Regulatory Authorities
Completely Banned from Import
Maintaining proper documentation and following customs regulations is essential for avoiding penalties and ensuring smooth operations.
Companies must maintain comprehensive records for all import/export transactions. These documents must be kept for a minimum of 5 years for customs audit purposes.
Commercial Invoices
Purchase Contracts
Customs Declarations
Shipping Documents
VAT Records
Warehouse Receipts
Bank Transfer Evidence
Certificates of Origin
Import/Export Permits
Based on extensive experience helping businesses navigate UAE import/export requirements, these recommendations will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure smooth operations.
Using the wrong Harmonized System (HS) code leads to penalties and shipment delays. Invest time in proper product classification or consult a customs broker. Incorrect codes can result in fines up to 50% of the goods value.
Import VAT applies in most cases and is reclaimable if you're VAT registered. Track your annual turnover and register when you reach the mandatory threshold to avoid penalties and claim input tax credits.
If you're re-exporting significant volumes, bonded warehousing saves substantial money on duty payments. You only pay duty on goods that move to mainland UAE, while re-exports remain duty-free.
Never attempt to import restricted goods without pre-approval. Food, cosmetics, chemicals, and electronics require permits from Dubai Municipality, ESMA, or other authorities before shipment arrives.
Dubai Customs can audit your records at any time within 5 years. Maintain organized archives of all commercial invoices, packing lists, customs declarations, and payment evidence.
Customs may flag undeclared cash transactions. All import purchases should be documented through proper banking channels with clear paper trails for customs verification and VAT compliance.
Let our experts guide you through the complete setup process, from license application to customs code registration and first shipment clearance.
Correct License Structure
Activity Selection
Customs Code Issuance
Import Permits
VAT Setup
Shipping Guidance