Import Export Licence in Dubai & the UAE: What You Need
To import or export goods you need a UAE trade licence that includes the trading activity, from your emirate’s economic department on the mainland or from a free zone authority. You then register with customs to get a customs code before goods can be cleared. Most goods from outside the GCC pay a 5% customs duty at the first point of entry.
What does an import-export licence cover?
There is no single stand-alone “import-export licence” for every business. In practice it is a commercial trade licence, issued by a free zone authority or by the economic department of the emirate, whose activities include importing, exporting or trading in the goods you handle. A separate customs registration then lets you clear shipments.
The trade licence
- Issued by the economic department of the emirate or by a free zone authority
- The licensed activities decide which goods you may trade
- Licences are generally valid for one year and must be renewed on time
The customs code
- Needed to clear goods through customs
- Dubai Customs issues the code for Dubai, usually applied for through the Dubai Trade portal after you hold a valid trade licence
- Whether a code issued in one emirate covers the others is not clearly stated, so confirm with the customs authority
Mainland or free zone for importing and exporting?
Trade inside the UAE and abroad
- Lets you sell to customers in the UAE as well as export
- Requires customs registration with your emirate
- Import duty applies to goods brought into the UAE market
Suited to re-export and international trade
- Goods kept inside the free zone carry no import or export duties
- Free zone companies generally cannot sell directly on the mainland without a distributor or other route
- Your free zone authority sets the licence and the facilities available
How do you start importing or exporting in the UAE?
The order below follows the UAE authorities’ and free zone explainers. Details vary by emirate and free zone, so confirm each step with the issuing authority.
How do customs duties and the GCC work?
What you pay
- Most goods from outside the GCC face a 5% common external tariff
- About 417 goods are exempt under an approved schedule
- Tobacco and its derivatives carry a 100% duty
Goods moving within the union
- Goods move freely between GCC states, subject to rules on prohibited goods and quarantine
- Duty is collected at the first point of entry and generally not charged again
- Check current rates for your goods before pricing
Which goods need extra approval?
Some goods are banned and many more need prior approval from the relevant authority before they can be imported. The UAE Government lists examples such as live animals and plants, weapons, medicines, media products, wireless devices, alcohol and cosmetics. Free zone and provider explainers also name pharmaceuticals, telecommunications equipment and foodstuffs. Always check your exact product with the authority before you order stock.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to import goods into the UAE?
Yes. You need a trade licence that includes the activity, plus a customs registration to clear goods. The licence comes from your emirate’s economic department on the mainland or from a free zone authority.
What is a customs code in the UAE?
It is a number issued by the customs authority that identifies your company when you declare goods. In Dubai it is issued by Dubai Customs to licensed companies, usually through the Dubai Trade portal.
How much is customs duty in the UAE?
Most goods from outside the GCC are charged 5% under the GCC common external tariff. Some goods are exempt and tobacco is charged 100%. VAT may also apply, so check the current rules for your goods.
Can a free zone company sell goods on the mainland?
Not directly in most cases. Free zone companies generally need a distributor or another mainland route, and duties apply once goods enter the local market. Ask your free zone authority what applies to you.
Can I import and export with one licence?
Usually yes, if both activities are included in your licence. Your licence activities decide what you may trade, so list them clearly when you apply.
Which goods need special approval to import?
Many categories need prior approval, including medicines, wireless devices, alcohol, cosmetics, animals and plants. Check your product with the relevant authority before ordering.
Planning to import or export?
Tell us what you trade and where it is shipped from. We will confirm which licence route and approvals apply and guide you through the application.
Sources: ICP, GCC Customs Union; UAE Government, customs clearance; RAKEZ import-export guide (free zone authority); Meydan Free Zone customs code explainer (provider page, confirm with Dubai Customs). Rules, duties and fees change, so confirm with the authorities before you apply.