Dubai Customs Notice 18/2026 took effect on 30 September 2026 and introduces a procedure for eligible exports from three specified free zones without a cash or bank customs-duty guarantee, subject to conditions including the designated exit point and same Customs office. The reported timelines include export within 30 days and an electronic closure request within 45 days, with a further penalty-bearing grace period described in the notice summary. Confirm the exact date calculation and requirements from the official notice before acting.
Keep the physical export deadline and declaration-closure deadline as separate items in the shipment tracker. Assign responsibility for the FZ Transit Out declaration, exit evidence and electronic closure submission. A transport booking or cargo departure should not be treated as confirmation that the customs declaration has been closed.
For the full walkthrough, with a pre-dispatch checklist, read our guide to free-zone re-exports under Notice 18/2026. Related JW pages: Customs Clearance, Freight Forwarding and Transportation. See also customs clearance across key UAE ports and free zones.
Details are as reported at 24 October 2026. Seek Customs or qualified-adviser guidance for eligibility and interpretation.
