Airlift Logistics works from Dubai Airport Free Zone, so we see the Dubai Customs office in DAFZA used every day. Dubai Customs runs a customer service centre and an inspection centre for the zone. DAFZA companies file through Mirsal 2, and the declaration type depends on where the goods come from and where they go.
Which Dubai Customs centres serve DAFZA?
Dubai Customs lists two DAFZA centres under its air cargo management: the Airport Free Zone and Silicon Oasis Customer Service Center, and the Airport Free Zone Inspection Center. Documents for goods of the Airport Free Zone and Dubai Silicon Oasis are submitted at that customer service centre.
| Centre | What it does | Hours (Service Guide 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Free Zone and Silicon Oasis Customer Service Center | Declarations and documents for DAFZA and Silicon Oasis goods | Mon-Thu 6:30 am-6 pm, Fri 6:30 am-5 pm, closed Sat-Sun |
| Airport Free Zone Inspection Center | Physical inspection when a declaration is selected | Linked to the customer service centre |
| Cargo Village Center | Original documents for air cargo | Open 24/7 |
Dubai Customs call centre: 800 1886. Check the latest hours on the Dubai Customs site before visiting.
Which declaration does each DAFZA move need?
Most of the work happens online in the , not at a counter. The right declaration depends on the direction of the goods. Picking the wrong type is a common cause of delays, so decide this before the cargo lands.
| Goods move | Declaration type | Duty and VAT | Fee (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abroad into DAFZA | FZ Transit In | No duty or tax while goods stay in the zone | Check on Dubai Trade |
| DAFZA to the Dubai mainland | Import to Local from FZ | 5% duty on CIF value, plus import VAT | 70 dutiable, 80 non-dutiable |
| DAFZA to another country | FZ Transit Out | Deposit, refunded on proof of export | 80 |
| DAFZA to Jebel Ali Free Zone | FZ Transit Between Dubai based FZ | No duty while goods stay in free zones | 50 to 100 |
A Knowledge and Innovation fee of AED 20 is added to any Dubai Customs service of AED 50 or more. Fees are from the Dubai Customs Services Guide, version 9 (2025).
What do DAFZA companies need before the first shipment?
- A Dubai Customs business code. Even free zone licence holders must register. The fee is AED 100 plus AED 20, and it takes about 1 working day.
- The right consignee. For FZ Transit In, the goods owner on the documents must be a free zone licensee.
- Clean documents. Airway bill or bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of origin.
- Permits for restricted goods. Food, medicines, telecom devices and some chemicals need approval from the relevant authority.
What happens if FZ Transit Out is not closed?
Goods leaving DAFZA for another country clear against a deposit. The exporter must later show proof of export, such as the exit certificate and airway bill. If no proof is given, Dubai Customs can charge a penalty of 10% of the goods value. Late refund claims also carry fines, starting from day 61 after clearance.
Because DAFZA sits next to DXB, many companies here ship by air. See our logistics for Dubai Airport Free Zone companies, or read how DAFZA compares with the mainland in free zone vs mainland customs.
Quick answers
Where is the Dubai Customs office for DAFZA companies?
Dubai Customs serves DAFZA from its Airport Free Zone centres. These are the Airport Free Zone and Silicon Oasis Customer Service Center and the Airport Free Zone Inspection Center, listed under Dubai Customs air cargo management. Most declarations are filed online through Mirsal 2 on Dubai Trade, so a visit is mainly for documents or inspection.
- Call Dubai Customs on 800 1886 for directions.
- Check the opening hours before you go.
Do DAFZA companies pay customs duty?
Not while goods stay inside the free zone. Duty of 5% of the CIF value, plus import VAT, becomes payable when goods move from DAFZA into the UAE mainland. Goods sent from DAFZA to another country leave against a deposit, which is refunded when the exporter shows proof that the goods left the UAE.
- Keep the exit certificate and airway bill.
- Late refund claims carry fines.
Sources: Dubai Customs centres, Dubai Customs Services Guide v9 (2025), Dubai Customs Customer Guide, Dubai Airport Freezone. How we check our content.
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