E-commerce companies must register with Dubai Customs under new cross-border procedures

Dubai Customs has established customs procedures for cross-border e-commerce aligned with the Dubai Digital Transactions Strategy and Dubai E-Commerce Strategy. Companies engaging in e-commerce activities must register and add the activity to the customer registration system with Dubai Customs. Logistics companies, express courier companies, and postal service providers may clear goods for contracted companies if registered. Goods and products valued at AED 1,000 or less are exempt from customs duties, except tobacco, electronic smoking devices, nicotine liquids, alcoholic beverages, and food preparations containing alcohol. Returned goods are exempt from customs duties if previously paid and returned within 60 days of exit. Companies may amend or cancel customs declarations within 60 days of registration. Electronic declarations and invoices are accepted for customs clearance. Companies must retain documents and records in an approved electronic archiving system and provide them to Customs upon request. Penalties under the Customs Law and its Executive Regulations apply for violations.