Customs Registration & Import Code Issuance UAE - G12

Scale Your Global Trade Operations with Valid Customs Accreditation

Secure your Customs Client Code and integrate your TRN for accurate VAT accounting. G12 manages the end-to-end registration process on the Dubai Trade Portal, ensuring your business meets all federal import/export criteria.
Initiate Customs Registration

Statutory Requirements for Cross-Border Trade

Mandatory Customs Client Code (CCC)

A valid UAE Trade License alone is insufficient for international trade. To legally import or export commodities, businesses must obtain a Customs Client Code issued by Dubai Customs or the relevant emirate authority. This code links directly to your commercial license and acts as the primary identifier for your shipments during inspection and clearance.
Strict protocols govern the movement of goods. The Customs Client Code ensures that your cargo is correctly identified, preventing delays or seizure at the port of entry. Annual renewal of this code is mandatory; failure to renew results in an immediate suspension of trade activities and blocking of shipments.

Customs Code Acquisition Protocol

Documentation and Digital Filing

Obtaining a Customs Code is a digital-first process managed through the Dubai Trade Portal. G12 navigates the application requirements to secure approval without administrative rejection.

Required Documentation for Approval:

Valid Trade License: Proof of commercial activity.
Passport & Emirates ID: Required for the license owner or authorized manager.
Chamber of Commerce Certificate: Proof of firm establishment.
Undertaking Letter: A formal declaration of liability required by customs officials.

Once the application fee is processed and documents are validated by customs officials, the Customs Code is issued, authorizing the business to commence operations.

VAT and TRN Integration

Linking Tax Obligations to Customs Data

Under current clearance procedures, businesses must integrate their Tax Registration Number (TRN) with their Customs Client Code. This integration allows the customs system to automatically generate the correct Value Added Tax (VAT) calculations for incoming cargo.

The Integration Process:

  • Accessing the DP World VAT Profile via the Dubai Trade Portal.
  • Submitting the TRN details for verification.
  • Receiving confirmation from the Customs Department.
Failure to link the TRN results in the inability to recover Import VAT or apply the Reverse Charge Mechanism correctly. G12 ensures this linkage is active to maintain tax compliance.
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Statutory Customs & Clearance Fees

Cost Structure for Trade Operations

Understanding the government fee structure is essential for accurate financial planning. The following statutory charges apply to customs activities in Dubai:
  • Import Declaration Fee: AED 15 – AED 100
  • Export Declaration Fee: AED 15 – AED 100
  • Transit Fee: AED 15 – AED 80
  • Transfer Fee: AED 80
  • Temporary Admission Fee: AED 100
  • Knowledge & Innovation Fees: AED 20 (AED 10 each)

Restricted Goods and Special Permits

Managing Controlled Commodities

Certain categories of goods are restricted under UAE law and require specific pre-approvals or “No Objection Certificates” (NOCs) from relevant ministries before import.

Food Items:

Requires approval from Dubai Municipality.

Pharmaceuticals:

Requires Ministry of Health prescription/approval.

Technical Equipment:

May require TRA or specialized regulatory approval.

Pets/Animals:

Mandatory medical testing and pre-approval.

Alcohol & Cigarettes:

Strictly regulated; requires specific trading permits.

Attempting to import these goods without the correct permits can lead to confiscation and fines.

Why Choose G12 for Customs Management?

Technical Support for Trade Compliance

Importing and exporting in the UAE involves multiple regulatory layers. G12 acts as your operational partner, handling the bureaucratic requirements so you can focus on logistics.

Our Core Deliverables:

  • Chamber of Commerce Registration: Handling the prerequisite paperwork.
  • Code Issuance: Rapid processing of Import/Export Client Codes.
  • TRN Linking: Ensuring tax data is synchronized with customs profiles.
  • Client Code Renewal: Tracking expiry dates to prevent trade stoppages.
  • Permit Acquisition: Securing approvals for restricted goods.
  • Product Registration: Registering new items with the Dubai Municipality for legal sale.

Establish Your

Trade Infrastructure

G12 provides FTA-accredited Audit, Corporate Tax, and Customs advisory for the UAE and GCC. We secure your financial integrity through strict regulatory compliance and data-driven governance.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Customs Client Code mandatory for all UAE businesses?

Yes. Any corporate entity intending to import or export goods via sea, air, or land must hold a valid Customs Client Code. This code links your cargo to your specific Trade License and is a prerequisite for clearing shipments at any UAE port.

Linking your TRN is a critical compliance step that allows the customs system to automatically calculate VAT on imports. This integration ensures accurate tax accounting and enables businesses to claim Input VAT recovery or utilize the Reverse Charge Mechanism where applicable.

The Customs Client Code requires annual renewal. Its validity is directly tied to your Trade License; if your license expires or the code is not renewed on time, the customs authority will block your file, halting all pending and future shipments.

A standard code authorizes trade, but specific goods require additional approvals. Items such as food, pharmaceuticals, and technical equipment mandate No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from relevant government ministries before they can be released by customs officials.

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