Trading of goods is one of the major business activity in Dubai. Import & Export to and from the international markets is significantly supporting UAE’s economic growth and acts as a constant growth driver for the UAE’s business landscape. Import Export business in Dubai is the most sought-after business category for investors facilitating global trade.

Table of contents – Import Export business in Dubai

Foodstuffs, precious metals, machinery, and equipment trading occupy the largest share of imports into the UAE.

Import Export Business in Dubai – Key Highlights

Import Export business license in Dubai is an legal business document that is mandatory for conducting any sort of local or global trade in the region. UAE is one of the most preferred locations for foreign entrepreneurs who are looking for import-export business expansion. It is due to the extensive business infrastructure and logistics support.

Import Export Company in Dubai is in demand due to growing business opportunities and demand from the local UAE population and the Asia & African Markets for a large number of trading goods, food produce, automobile parts, and more.

There are specific customs regulations for trading companies in UAE. These regulations are in place to streamline the import-export process in the UAE and fast-track trading activities.

Import Export Company License in Dubai

Dubai offers exceptional logistics and infrastructure support for import-export companies. Import Export Company License in Dubai is a lucrative business idea and has solid business opportunities for the company to grow.

Dubai has well-built and robust transportation, storage, and distribution network in place to support the import-export companies in the UAE. The most important trade partners of the UAE for imports are Japan, India, Singapore, Thailand, and South Korea. For exports, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France & Italy are the top trading partners.

For obtaining an Import Export Company License in Dubai the investor has to choose a Free Trade Zone or Mainland jurisdiction.

How to open an Import Export Business in Dubai?

Foreign entrepreneurs to open an Import Export Business in Dubai must apply for the required business activity in the Department of Economic Development or with the respective Free Zone in Dubai.

Investors can obtain a Business License from the Dubai Economy or the Free Trade Zone and facilitate global or local trade. The business owner must apply for an import-export code with Dubai Customs to conduct the trade operations.

What is an Import Export Code?

The import-export code enables the trading company to bring goods from outside of UAE, re-export or export locally made goods to other countries, etc. All import and export businesses in the UAE have to get customs registration before they initiate any trading activity.

Import Export business license in Dubai

A Customs Code for a Company can be applied through the Official Customs Portal of UAE. The Code is termed as Import/Export Code and is a mandatory requirement to clear the goods from the Airports, Seaports, and border checkpoints. It would generally take 1 to 2 Working days to obtain the customs code.

For all the Import/Export to and from the Free Zone, there is no Customs Duty. The Import/Export companies in the Freezones are subject to guidelines specified by the Freezone authorities and the UAE Customs.

Once the trade license and company documents are ready for the trading company, register with Dubai Customs for receiving the import/export code. After the registration, the Import-Export business will get an import/export code from the UAE Customs Department.

How to get Import Export Code in Dubai?

The entrepreneur having a trading company in UAE can apply for the import-export code in UAE. For companies operating in Dubai, the import-export HS Code can be applied to the Dubai Customs Department. It is an essential document for the release of goods from the Port to the Dubai Mainland.

The Trading Company must follow certain steps to obtain the Import Export Code from Dubai Customs.

  • Firstly, the company must apply for an import-export business license from any UAE Free Zones / Mainland. (Digital Application via Dubai Customs Portal)
  • Register the company with the Customs Department of Dubai and Make the fee payment.
  • Get an Import-Export code to initiate the import/export business. (The Application will be Approved by the Dubai Customs after the documents review)

A 5-digit unique Customs Client Code will be available through the registered email of the applicant. This Code will act as the Universal Account Number for clearing the goods.

The Customs Code must be renewed yearly and it depends on the validity of your trade license. It is best that the investor seeks assistance from expert Business Consultants such as AURION to obtain the Customs Code in the UAE.

Documents Required for Obtaining the Customs Code

To apply for the Customs Code there are few documents required by the Customs Authority. So, obtaining an Import-Export Code for Traders in the UAE is a direct approach.

  • Valid Free Zone Trade License (Must explicitly list “General Trading”, “Trading”, or “Commercial” activities).
  • Passport copy of the company’s authorized signatory or manager.
  • Emirates ID copy of the authorized signatory.
  • Undertaking Letter printed on your company letterhead, signed and stamped, stating your commitment to follow UAE customs laws.

It is ideal to take the assistance of expert Business Consultants to apply for the Import-Export Code. They will coordinate the whole process of applying to the Dubai Customs Department and obtain the Import Export Code without any hassle. 

Documents Required – Importing Goods to Dubai

For an Import Export Business in Dubai to import goods to Dubai require the following documents:

  • Declaration form for import of goods
  • Specific Permit in case of importing certain restricted goods
  • Delivery order with the details of the shipment
  • Invoice accompanying the merchandise details.
  • Detailed Packing list
  • Certificate of origin for the Shipment
  • Trade license of the Importer
  • DFSA ( Dubai Financial Services Authority) declaration issued by Dubai Customs Services

Import and Export in Free Zones of Dubai

The Freezones are within the territory of UAE geographically but are considered outside the scope of UAE Customs territory. Hence, import-export business in Dubai Free Zones has a different requirement for customs clearance.

Import & Export Business Between Free Zone Company and a Local UAE Company

  • The importer should have an importer code and goods should be the same as that is mentioned in the trade license of the company
  • Goods should reach the destination within 72 hours of the customs declaration
  • Goods have to be checked by the Customs before entering the Free Trade Zone
  • The Customs-Clearance Letter has to be submitted to the concerned Freezone Authorities to store the goods in the Freezone warehouses for trading in the UAE market.
  • To trade in the local UAE market the Free Zone company must appoint a local distributor or open a branch of the Freezone company on the mainland, or export the goods to a mainland company by complying with the UAE Customs regulations.

For import/Export business between Freezone and a foreign company, the Freezones are exempted from customs duties while shipping your goods to the UAE.

Can Sharjah Freezone Company / Ajman Freezone Company / RAKEZ Company store goods in third party logistics company warehouse at Jebel Ali Freezone ? 

Yes, its fully legal to store Sharjah Freezone company’s goods in a JAFZA (Jebel Ali Free Zone) third-party logistics (3PL) warehouse. 

As the trading Company is registered in Sharjah Free Zone, the goods must be transfer only via a Public Bonded Warehouse or Customs to Customs (C2C) transfer network. It will allow cargo to be legally transported from seaports, airports, or by-road directly into a JAFZA warehouse facility without paying the standard 5% Customs Duty.

Even Virtual Offices or Shared Desk Companies can also apply for the Customs Code. Howvever, to store the customs cleared goods they must have a physical warehouse. The virtual office address will not be sufficient. Alternatively, they can rent a third-party logistics warehouse or link the customs code to a licensed customs bonded warehouse in UAE.

Critical Operational Rules for Cross-Emirate 3PL Storage

To ensure your cargo moves smoothly from your Sharjah Freezone entity into Dubai’s JAFZA, you must follow these rules:

  1. Obtain a “Mirsal 2” Account: You must ensure your Sharjah company has an active customs code registered with Dubai Customs so your 3PL partner can file shipping manifests digitally on your behalf.
  2. Declare a Bonded Transfer: When your goods arrive at the port (e.g., Jebel Ali Port or DXB Airport), your 3PL provider must file a “Transfer of Cargo Between Free Zones” or “Temporary Admission” declaration to prevent customs from charging a 5% import duty at the border.
  3. Ensure Bill of Lading Alignment: The Consignee on your shipping documents must be written exactly as: [Your Sharjah Company Name] c/o [Chosen JAFZA 3PL Warehouse Name].

Dubai is one of the easiest places to start a trading company as it is a hassle-free process. Especially, with the help of expert business consultants like Aurion Business Consultants, the whole process of opening an Import/Export company will be made a reality at the fastest possible time.

To know more about Starting an Import Export Business in UAE, talk to our experts!