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- Confirm who will act as importer or exporter for each shipment.
- Prepare current company and authorised-person documents.
- Check product permissions separately from the customs code.
Who is importing the goods?
Write down the seller, purchaser, importer of record, storage location and delivery destination before the cargo is booked. A courier or customs broker may handle declarations, but that does not remove the need to establish whose registration and permissions support the transaction.
For a free zone business, explain whether the goods remain in the zone, are re-exported or move into the mainland market. Ask the broker to confirm the actual customs route rather than treating every delivery as the same procedure.
What does Dubai Customs ask for?
The official business registration service enables companies to register to transact with Dubai Customs. Its published service guide lists a trade licence copy and identification for the authorised person. Check the current service checklist and selected business type before submitting.
- Confirm that the licence is current and covers the intended activity.
- Check the company name and identifiers against the licence.
- Prepare the authorised person’s requested identification.
- Assign a monitored company email and responsible portal user.
- Save the registration confirmation and renewal details.
What should you confirm with the broker?
Ask who supplies the classification, origin, value and shipping documents; who submits the declaration; and who pays the applicable charges. Get the document list for your goods and route. A vague instruction to “send the invoice” can leave important information unresolved.
Use a sample shipment as a desk exercise before the first consignment. Match the commercial invoice, packing information and product description so the people involved are describing the same goods.
Does the code approve the product?
No. Food, cosmetics and other regulated products can involve separate authorities and registration or clearance steps. For beauty products, start with our Dubai product registration guide. Confirm approvals before committing to packaging or arrival dates.
Keep access with the company
If a consultant helps with registration, document which company user controls the account and receives notices. Add customs renewal to your operating calendar. An expiring licence or missed message is much easier to resolve before stock is waiting for clearance.
