Smart Zones® - Your UAE Entry Partner
Business • Residency • Banking • Wealth • Investment
Smart Zones® - Your UAE Entry Partner
Business • Residency • Banking • Wealth • Investment
Port and Customs Code, Dubai UAE
Dubai Customs client code registration, linked to your trade licence, so you can move goods through UAE ports.
Free, no-obligation consultation, no price quoted until we know your requirements.
A port and customs code, more precisely a Dubai Customs client code, is a registration linked to your UAE trade licence that allows you to import and export goods through Dubai's ports, including Jebel Ali Port, Port Rashid and Dubai Airport Cargo. You register it with Dubai Customs once your trade licence is issued, using your licence copy and authorised signatory documents, and it works alongside your Federal Tax Authority (FTA) VAT registration for goods movements that attract import VAT. Without this code, customs authorities cannot process your shipment declarations, so it is a required step for any business physically moving goods across UAE borders. Contact our team for a tailored quote on registration support.
Why It Matters
A Dubai Customs client code (often referred to as a port and customs code) is what links your trade licence to Dubai's ports, allowing you to import and export goods through Jebel Ali Port, Port Rashid, Dubai Airport Cargo and other UAE entry points. Registering it correctly, and aligning it with your trade licence and FTA VAT registration, means your shipments clear without delay.
How It Works
Your Dubai Customs client code is registered against your existing trade licence, so it must be applied for after licence issuance, not before.
The code allows customs declarations to be filed and processed for shipments moving through Dubai's ports and cargo terminals.
The UAE's largest port and a major hub for containerised import and export trade.
A key Dubai port handling general and specialised cargo alongside Jebel Ali.
The air freight gateway for time-sensitive and high-value import-export shipments.
Before You Apply
A valid DET or free zone trade licence covering an import/export or trading activity.
Passport or Emirates ID of the person authorised to register and manage the customs code.
Confirm your VAT registration status, since import VAT is typically assessed at the point of customs clearance.
A completed Dubai Customs client registration form submitted with the above documents.
Getting Started
Check your licence activity permits import/export or trading operations.
Collect your trade licence copy and authorised signatory identification.
Check whether your business is registered or needs to register for VAT.
File your Dubai Customs client code application with the required documents.
Once approved, your unique client code is issued and linked to your trade licence.
Appoint a customs clearing agent or in-house declarant to file shipment declarations.
Submit your first import or export declaration using your registered client code.
Begin moving goods through Jebel Ali, Port Rashid, Dubai Airport Cargo or other UAE ports.
Budgeting
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Varies by trade licence type and shipment volume, contact us for a tailored quote |
| Registration requirement | Dubai Customs client code, linked to an active trade licence |
| Key UAE ports | Jebel Ali Port, Port Rashid, Dubai Airport Cargo |
| Regulators | Dubai Customs and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) |
| VAT alignment | Coordinated with your FTA VAT registration for import VAT purposes |
No price figure is published for this service. Cost depends on your trade licence type and shipment volume, contact our team for a custom quote.
Our Story
Smart Zones® UAE has helped more than 45,000 clients worldwide set up, relocate and protect their interests across the UAE, backed by 13+ years of experience in company formation, residency, banking and family trust formation.
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The trust formation process was seamless from start to finish. Highly recommend Smart Zones UAE.
Professional, transparent, and fast. Exactly what I needed for my family's estate planning.
Clear guidance throughout and no hidden costs. Would use them again.
Responsive team and a genuinely smooth setup process from our first call to licence in hand.
Handled everything remotely for us with zero surprises on cost. Would use them again without hesitation.
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Smart Zones® - Your UAE Entry Partner
Business • Residency • Banking • Wealth • Investment