Import Export Code and Customs Clearance Code Registration Across the UAE
Every business involved in importing or exporting goods through UAE ports, airports, or free zones must register for a customs code with the relevant customs authority. We handle the full customs code registration process for companies in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. Our team of Chartered Accountants, CPAs, and licensed consultants prepares all required documents, submits the application to Dubai Customs or the relevant emirate-level customs authority, and follows up until the code is issued. A customs code is mandatory for clearing shipments, filing customs declarations, and conducting cross-border trade legally in the UAE.
Our customs code registration scope covers mainland companies and free zone entities in DMCC, JAFZA, IFZA, RAKEZ, Sharjah Media City (Shams), Ajman Free Zone, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai South, DIFC, and DAFZA. We serve businesses in general trading, manufacturing, retail, e-commerce, construction, healthcare, hospitality, IT, real estate, and professional services. Companies that import raw materials, finished goods, machinery, or equipment need an active customs code linked to their trade license. Exporters shipping products to international markets also require this registration for customs clearance at every UAE port and border checkpoint.
What We Offer
Dubai Customs Code Registration
- Prepare and submit customs code applications to Dubai Customs with all trade license documents, ownership details, and company registration records
- Register import and export codes for mainland and free zone companies operating through Jebel Ali Port, Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZA), Al Maktoum International Airport, and other Dubai entry points
- Coordinate with Dubai Customs for application review, additional requests, and final code activation within the standard processing timeline
Customs Code Registration in Other Emirates
- Handle customs code registration with Abu Dhabi Customs, Sharjah Customs, and customs authorities in Ajman, RAK, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain for businesses operating outside Dubai
- Register codes for companies that import or export through multiple emirates with separate customs authority requirements
- Submit applications for companies in RAKEZ, Ajman Free Zone, Sharjah Media City, and other non-Dubai free zones that need emirate-specific customs clearance access
HS Code Classification and Tariff Advisory
- Classify products under the correct Harmonized System (HS) codes for accurate customs duty calculation on imports
- Advise on applicable customs duty rates, exemptions, and preferential tariff treatments available under UAE trade agreements
Customs Code Renewal and Modification
- Handle annual customs code renewal and reactivation for companies with expired or suspended codes
- Update customs records when trade license details, ownership structure, or business activities change to maintain active clearance status
Benefits of Our Customs Code Registration Services
1. Delay-Free Shipment Clearance
A registered customs code allows your business to clear shipments at any UAE port without delays, holds, or penalties. Dubai Customs, Abu Dhabi Customs, and other emirate authorities require a valid code before releasing imported goods. Shipments without a registered importer code face detention at the port, storage charges, and potential fines. Companies that register their customs code alongside proper bookkeeping records maintain clear import cost tracking for VAT input claims and corporate tax deductions.
2. Correct Duty Classification
Our team classifies every product line under the correct HS code and calculates the exact duty liability before shipment arrival. The UAE applies customs duties at 5% on most imported goods, with exemptions for specific categories. Incorrect product classification leads to duty overpayment or underpayment, both of which trigger customs audit flags. Correct HS code classification prevents overpayment and avoids misclassification penalties.
3. Faster Registration with Fewer Rejections
Our team verifies every document before submission and handles all follow-up communication with customs authorities. Customs authorities reject applications with missing trade license pages, incorrect ownership details, or expired documents. Professional registration support speeds up the entire customs code activation process. Businesses that complete customs registration as part of their full business setup in the UAE start import and export operations without delays from day one
Customs Code Registration for Trading Companies, Startups, and Enterprises in Dubai
We register customs codes for every business size, from new trading startups to large import-export enterprises moving goods across international borders. Small businesses in Al Khabaisi, Deira, Business Bay, JLT, Downtown Dubai, Bur Dubai, and Al Garhoud rely on our team for fast customs code registration linked to their trade license. Startups registered in free zones such as DMCC, JAFZA, IFZA, or Dubai South receive customs registration guidance from the first shipment, with HS code classification and duty advisory included.
General trading companies importing consumer goods, electronics, textiles, food products, building materials, and machinery form the largest share of customs code registrations we process. Manufacturers importing raw materials and packaging need codes that allow duty suspension or exemption under specific free zone benefits. E-commerce businesses shipping goods internationally through Dubai require active export codes for customs clearance. Our team handles all variations of import codes, export codes, and temporary import permits based on each client’s trade activities.
Our office at Ginger Business Center, Al Khabaisi, Deira, Dubai, on Salah Al Din Street near Abu Baker Al Siddique Metro Station (Green Line), serves clients from areas near Deira City Centre, Hamarain Centre, and the Dubai Creek waterfront. Companies subject to UAE Corporate Tax under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 at the 9% rate on income above AED 375,000 need accurate import cost records for deductible expense calculations. VAT at 5% applies on most imported goods under Federal Decree-Law No. 8 of 2017, and customs records feed directly into VAT return filing calculations. Cabinet Decision No. 129 of 2025, effective April 14, 2026, updates penalty frameworks that may affect customs-related tax filings. Taxograph supports trading businesses from customs registration through ongoing import-export compliance.
Why Choose Our Customs Code Registration Team in Dubai?
Our team includes Chartered Accountants, CPAs, and licensed consultants with 5+ years of experience in UAE customs registration and trade compliance. We have processed customs code registrations for 100+ companies across all 7 emirates. Our office in Deira, Dubai, near the Dubai Creek waterfront, sits within the commercial hub of the city’s trading district. We also serve remote clients through secure online platforms and document sharing.
Every customs code application goes through a complete document review before submission to the relevant customs authority. Our team verifies trade licenses, ownership documents, tenancy contracts, and company registration records against current customs requirements. We maintain direct follow-up with Dubai Customs and other emirate authorities until code activation. Businesses across the UAE receive reliable accounting, tax, and trade compliance support at every stage of customs registration.
Dedicated customs registration coordinator for every client
Pre-submission document audit to prevent application rejection
HS code classification and duty rate advisory included
Fixed-fee pricing with no hidden charges
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Successful Clients
Our Process
1
Initial Consultation and Trade Activity Review
We review your trade license, business activities, and import-export requirements. Our team identifies which customs authority handles your registration and confirms all document requirements based on your company type, emirate, and free zone status.
2
Document Collection and Verification
We collect trade licenses, certificate of incorporation, ownership documents, tenancy contracts, and bank details. Each document is verified for accuracy, validity, and compliance with customs authority requirements before submission.
3
Application Submission and HS Code Classification
Our team submits the customs code application to Dubai Customs or the relevant emirate customs authority. We classify your product lines under the correct HS codes and attach all verified documents with the application. Government fees are paid during this step.
4
Follow-Up, Activation, and Delivery
We track your application status and respond to any additional document requests from the customs authority. Once approved, we confirm code activation and provide you with your registered customs code ready for use in import-export declarations and shipment clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
A customs code is a unique registration number issued by a UAE customs authority that allows a business to import or export goods through UAE ports, airports, and border checkpoints. Every company involved in cross-border trade must hold an active customs code linked to its trade license.
Customs code registration is mandatory for any business that imports or exports goods in the UAE. Companies that only provide services and do not move physical goods across borders do not need a customs code. Trading, manufacturing, retail, e-commerce, and construction companies typically require registration.
Dubai Customs issues customs codes for companies operating in Dubai mainland and Dubai-based free zones. Other emirates have their own customs authorities, such as Abu Dhabi Customs, Sharjah Customs, and RAK Customs. We handle registrations across all 7 emirates.
You need a valid trade license, certificate of incorporation, ownership documents, tenancy contract, Emirates ID and passport copies of owners, and bank details. Free zone companies also need their free zone license and establishment card. Our team provides a complete checklist based on your specific customs authority.
Customs code registration typically takes 3 to 7 business days after complete document submission. Processing time varies by customs authority and application completeness. Our pre-submission document review helps avoid delays from rejected or incomplete applications.
A Harmonized System (HS) code is an international product classification number used to determine customs duty rates on imported goods. Incorrect HS code classification leads to wrong duty calculations, overpayment, or penalties. We classify every product under the correct HS code before shipment arrival.
The standard customs duty rate in the UAE is 5% on the CIF (cost, insurance, freight) value of most imported goods. Some product categories receive exemptions or reduced rates. Tobacco products carry higher duties. Free zone companies may access duty suspension benefits on goods stored within the zone.
Yes, free zone companies in DMCC, JAFZA, IFZA, RAKEZ, DAFZA, Dubai South, Ajman Free Zone, and Sharjah Media City can register for customs codes. Free zone entities that import goods into the zone or export from the UAE need active customs registration. Some free zones handle customs code issuance through their own authority.
Yes, e-commerce businesses that import products into the UAE or ship goods to international customers need a customs code. Cross-border e-commerce shipments require customs declarations at entry and exit points. We register codes for e-commerce companies selling through online platforms and direct websites.
Import VAT at 5% applies on most goods entering the UAE, and customs records form part of your VAT input documentation. Accurate customs declarations support correct VAT input claims on your returns filed with the FTA. Companies that maintain organized customs and financial records file cleaner VAT returns with fewer discrepancies.
Dubai Customs codes work for imports and exports through Dubai ports and airports. If your business operates through ports in other emirates, you may need separate registrations with those customs authorities. We advise on multi-emirate customs registration based on your trade routes.
Goods imported without a valid customs code face detention at the port, storage charges, and potential fines from the customs authority. Clearance delays increase costs and disrupt supply chains. Registering your customs code before the first shipment arrival prevents these issues entirely.
Yes, we handle customs code renewals for companies with expiring codes and reactivation for suspended or cancelled registrations. Renewal requires updated trade license documents and valid tenancy contracts. We track expiry dates and initiate renewal before your code lapses.
Yes, trading companies involved in high-value imports and exports may need GoAML registration with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) for anti-money laundering compliance. We handle GoAML registration alongside customs code registration to keep your business fully compliant with UAE regulatory requirements.
Contact us at +971501840951 or email support@taxograph.com to schedule a customs registration consultation. You can also visit our office at Ginger Business Center, Al Khabaisi, Deira, Dubai, near Abu Baker Al Siddique Metro Station (Green Line). We review your trade activities, collect documents, and submit your application within the first week.