Procedure per The Official UAE Government Portal (u.ae). Fees and timelines change — check the authority's website. We don't invent numbers.
How customs works, step by step
- 1
Know who runs customs
ICP is the federal entity responsible for customs procedures, inspection, control, tariffs and customs data. It is also responsible for combating customs smuggling and fraud on all incoming, outgoing and transit shipments and goods through the UAE's ports. When in doubt about a shipment, this is the authority to deal with.
- 2
Check your personal allowances
Travellers are given set limits on the quantities and values they may bring in. Customs duty will be levied on quantities and values in excess of the limits, in addition to VAT. The exact allowances are not quoted here, so confirm the current amounts on the authority's website before you pack.
- 3
Avoid banned goods entirely
Banned or prohibited goods are those whose import and export is banned under the Common Customs Law of the GCC States, or any other law or regulation applicable in the UAE. These items cannot be brought in or taken out at all, so review the list carefully.
Documents:Common Customs Law of the GCC States (PDF, 567 KB) - 4
Get approval for restricted goods
Restricted goods are goods whose import and export is restricted under the same law and applicable regulations. They need prior approval from the authorities concerned before import or export. Arrange that approval ahead of time rather than at the border.
- 5
Understand duty and tariff
Read about the customs duty and tariff in the UAE to see how charges are applied to your goods. Because the figures change, check the current tariff on the authority's website rather than relying on older amounts.
Documents:Customs tariff - 6
Find the right customs office
Customs authorities and locations are spread across the UAE. Refer to the list of Customs offices to find the one that handles your port or route.
Documents:List of Customs offices in the UAE (PDF, 100 KB)
Fees and timelines may change — verify with the official source.
Who provides this service in Dubai
Real companies from Google Maps — live ratings and reviews.
Uranus Travel & Tours - Holiday & Tours Packages
4.6(700)1G/2B, Sultan Business Center - next to Lamcy Plaza - عود ميثاء - دبي - United Arab Emirates
Pluto Travels LLC Dubai
4.7(329)2805, Prism tower - Business Bay - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Trip Finder Travels & Tours LLC
4.9(1269)Tripfinder Travels , Shop No : FF29 Dubai Shopping Centre Port ,Level 1 - ديرة - Port Saeed - Deira - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Tabeer Tours
4.8(4539)Sharaf DG Metro Station Exit 4، 1802, Fahidi Heights - Al Fahidi St - Bur Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Travel Saga Tourism - Travel Agency
4.9(1470)New Century City Tower - Office 303 - Al Ittihad Rd - opp.to Deira City Centre - Port Saeed - Deira - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Moving to Dubai and unsure what you can bring?
Our relocation team helps residents read the customs rules the right way — checking allowances, spotting banned or restricted items before they become a problem, and pointing you to the correct customs office and approvals.
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