An import export code in Dubai, officially called a customs client code, is the registration number Dubai Customs gives your company so it can clear goods in and out of the UAE. Without it, your shipment cannot be declared under your company’s name, and cargo can sit at Jebel Ali or the airport while storage charges add up.
Registration runs online through the Dubai Trade portal, under the rules set by Dubai Customs Policy No. 53/2022.
Key takeaways
- You need a valid licence (mainland or free zone) to get a customs client code.
- Apply online on Dubai Trade through the Mirsal 2 business registration.
- The code’s validity is tied to your trade licence: when the licence expires, so does the code.
- The fee depends on your licence activities; check the current amount on Dubai Trade.
In this guide
Who Needs an Import Export Code in Dubai?
Under Dubai Customs Policy No. 53/2022, anyone who wants a customs code, whether a company or an individual, must hold a valid licence issued by the competent authority. In practice, you need a code if your business will:
- Import goods into Dubai for sale or for use in the business
- Export or re-export goods from Dubai
- Be named as the importer or exporter on customs declarations
Government and semi-government entities that import goods must also register and name the people authorised to handle their customs procedures.
Documents Required
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid trade licence | Mainland or free zone; the licence activities should cover trading or import and export |
| Passport copies | Of the owners, partners or authorised signatory; the Dubai Trade form shows exactly whose are required |
| Undertaking letter | Requested by Dubai Customs during registration |
| Other supporting documents | Some applicants are asked for extra documents, such as a chamber of commerce certificate, depending on their licence |
The policy requires the information and documents you submit to be true and accurate, and Dubai Customs can decline an application that does not meet its conditions. Check that the company name, activities and authorised person match your licence exactly before you submit.
How to Apply on Dubai Trade: Step by Step
- Create an account on the Dubai Trade portal with your trade licence copy, passport copy and mobile number.
- Confirm your account from the email you receive.
- Start a new business registration through the Mirsal 2 link in the portal.
- Enter your details: business information, facility details, the user profile of the authorised person, and upload the required documents.
- Pay the registration fee online. Under the policy, the fee depends on the activities in your licence; the current amount is shown on Dubai Trade.
- Receive your customs client code once Dubai Customs approves the application.
Validity, Renewal and Updates
| Rule | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| Validity is tied to your licence | The code expires when your trade licence expires |
| Renewal | Renew the code after you renew your licence, through Dubai Trade |
| Changes | Update company details, activities or authorised persons electronically whenever they change |
| Licence cancelled | Apply to cancel the customs code as well |
| Record keeping | Keep electronic records of licences, documents, transactions and correspondence, and provide them to Dubai Customs on request |
Holding a customs code does not make you a customs broker. Clearing goods for other companies requires separate authorisation under the customs broker rules.
Mainland, Free Zone and Other Emirates
- Mainland and free zone companies can both register for a Dubai customs client code, as long as they hold a valid licence.
- Other emirates have their own customs administrations. If you will clear goods through ports or airports outside Dubai, check with that emirate’s customs authority whether a separate registration is needed.
- No code yet? Talk to your freight forwarder before the goods are shipped, so the consignee details and customs declaration are planned correctly from the start.
5 Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying after the goods have shipped. Register before your first order leaves the supplier, so your company can be declared as the importer.
- Letting the trade licence expire. The customs code expires with it, so renew both on time.
- Licence activities that do not cover trading. The code is issued against your licence, so check its activities first.
- Not updating changes. New partners, a new authorised signatory or new activities must be updated on Dubai Trade.
- Poor record keeping. Dubai Customs can ask for your licences, documents and transaction records, so keep them organised electronically.
After You Get Your Code
- Share the code with your freight forwarder and suppliers so it appears correctly on shipping documents.
- Make sure your commercial invoices and packing lists match each other and describe the goods clearly.
- Read our guides to the import and export declaration and customs clearance costs at Jebel Ali.
Ready to Import? Ship with Alliance Shipping
Once your import export code in Dubai is active, Alliance Shipping can move your cargo:
- Sea freight, FCL and LCL shipping
- Air freight and land freight
- Support with customs clearance at Jebel Ali
Planning Your First Shipment?
Send us your cargo details to request a quote.
Call or WhatsApp +971 56 649 5103 · manager.dxb@theallianceshipping.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is an Import Export Code in Dubai?
It is the customs client code that Dubai Customs issues to a licensed business, allowing it to be declared as the importer or exporter on customs declarations.
Can a Free Zone Company Get a Dubai Customs Code?
Yes. Both mainland and free zone companies can register, as long as they hold a valid licence.
How Long Is the Customs Code Valid?
Its validity is tied to your trade licence. When the licence expires, the code expires too, and it must be renewed.
Where Do I Apply?
Online through the Dubai Trade portal, using the Mirsal 2 business registration.
How Much Does the Customs Code Cost?
The fee depends on the activities in your licence. Check the current fee on the Dubai Trade portal before you apply.
Does a Customs Code Let Me Clear Goods for Other Companies?
No. Clearing goods on behalf of others requires separate authorisation as a customs broker.
