Dubai: Dubai Customs has announced amendments to its customs procedures for cross-border e-commerce, a move aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the business environment, supporting the growth of the e-commerce sector, attracting more investment, reducing costs, and improving the efficiency of trade operations. Under the new Customs Declaration No. (16) of 2026, goods and products valued at Dh1,000 or less will be exempt from customs duties.The announcement clarified that the exemption does not include a number of products, including tobacco and its derivatives, electronic smoking devices and accessories, and nicotine liquids.The amendment included new facilities for goods returned for personal purposes through consumer-oriented e-commerce companies, where they are exempt from customs duties if it is proven that the duties have already been paid on them, provided that they are returned within 60 days from the date of their departure.As part of regulating the relationship with companies operating in the e-commerce sector, the announcement stipulated that the Customer Happiness Department would be responsible for registering companies or adding their activities in the customer registration system, in addition to the procedures for joining the approved platform.The declaration specified that the Legal Affairs Department is responsible for considering and resolving any disputes that arise or are related to the application of the provisions of the customs declaration.Dubai Customs confirmed that the new announcement comes as part of its ongoing efforts to develop the trade system and provide a more flexible and efficient customs environment, which supports Dubai’s position as a global centre for trade and logistics.The provisions of Customs Declaration No. (16) of 2026 shall come into effect as of August 3, 2026, and companies wishing to benefit from these facilities must take the necessary measures to adjust their status in accordance with the new provisions.
