LP 09/2026 Dubai Customs Temporarily Facilitating Container Cargo Movement

UAE correspondent Arabian Ocean Services (AOS) has recently provided the Club with Dubai Customs notice no. (03/2026). Based on the current exceptional circumstances in the Persian Gulf affecting port operations in the region, and in order to facilitate the continued movement of cargo, the Dubai Customs has decided to introduce a temporary facilitation for cargo destined to Jebel Ali Port and Free Zones through the ports Khorfakkan and Fujairah.

I. Temporary Facilitation

For cargo destined to Jebel Ali Port and Free Zones in the Emirate of Dubai through the ports Khorfakkan and Fujairah, containers may be transported by road directly to Jebel Ali Port and Free Zones in the Emirate of Dubai without undergoing regular customs clearance procedures.

II. Operational Procedures

For the implementation of the facilitation measure, the following shall be followed:

1. Containers discharged at the port of arrival shall be loaded onto trucks for direct transportation by road to Jebel Ali Port and Free Zones in the emirate of Dubai under secure bonded movement.
2. Upon arrival at Jebel Ali Port and Free Zones in the emirate of Dubai, containers shall be received within the designated yard areas until completion of the currently applicable customs procedures.

III. Responsibilities

DP World in coordination with the respective shipping line or its authorized agent shall transport containers under bonded movements to Jebel Ali Port and Free Zones in the emirate of Dubai for final clearance.

The respective shipping line or its authorized agent shall submit the cargo manifest against the corresponding road rotation for the discharged containers.

The respective shipping lines or their authorized agents shall issue the Delivery Orders (DOs) through Dubai Trade platform in accordance with the current operational procedures.

The consignee or his authorized representative shall process the customs declaration and complete the customs clearance process in accordance with the current applicable procedures prior to the release of the cargo.

DP World shall be responsible for ensuring that the manifest information is integrated with the electronic systems of Dubai Customs through the existing electronic interface, as used for vessel manifests.

IV. Validity

The Notice has come into force from March 8. All relevant departments shall take the necessary measures to implement it, each within its respective jurisdiction. The temporary facilitation measure shall remain valid through the duration of the current exceptional circumstances and may be suspended, or withdrawn by Dubai amended, Customs at any time as deemed necessary.

For more information, please contact Managers of the Association.