UAE Customs Code: 7 Easy Steps to Get It

Although obtaining a trade license is mandatory when setting up an import-export company in the UAE, it might be necessary to look into other issues, like customs registration, if your plans include transporting the items across the border either for importation or exportation purposes. Getting knowledge about the process of getting a UAE Customs Code can help you with document preparation and shipments.

Customs code typically acts as an identifier of your registered firm or importer/exporter within the specific customs system. But the entity responsible for registration, as well as the requirements and procedure, can differ from one emirate or customs authority to another depending on where your shipments are passing through.

In this guide, you will learn what a UAE Customs Code is, who requires it, the documents that you will need to prepare, the process of getting a code, and some considerations before importing or exporting goods.

Table of Contents

What Is a UAE Customs Code?

The UAE Customs Code is an identification code that can be issued to a company or a candidate that is qualified to apply for the code by the custom authority. This helps the custom authority to recognize the person or company who is registered through the process of making customs declaration and related transactions.

For instance, a firm that imports electronic items to Dubai should register with Dubai Customs before clearing its customs procedures.

The customs code should not be confused with trade license, VAT number, and Emirates ID.

Who Needs a UAE Customs Code?

Enterprises engaged in international business must determine whether their business requires customs registration and for which emirate the goods will be exported/imported from/to the United Arab Emirates.

UAE Customs Code can be applicable to:

Importers: Firms which import goods, equipment, raw material, and inventories into the UAE.
Exporters: Firms which export goods from the UAE to foreign countries.
Trading firms: Firms that trade in goods internationally.
Manufacturing firms: Firms which import manufacturing goods or export manufactured goods.
E-commerce firms: Firms doing international business and managing international stock transfer or business shipments.
Freight and Logistics firms: Qualified firms which deal in customs related matters for their clients as per the requirements of registration regulations.

The requirements vary depending on the customs agency, the business operations of your company, and the role that the company plays in the transaction. Prior to making the application, make sure that your company requires registration or an authorized customs broker for making the declaration.

Documents Required for UAE Customs Registration

Having all the necessary documentation before embarking on your UAE customs registration could help make things a bit easier for you. The precise list will depend on which emirate you belong to, type of business, and customs authority.

For Dubai Customs registration, here is a list of some of the necessary documents:

Trade Licence: Your company’s trade licence is valid.
Passport of the Authorised Person: Details of the authorised person for carrying out customs operations.
Emirates ID: The Emirates ID of the required type as per the registration process.
Details of Residence Permit: According to Dubai Trade guidelines, the residence permit details of the owner and authorised person are required.
Other Documents: The undertaking letter and other documents may be required for some registration types.

Ensure that the trade license is valid and that the names and IDs mentioned are consistent with the ones provided through the online form prior to filing the application.

Tip: Make sure to have clear digital copies of all your documents available for uploading. If your business operates in a free zone, make sure you are applying for the right type of business and facility classification.

How to Get a UAE Customs Code: Step-by-Step Process

The subsequent procedures highlight the general way of getting the UAE Customs Code based on the case of Dubai. However, the other emirates have different procedures to obtain the code.

Step 1: Obtain a Valid Trade Licence

The business enterprise must have a proper licence which allows it to conduct the required commercial operations, like importing, exporting, and dealing in the items.

In case you are a new business firm, then check out whether your licensed activities coincide with the items and operations you wish to conduct or not. If not, you need to change your licence accordingly.

Step 2: Identify the Correct Customs Authority

Select the customs authority that oversees the emirate as well as the customs regulations applicable to your shipments.

For instance:

Dubai: Customs registration at Dubai Customs can be carried out via the Dubai Trade portal.
Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Customs offers a facility to develop a custom profile and receive a custom registration number.
Sharjah: The Customs of Sharjah provide an importer or agent code service.

Registration name and documentation may differ depending on the authority. It would be wrong to think that just because you have a certain code in one emirate, you satisfy all requirements in another emirate.

Step 3: Register on the Relevant Online Platform

In case you are looking for the Dubai Customs Code, please refer to the official Dubai Trade Registration website.

For a different emirate, please refer to the official website of the concerned custom authority and navigate to their registration services for businesses/traders/importers.

Step 4: Enter Your Business Details

Fill out the form using correct information about your firm and authorised representatives thereof.

Depending on the type of registration, you may have to furnish:

Company name and trade license details
Business type and trade license category
Information of the owner and authorized person
Contact information and residence permit details
Other required information by the customs system

Take special note of your type of business. The instructions at Dubai Trade state that free zone businesses might have to choose different business types based on who gave them their licence.

Step 5: Upload the Required Documents

Upload the needed documents in the appropriate format. Ensure that all documents are legible and contain information relevant to your application. If you need to provide an undertaking letter or any other document depending on your business category, do so using the right official guidelines.

Step 6: Pay the Applicable Registration Fee

Examine the amount that will be charged by the concerned customs authorities and make the payment via the designated mode of payment of the custom authority.

Please keep the receipt of payment. The total fee might vary according to the emirate, type of registration, and number of business types.

Step 7: Receive Your Customs Code

After sending the application form and completing the payment process, keep checking your registered email address or your online account for any changes.

Dubai Customs has confirmed that all applicants will receive their company registration number and customs code via email.

UAE Customs Code Fees and Processing Time

Registration costs and completion times depend on the customs authority and the service selected. The following examples are based on published official information.

Customs authority	Published new registration fee	Published processing time
Dubai Customs	AED 100, plus AED 20 in Knowledge and Innovation fees	1 working day
Sharjah Customs	AED 100	Check with the authority

One working day is quoted by Dubai Customs as the time required for registering a business. On the other hand, Sharjah Customs states that the fee for acquiring a new importer/agent code or renewing it will be AED 100 and AED 25 respectively.

Not a unified charge for the whole of UAE. There may be extra charges applicable to other services or different business types.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During UAE Customs Registration

Even a straightforward application can be delayed if the information or documents are incorrect. Avoid these common mistakes:

Utilization of an expired trade license: Ensure that the license has not expired before beginning the process of applying for a registration.
Choosing the incorrect category of business: Make sure you know the category your company belongs to; whether it is mainland, free zone, or something else.
Submission of incomplete documentation: Verify the checklist currently used by the authority before submitting any documents.
Entering inaccurate data: Ensure that the name of your company, the license number, and other details about the authorized person match with the records.
Thinking that one code works everywhere: Find out what the registration requirements are for each customs authority.

A little preparation can help reduce avoidable corrections and keep your import or export plans on schedule.

Conclusion

Getting a UAE Customs Code is an essential part of the process for those who plan to engage in imports and exports of their goods through the UAE. Usually, one needs to have a valid trade license, choose the appropriate customs authority, fill in all the necessary documentation, complete the online form and pay the related fee.

As far as there might be differences in the requirements of the customs code in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or any other customs area, it is always recommended to make sure about the latest information prior to submitting the application.

In case you are planning to set up a trading company or expand your business in the UAE, then feel free to contact us at E-Startup in order to get acquainted with the process of business establishment in the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get a UAE Customs Code?

Acquire a trade license, determine the correct customs authority, register with the authority through their online portal, attach the necessary documentation, and make the payment. Once the process is complete, you will get the custom registration information.

2. How much does a UAE Customs Code cost?

It varies depending upon the emirate and registration type. The fee for business registration as per the Dubai Customs is listed as AED 100 along with AED 20 for Knowledge and Innovation Fee, whereas, as per Sharjah Customs, it is listed at AED 100 for a new importer/agent code.

3. How long does it take to get a Dubai Customs Code?

Customs authority in Dubai provides one working day service completion time for the registration of businesses. This will be possible provided that all requirements have been met through an application.

4. Can a free zone company apply for a UAE Customs Code?

Yes, free zone companies that qualify may apply, provided they meet the requirements set out by the customs authority concerned. If in Dubai, the nature of the business and the category of the premises may be determined by the issuing free zone authority.