Obtaining Your Customs Code in Dubai, UAE: A Helpful Guide

If you intend to engage in the import or export business, to or from Dubai, UAE on a global scale, it is imperative that you possess a Dubai customs code.

A Dubai customs code authorizes your company to participate in the import and export of goods to and from Dubai. To operate an import or export business within the emirate, it is mandatory to complete the registration process with Dubai Customs.

Upon the successful completion of your application, you will be granted a Dubai customs code which subsequently will be used when importing or exporting goods within the emirate.

Each company is issued a distinctive customs code that remains valid until the expiration of its business license. Renewal of the Dubai customs code is required every 12 months thereafter.

Is it mandatory for businesses to have a customs code?

It is a legal requirement for businesses engaged in the import or export of goods in Dubai, UAE, to have a customs code. This code is essential for customs clearance and compliance with import and export regulations in the UAE.

Steps To Obtain a Customs Code In Dubai, UAE

1. Submit your application

Go to dubaitrade.ae and provide the following documentation on the portal:

• A copy of your trade license.
• A copy of your passport
• Your phone number

2. Register on The Dubai Trade Portal

After you have initial registration, you will receive a confirmation email and you can then confirm your account and user information.

On the portal, you must click on the Mirsal 2 link, choose new business registration and provide the following information:

• Details about your business.
• Details of your facility.
• User’s profile.
• Required documents.
• Filling in Mirsal information
• Finalizing the registration process

3. Receive the Customs Code

After going through the above steps, you will wait for your customs code which typically takes a couple of working days to be generated.

Documents required to apply for a Customs Code in Dubai, UAE

The following are the required documents:

• Valid trade license: you need to have a trade license to apply for a customer code which you can be obtained from the mainland or a free zone, like SPC Free Zone.
• A copy of your passport and your business partner(s) passports.
•  Chamber of Commerce certificate.
• An undertaking letter.

Cost of Customs Code in Dubai

The cost of a new Customs Client Code is AED 100, whereas the cost of the renewal of an existing Customs Code is AED 25. SPC Free Zone helps you apply for the customs code to get your import and export business up and running in no time. Check our business support service here.

Obtaining a customs code with SPC Free Zone

SPC Free Zone offers a wide range of business support services to further accelerate and ease the launch and management of your startup business in the UAE. Our support services include the customs code among many other services.

Getting a customs code with SPC Free Zone is extremely easy and fast. Here is a breakdown of the process:

1. Log in to the Customer Portal: Begin the process by accessing the customer portal through your login credentials.
2. Submit the Required Documents: Once logged in, upload the necessary documents as per the outlined requirements. The documents include:
3. Trade license copy
4. Authorised person’s Passport copy
5. Undertaking Letter
6. Settle the payment: After document submission, proceed to make the required payments through the portal’s secure payment gateway.
7. Receive Timeline: Upon successful payment, you’ll receive an estimated timeline for the processing of your request.
8. Receive Online Credentials with Import/Export Details: Once your request is processed, you will be provided with online credentials granting access to import/export details, facilitating your international trade activities and access to relevant resources.

The customs code issuance in SPC Free Zone usually takes 3 business days and costs AED 650.

Why Dubai, UAE is a good place for import and export businesses?

Dubai, UAE, is considered a favorable location for import and export businesses due to several key factors:

Strategic Geographic Location: Dubai’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa makes it an ideal hub for international trade. It is within close proximity to major emerging markets, making it a convenient access point for businesses looking to trade with regions like Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

World-Class Infrastructure: Dubai boasts modern and world-class infrastructure, including state-of-the-art ports, airports, logistics facilities, and free zones. The Jebel Ali Port and Dubai International Airport are among the busiest in the world, facilitating the movement of goods.

Free Zones: Dubai offers numerous free trade zones, each designed to cater to specific industries, such as technology, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. These zones provide businesses with tax benefits, 100% foreign ownership, and simplified import and export procedures.

Economic Stability: Dubai enjoys economic stability and a well-regulated legal framework. The government’s commitment to supporting businesses and ensuring economic growth adds to the overall attractiveness of the region for trade.

Multicultural Environment: Dubai is a melting pot of cultures and nationalities, which creates a dynamic and diverse business environment. This multiculturalism is beneficial for international trade as it facilitates communication and cooperation with people from various backgrounds.

Access to Financial Services: Dubai has a robust financial sector with numerous banks and financial institutions that offer a wide range of services, including trade financing, which is crucial for import and export businesses.

Excellent Quality of Life: Dubai offers a high standard of living with modern amenities, excellent healthcare, education, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle, which can attract skilled professionals to work in the city.

Why choose SPC Free Zone?

SPC Free Zone is located in the heart of the UAE, just 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport. Our team offers fast and flexible business setup in the UAE, conveniently located in Sharjah. We also offer immigration services on-site, which means you can get your trade license UAE issued in 45 minutes.

At SPC Free Zone, you can also choose from more than 1,500 business activities, apply for 20 visas under one license, and apply for a dual-license option that offers both mainland and free zone on the same license. What’s more, you can also benefit from zero paid-up share capital and 100% foreign ownership. That means more profits for both your pocket and your business.

Interested in acquiring a trade license and launching a lucrative business in the UAE? Get in touch with SPC Free Zone now.