Dubai Customs to Expand Tariff Classification Code to 12 Digits, Paving the Way for Enhanced Trade Efficiency
Tokyo, August 4, 2025 – The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) has announced a significant development in international trade procedures, reporting that Dubai Customs is planning to transition from its current 8-digit tariff classification code system to a more comprehensive 12-digit system. This strategic move, anticipated to streamline customs processes and foster greater transparency, is set to impact businesses engaged in trade with the United Arab Emirates.
The expansion of the Harmonized System (HS) code, a globally recognized system for classifying traded products, is a testament to Dubai’s ongoing commitment to modernizing its trade infrastructure and solidifying its position as a global logistics hub. The current 8-digit system, while functional, often requires further granularization to accurately capture the diverse range of products entering and exiting the UAE.
By extending the classification to 12 digits, Dubai Customs aims to achieve a higher level of specificity in identifying goods. This enhanced detail is expected to yield several key benefits for traders:
- Increased Accuracy in Tariffs and Duties: A more precise classification system will lead to more accurate calculations of applicable tariffs and duties, reducing the potential for discrepancies and disputes. This, in turn, can contribute to more predictable costs for businesses.
- Improved Risk Management and Security: The ability to classify goods with greater precision will empower customs authorities to better identify and manage high-risk shipments, thereby strengthening border security and facilitating the smooth passage of legitimate trade.
- Enhanced Data Analysis and Trade Facilitation: The detailed information derived from the 12-digit system will provide Dubai Customs with richer data for analysis. This can inform policy decisions, identify trade patterns, and ultimately lead to further improvements in the efficiency of customs clearance processes.
- Alignment with International Best Practices: Many leading trading nations already utilize more granular HS code systems. This move by Dubai Customs aligns the UAE with international standards, potentially easing integration and data exchange for global businesses.
- Support for E-commerce and Specialized Goods: As global e-commerce continues to grow and the trade of specialized and technologically advanced goods increases, a more detailed classification system becomes essential for accurately categorizing and managing these products.
While the exact timeline for the implementation of the 12-digit system has not yet been fully detailed, JETRO’s report signals that businesses should begin preparing for this upcoming change. Companies involved in importing goods into or exporting goods from Dubai are strongly encouraged to stay informed about further announcements from Dubai Customs regarding the transition period, any potential system updates required on their end, and updated guidelines for classification. Proactive engagement with these changes will be crucial for ensuring seamless trade operations.
This forward-looking initiative by Dubai Customs underscores the emirate’s dedication to fostering a business-friendly environment and facilitating global commerce. The move towards a more detailed tariff classification system is a positive step that promises to enhance transparency, efficiency, and security within the UAE’s trade ecosystem.
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日本貿易振興機構 published ‘ドバイ税関、関税分類番号を8桁から12桁に変更予定’ at 2025-08-04 07:20. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.