1. Obtaining a Dubai Customs Business Code (Client Code)
Before importing or exporting any commercial cargo through Dubai, a business entity must register with Dubai Customs to obtain a unique Customs Client Code. Without this code, shipping lines cannot manifest cargo to your company, and electronic declarations cannot be submitted on Mirsal II.
Prerequisites & Documents
- Valid UAE Mainland or Free Zone Commercial Trade License
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Articles of Incorporation
- Passport and Emirates ID copies of the authorized manager
- Official lease agreement (Ejari) for company premises
Submission & Issuance
Applications are submitted digitally through the Dubai Trade Portal. Once approved (typically within 24 to 48 hours), your business code is linked to your trade license and must be renewed annually in sync with license expiry.
2. Common Mirsal II Declaration Regimes
Every shipment processed through Dubai Customs requires an electronic declaration matching its operational purpose. Selecting the incorrect declaration code results in delayed clearance or forfeited deposits.
Goods entering the UAE domestic market. 5% GCC customs duty and 5% import VAT are paid immediately prior to gate pass release.
Goods moving from port of entry into JAFZA, DAFZA, or Dubai South. Duty and VAT are deferred at 0% under bonded transit.
Cargo transiting the UAE to cross-border destinations (Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar). Requires a refundable financial deposit.
3. Statutory Ministry Approvals (Non-Customs Agencies)
Dubai Customs enforces restrictions mandated by federal ministries. Regulated cargo will be placed on customs hold (Yellow or Red lane) until the relevant ministry electronic no-objection certificate (NOC) is approved:
Required for pharmaceuticals, APIs, medical devices, surgical equipment, and dietary supplements. Importer must hold a medical warehouse license.
Enforces Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme (ECAS) and Emirates Quality Mark (EQM) certificates for low-voltage electricals, automotive tires, children’s toys, and cosmetics.
Mandatory for telecommunications gear, mobile smartphones, satellite communicators, GPS tracking devices, and wireless RF equipment.
Applies to fresh produce, live plants, animal feed, meat, poultry, and chemicals. Requires phytosanitary or veterinary certificates.
4. The 5-Step Protocol to Prevent Jebel Ali Demurrage Penalties
Container demurrage and terminal port storage fees can exceed thousands of dirhams per day if clearance is delayed. Follow VELO Logistics' pre-clearance protocol to ensure smooth gate release:
Ensure the shipping line has received full ocean freight payment and surrendered Bills of Lading so the electronic Delivery Order is issued as soon as the vessel berths.
Check that the commercial invoice contains 8-digit HS codes, correct currency symbols, and matches the packing list gross weight to the gram.
Electronic declarations can be pre-submitted before the vessel physically docks at DP World Jebel Ali, allowing immediate terminal routing upon crane offload.
Maintain an active credit balance in your Dubai Trade CDR account or use VELO Logistics' clearing facility so duty and VAT are cleared instantly without bank transfer lags.
Schedule container trailer dispatch with DP World e-Token gate appointments immediately upon Green Channel clearance.
Industry impact that stands out.
Our numbers demonstrate our extensive experience handling shipments.
0+Years of Logistics Experience
0+Shipments Delivered Safely
0+Happy Clients Worldwide
Dubai Customs Mirsal II FAQs
Frequently asked questions about customs brokerage, tariffs, and regulatory compliance in Dubai.