Mirsal 2 is the Dubai Customs electronic declaration system, launched in March 2010 and used through the Dubai Trade portal. Airlift Logistics files declarations in it for importers and exporters. To use it yourself, your company needs a Dubai Customs business code; otherwise an authorised customs broker files for you.
What is the difference between Mirsal 2 and Dubai Trade?
Mirsal 2 is the customs engine. It holds the declarations, checks them against risk rules and calculates duty. Dubai Trade is the web portal where companies log in to use it and other port and customs services. High-volume companies can also connect system to system, which Dubai Customs calls B2G.
| Mirsal 2 | Dubai Trade | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Dubai Customs declaration system | Single-window trade portal |
| Run by | Dubai Customs | Dubai Trade |
| Used for | Import, export, transit, transfer and temporary admission declarations | Log in, payments, declarations, port and permit services |
| Launched | 24 March 2010 | Portal for Mirsal 2 services |
Which declaration types can you file?
The Dubai Customs Customer Guide names the types below. Each one carries its own fee and documents, so the choice matters.
- Import: to local from abroad, from a free zone or from a customs warehouse, plus import for re-export.
- Export: from local to abroad, to a Dubai free zone or to the GCC.
- Free zone: FZ Transit In, FZ Transit Out and transit between Dubai free zones.
- Transit: goods passing through Dubai from one country to another.
- Temporary: temporary admission and return, and temporary export.
How does a company get a Dubai Customs business code?
- New registration
- AED 120AED 100 fee plus AED 20 Knowledge and Innovation fee
- Renewal
- AED 25With a valid trade licence copy
- Time
- 1 working dayIf the documents are valid
Documents: trade licence copy, passport copy of the authorised person and Emirates ID copy. The code follows the trade licence: it expires with it, there is a 60-day grace period, and it can be suspended after 6 months with no customs transactions.
Should you file yourself or use a broker?
A registered Mirsal user can file online, but Dubai Customs policy says a client code alone does not allow you to clear goods for others. Filing yourself suits regular, simple imports of the same goods. A broker suits mixed cargo, restricted goods, free zone moves and anything with a permit, because the HS code and declaration type must be right first time.
A wrong HS code with no duty loss can bring a AED 500 fine, and a wrong declaration that loses duty can bring 10% of the CIF value. Check your codes with our HS code UAE guide, or let our team handle customs clearance in Dubai.
Dubai Trade announced in 2026 that users can sign in with UAE Pass to submit declarations. Check the portal for the current login options.
Quick answers
What is a Mirsal 2 code?
It usually means the Dubai Customs business code, also called the client code. Dubai Customs issues it when a licensed company registers, and the company needs it to file or authorise declarations in Mirsal 2. Registration costs AED 100 plus a AED 20 fee and takes about one working day with valid documents.
- Renewal costs AED 25.
- The code expires with the trade licence.
Can I use Mirsal 2 without a customs broker?
Yes, if your company has a business code. A registered Mirsal user can submit its own declarations through Dubai Trade. You cannot clear goods for other companies unless you are authorised as a broker. Many importers still use a broker for restricted goods, free zone moves and new HS codes.
- You remain responsible for the declared value.
- Keep documents for five years.
Sources: Dubai Customs: launch of Mirsal 2, Dubai Customs Services Guide v9 (2025), Dubai Customs Customer Guide, Dubai Customs policies booklet, Dubai Trade. How we check our content.
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