WhatsApp quoteFor most clients, getting Import / Export Code right at the start avoids penalties that are easy to trigger and tedious to appeal. Crucially, the Federal Tax Authority's EmaraTax portal makes Import / Export Code a digital process, but the questions it asks are precise and the supporting documents must match your licence exactly. Logistics & Freight Forwarding in Import / Export Code means freight forwarding, cargo handling, courier services and supply-chain management, and it is licensed as a commercial activity. For most clients, typical examples of this activity include freight forwarder, courier company, 3PL warehouse and customs broker, which can typically sit together on one Import / Export Code licence.
Why Import / Export Code
As we tell every client, the code is renewed annually with the licence and is required before your first shipment can be cleared. To be clear, penalties for late Import / Export Code or late filing start at fixed amounts and grow with delay, which is why GoldenKey diarises every deadline for its clients. GoldenKey has licensed logistics & freight forwarding in Import / Export Code for clients ranging from solo founders to groups opening a regional branch, so we know which sub-activities to list.
How Import / Export Code works with GoldenKey
Step 1Assessment
GoldenKey checks your position against the thresholds for Import / Export Code and advises when to register.
Step 2EmaraTax setup
GoldenKey creates or accesses your EmaraTax account and links the licence, authorised signatory and bank details. Nothing is submitted for import / export code for a logistics company until you have reviewed and approved it.
Step 3Application
In practice, we complete the Import / Export Code application — turnover, activity and import details — and upload every supporting document.
Step 4Certificate and compliance calendar
Importantly, once the FTA approves, we diarise your return and payment deadlines so nothing is missed. For import / export code for a logistics company, GoldenKey completes this stage with you on WhatsApp or by email.
Documents required
Here is what you will need for import / export code for a logistics company; GoldenKey checks every item before submission.
- Turnover evidence such as invoices, contracts or financial statements
- Trade licence and certificate of incorporation
- Passport and Emirates ID of the authorised signatory
- Customs code and import records where applicable
- Bank account letter or IBAN certificate
- Memorandum of association showing shareholders
Pricing
Pricing for import / export code for a logistics company depends on the package you choose; every option below includes GoldenKey's service and the government fees stated. Just as important, the figures below for import / export code for a logistics company are updated by GoldenKey whenever the issuing authority changes its fees, so the price you see is the current one.
| GoldenKey service fee | AED 2,000 |
|---|
Dubai Customs or respective emirate customs code for trade activity
Request this servicePrices are indicative, in AED, exclusive of 5% VAT where applicable, and confirmed in writing before payment. Last updated 2026-10-05.
Why the UAE
From day one, there are no restrictions on repatriating profits or capital, so earnings from import / export code for a logistics company can be moved to your home country or reinvested freely. The UAE's reputation as a trading hub means international clients and suppliers already trust a UAE licence, which shortens sales cycles for import / export code for a logistics company.
Why GoldenKey
We speak the languages our clients speak, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam, and we can arrange Russian, French and Mandarin support for import / export code for a logistics company. GoldenKey is based in Ajman Free Zone and has helped founders from more than 60 countries with import / export code for a logistics company, so the paperwork, approvals and timing hold no surprises for us. Just as important, every Import / Export Code package we quote already includes the licence, registration, the establishment card where applicable and our full assistance, with no hidden add-ons at the end.
In our experience, prefer to visit? Our Ajman office welcomes walk-ins during working hours, and we can also meet you in Dubai or Sharjah by appointment to discuss import / export code for a logistics company.
Frequently asked questions
Is Import / Export Code mandatory for a free zone company?
Absolutely. Free zone traders need a customs code to move goods in and out of the zone, and a separate mainland importer code if they sell into the UAE market.
What happens if I miss the Import / Export Code deadline?
In our experience, late registration attracts a fixed penalty, and late filings add further penalties. If you are already late, GoldenKey can register you and advise on penalty reconsideration where grounds exist.
Can GoldenKey act as my tax agent?
Yes. GoldenKey can prepare and submit filings on your behalf and handle FTA correspondence, so you have one point of contact for licence, visa and tax matters.
Is logistics & freight forwarding allowed in Import / Export Code?
As a rule, import / Export Code applies to a logistics company businesses on the same basis as any other UAE company: any company that physically imports or exports goods, whether mainland or free zone.
What approvals does logistics & freight forwarding need?
Customs registration; RTA or local transport authority for vehicle operations. GoldenKey obtains these as part of the setup.
