Import Export License in Dubai: When early records are taken into consideration, the UAE has managed to get into a successful position to showcase itself as the center for international trade taking place between Europe & Asia. It is benefited immensely by its strategic location that has helped to improve its re-exports, exports and imports industry on a large scale. Besides this, the location is also witnessing robust growth in national and international airline network flying to & fro from the main logistic centers. The United Arab Emirates geographical position combined with visionary leadership and introduction of world class infrastructure is what has made this country to be proclaimed as the Middle East’s re-export & 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 achieve this, you will have to get registered with Dubai’s Custom Office, which offers variety of e-services to manage efficiently goods’ export and import. Dubai’s Customs Office clearing & declaration system is referred to as Mirsal 2. It is easy and simple to register your company with the concerned Customs Office. All imported and exported goods are checked by the Customs Office. However, few items are prohibited for export & import by the authority.

Since you have got to know about the licensing part, let’s check out the Export & Import registration process stepwise.

Export License

Export, according to economic terms is referred to any commodity or good that is transported to another country from one country legally and meant for use in trade. To establish such business in Dubai, there will be required to obtain a Ministry approved license. If you desire to trade in goods that are produced locally in another country or among UAE’s free trade zones, then you will require an Export license. Goods that are to be exported to any of UAE’s Free Trade Zones are not subjected to pay up customs duty. Free Trade Zone, although is regarded to be part of UAE, this zone however, is not under the control of UAE Customs.

Export Procedure

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

• Essential documents to be submitted at Customs Office.
• Pay Export Declaration registration fee at Customs Office.
• The office issues Customs Declaration Certificate.

Essential Documents to Export

• IDG (Application of Instructions of Declaration of Goods) instructions or Export Declaration Certificate approval to be obtained from the licensing agency. At the airport, during entry at customs point, it is mandatory.
• If exported commodity is found to be in restricted category, then essential permit to be obtained from competent authorities by the exporter.
• The company needs to have a detailed sales invoice having description of quantity, goods including value of each and every item. The invoice is address a company located outside the UAE.

Temporary Export

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

Temporary Export Process

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

Temporary Export – Essential Documents

• Original commercial invoice
• Goods clearing declaration certificate obtained from concerned authorities
• If dealing with exporting of restricted goods, then original export permit obtained from concerned authorities
• Packing list having HS codes
• Company providing formal letter requesting temporary export

Import License

Import license can help import into the UAE wide range of commodities from any of 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 fulfill properly and correctly the legal necessities of the country, with regards to obtaining necessary permissions, documents & licensing. You can become a certified importer with the license. This includes visiting the UAE license authority to issue a valid legal trade license.

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

Import Procedure

• The very first step involved is submission of Bill of Lading as well as pay up dues of the shipping agent on arrival of the vessels. Once done, a delivery order will be issued by the shipping agent.
• Prior to Delivery Order’s expiry date, it is necessary to complete cargo clearance formalities.
• Delivery order is likely to be issued by the concerned shipping agent 3 to 4 days before the vessel’s arrival.
• Online submission of Import Declaration application by logging onto Dubai Trade. Custom duty along with other fees is to be paid online by the importer. Once done, 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 concerned importer.
• On discharge of the container, importer is to appoint a certified transport company who will get delivery of the commodities.
• If any inspection according to Customs Import Declaration is deemed essential, then the competent authority will take the container to inspection area. Once done and found proper and thorough, inspection clearance will be provided and 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.
• Origin Certificate stating source of goods that needs to be approved by the Chamber of Commerce of the origin country.
• Detailed document should be provided describing clearly each product’s weight in the container, HS code for every item and packaging.
• Competent agencies to provide Import Permit, in case, importer imports duty exempted 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 is witnessing significant increase. Some of the top exports & imports here include cars, jewelry, and metals like silver, gold, aluminum and much more. As a matter of fact, there are different niches for everyone interested to establish export/import business in Dubai. But the goods type desired to trade needs to have bearing on customs cost. We, at blackswan ensure that you are thoroughly equipped with appropriate and correct information pertaining to the A-Z of import/export business within the UAE.