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

A Customs client code number is mandatory for importing or exporting goods into/from UAE, and any activity in this sphere without the number is prohibited. For this purpose, the customs code is to be requested from the customs authority of the respective emirate of registration of the business. So, if the business is located in Dubai, the proper customs code should be received from Dubai Customs.

For people who are bringing household items and goods or those who are ordering products from another country, there is no need to get a Dubai customs code. However, firms planning to re-export goods produced in other countries to Dubai or export their goods to other countries need to obtain a Dubai customs code.

Besides, it is necessary to mention that it is crucial to check all imported goods by the existing national legislation.

Is it mandatory for businesses to have a customs code in Dubai?

Dubai, UAE incorporated the laws that require any business involved in the import or export of goods to have a customs code. Customs Code in Dubai is imperative for customs procedures and other Export and Import legislation and regulations within the United Arab Emirates.

Measures That Apply to Imported Goods in Dubai

The law also frowns at the importation of some goods into Dubai and such goods are banned from being imported into the city. These include:

• Illicit drugs or narcotics
• Fake or counterfeit currency
• Betting apparatus and related betting articles
• Any printed media is a piece of art that is against the Islamic rule of law.

Importation of animals, food items, medicines, automobiles, and arms is prohibited, limited, or controlled in some way. Community members need to acquaint themselves with the existing import policies.

Advantages of Holding a Customs Code in Dubai

Any valid Import Code or Customs Code in Dubai provides advantages to both the parties, that is the business players and the customs authorities. Let’s quickly look at the key benefits of Customs Code in Dubai-

• Legal requirement fulfillment: The government of UAE is always friendly towards business and the foreign investors. Of course, they are very lawful, meaning they do not allow or tolerate any violations of law. Paying the import code Dubai is mandatory If you are planning to import your products into the UAE. Hence, you should always adhere to it as a measure of conducting your business appropriately.
  
• Reduced risk of customs penalties: This means that, for you to avoid being penalized for a violation of customs policies you require an Import Code Dubai. This code is your evidence that you are bring in goods to Dubai legally.
  
• Efficient customs clearance: Import clearance procedures can generally take some time and they are considered as cumbersome. However, if the importer possesses a valid import code Dubai, then the customs authority will clear the goods for import with a lot of ease. Unless this is done, then you will need to submit the customs approvals for each of the imports separately, wasting a lot of time and resources.
  
• Improved supply chain management: This Dubai customs code can assist you in managing your supply line/chain. It does so because the code enables one to monitor movements of their imported goods through the custom channels.
  
• Access to Dubai’s Free Zones: Free zones refer to economic zones in Dubai, and they avail some advantages to the businesses like foreigners’ full ownership, non- imposition of corporate and personal taxes, and no limitations towards the repatriation of profits outside UAE. To conduct business in a free zone and facilitate advantage, you will require an import code Dubai to proceed with the business start up.

Now, that you have understood that it is beneficial to have valid Dubai customs code let’s check how you can legally get a Dubai customs code once you have established a new import-export business in Dubai.

Step-by-Step Process For Obtaining Your Customs Code in Dubai

The following are the procedures that one has to follow to acquire a customs code in Dubai, UAE:

1. Submit your application

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

• A photocopy of your trade license.

• In addition to the above, you will be required to attach a photocopy of your passport.
• Your phone number

2. If not already, create a User Account with The Dubai Trade Portal.

Initially, there is the process of registration while the second one is the confirmation of the registration you do by confirming the user details using the confirmation email that is sent to the user upon registering.

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 the aforementioned steps have been completed, one waits for a customs code, which usually takes two working days to be issued.

Documents Required

When applying for the customs code in Dubai, you will be required to submit the following documents:

• Valid trade license: for you to get a customer code you need to hold a trade license which can be gotten from the mainland or a free zone.
  
• The copy of your passport and your business partner(s) passport.

• Chamber of Commerce certificate.

• An undertaking letter.

Cost of Customs Code in Dubai

This new Customs Client Code costs AED 100; the renewal of an existing Customs Code is AED 25. SPC Free Zone makes it easier for you to seek for the customs code for the smooth running of your import and export company.

Restricted Imports Items in Dubai ?

The Dubai ITA also gave a list of restricted items that cannot be imported or exported to and from Dubai. These items will not be taken in by your import code Dubai. Before you trade any of these goods, there are certain regulation authorities which you will require the approval from before importing, which requires a valid Dubai customs code. Here are a few examples:

• Agro Products such as plants, live animals, and fertilisers: This also will need additional permission from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
  
• Pharmaceutical or Medical products: This process needs the endorsement of the Ministry of Health & Prevention
  
• Telecommunication and Wireless communication equipment: In this regard, any transfers to be made must have the approval of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
  
• Alcoholic Beverages: This one needs approval of permission from the Dubai Police.
  
• Processed Food and personal hygiene products: Requires prior approval from Dubai Municipality. It may also require a product sample, and a fee for lab approval for the food and the personal hygiene items.

Managing Import Code for Dubai’s Trading Environment

Even import codes are not just convenient. They are essentials for anyone who intends to do business in Dubai. Thus, by being aware and active in the acquisition, renewal, and application of these codes, your business management will run more efficiently. You’ll avoid encumbrances in the customs processes thus minimizing probabilities of regulatory hitches.

For any organization to feel comfortable and ready to venture into the competitive import-export market in Dubai, the codes under the application of the compliance are crucial. Additionally, awareness of these changes as well as the usage of government resources keeps one’s business in check and relevant. Let import codes work for you in Dubai’s dynamic market – it’s waiting for you, so seize it.

It should also be noted that UAE can be a rather suitable place for trading business. Confused where to start? Contact BizDaddy now for all professional assistance that you will require for your start up of business in Dubai today.