Import Export License in Dubai

Import Export License in Dubai: Considering early records, the UAE has positioned itself successfully as the center for international trade occurring between Europe and Asia. It has immensely benefited from its strategic location, which has helped to improve its re-exports, exports, and imports industries on a large scale. Besides this, the location is also witnessing robust growth in the national and international airline networks flying to and fro from the main logistic centres. The United Arab Emirates geographical position, combined with visionary leadership and the introduction of world-class infrastructure, is what has made this country a regional re-export and logistics hub.

How Export/Import License can be obtained in Dubai?

If you have plans to establish an export/import business in Dubai, then the very first thing to do is to obtain a valid export/import license. To accomplish this, you need to register with Dubai’s Customs Office, which provides a range of e-services for efficiently managing the export and import of goods. The clearing and declaration system used by Dubai’s Customs Office is known as Mirsal 2. Registering your company with the concerned customs office is straightforward. The Customs Office checks all imported and exported goods. However, the authority prohibits only a few items for export or import.

Since you know about the licensing part, let’s check out the export and import registration process step by step.

Export License

Export, in economic terms, refers to any commodity or good legally transported from one country to another for trade purposes. Establishing such a business in Dubai requires obtaining a ministry-approved license. If trading goods produced locally in another country or within the UAE’s free trade zones, an export license is necessary. Goods exported to any of the UAE’s Free Trade Zones are not subject to customs duty. Despite being part of the UAE, the Free Trade Zone operates independently from UAE Customs control.

Export Procedure

Following are the steps to undertake if you desire to start exporting goods from Dubai:

• Essential documents to be submitted at the customs office.
• Pay the export declaration registration fee at the customs office.
• The office issues a Customs Declaration Certificate.

Essential Documents to Export

• The licensing agency requires obtaining IDG (Application of Instructions for Declaration of Goods) instructions or Export Declaration Certificate approval during entry at the customs point at the airport.
• If the exported commodity falls within a restricted category, the exporter must obtain a permit from competent authorities.
• The company needs to have a detailed sales invoice with descriptions of quantity and goods, including the value of each and every item. The invoice is addressed to a company located outside the UAE.

Temporary Export

It is practised mainly for purposes like display in exhibitions or to be used in projects, then returned to the original condition for repair or maintenance.

Temporary Export Process

• Submission of essential documents
• Pay fees to register a temporary export declaration.
• Receive a temporary export declaration.
• Invoices, lists, or goods (customs copy declaration) will be approved by the respective Customs Offices inspection department.

Temporary Export – Essential Documents

• Original commercial invoice
• Goods clearance declaration certificate obtained from concerned authorities
• If dealing with the export of restricted goods, then an original export permit must be obtained from concerned authorities.
• Packing list having HS codes
• Company providing a formal letter requesting temporary export

Import License

Import license can help import a wide range of commodities into the UAE from any of the Emirates free trade zone or other countries, or from the UAE mainland into the free trade zone. But to do this, it is essential to fulfil properly and correctly the legal necessities of the country with regards to obtaining necessary permissions, documents, and licensing. You can become a certified importer with the license. This includes visiting the UAE license authority to obtain a valid legal trade license.

Let’s understand the process involved in bringing important goods into Dubai.

Import Procedure

• The very first step involved is the submission of the bill of lading as well as payment of the shipping agent’s dues on the arrival of the vessels. Once done, a delivery order will be issued by the shipping agent.
• Prior to the delivery order’s expiry date, it is necessary to complete cargo clearance formalities.
• A delivery order is likely to be issued by the concerned shipping agent 3–4 days before the vessel’s arrival.
• Online submission of the Import Declaration application by logging onto Dubai Trade. Customs duty, along with other fees, is to be paid online by the importer. Once done, a valid certificate of customs import declaration can be obtained.
• The submitted documents and goods will be authenticated and inspected prior to handing over the cargo to the concerned importer.
• On discharge of the container, the importer is to appoint a certified transport company that will take delivery of the commodities.
• If any inspection according to the Customs Import Declaration is deemed essential, then the competent authority will take the container to the inspection area. Once done and found proper and thorough, inspection clearance will be provided, and the container will be handed over.

Documents essential to Import

• Invoice to clearly mention total goods quantity description along with value against item and address it to the importer.
• An origin certificate stating the source of goods needs to be approved by the Chamber of Commerce of the origin country.
• A detailed document should be provided, clearly describing each product’s weight in the container and the HS code for every item and its packaging.
• Competent agencies to provide an import permit in case the importer imports duty-exempt goods or restricted goods.

Dubai Free Zone Export/Import

Although all free zones are located within Dubai, they are actually outside the purview of UAE customs. In the UAE free zone, to conduct export-import business, they are to follow certain requirements and conditions.

Presently, import-export businesses in Dubai are witnessing a significant increase. Some of the top exports and imports here include cars, jewellery, and metals like silver, gold, aluminium, and much more. As a matter of fact, there are different niches for everyone interested in establishing an export or import business in Dubai. However, the type of goods desired for trade must have an impact on customs costs. We, at Black Swan, ensure that you are thoroughly equipped with appropriate and correct information pertaining to the A-Z of import and export business within the UAE.