27 August 2026 20:29 | Last updated: 27 August 21:02 2026
Summary
Dubai Customs is exploring measures to expedite shipments of construction materials and reduce costs; 98% of declarations are completed without inspection, with extensions of transit times from 30 to 90 days.
Key Statistics:
1.57 million customs declarations for construction materials in 2025
646,623 declarations in the first half of 2026
98% completed without inspection
6,613 companies benefit from extended deadlines
30 to 90 days transit extension
Dubai Customs held a comprehensive meeting with traders and representatives from the construction materials sector, alongside key players in trade, transport, and logistics. The meeting aimed to discuss sector challenges and develop practical solutions to enhance supply chain efficiency, expedite shipments, and mitigate unnecessary time and costs. Participants included representatives from Emirates SkyCargo, Flydubai, Dnata, DP World, and the Dubai Maritime Authority, among other stakeholders.
This event facilitated direct dialogue among various parties involved in the shipping process, from maritime and air transport through handling and customs clearance to road transport and delivery. Such interactions are crucial for addressing challenges comprehensively and converting them into clear, actionable pathways.
Shipping Alternatives
Participants discussed maritime shipping costs and insurance, exploring potential benefits of air freight amidst fluctuating transport costs and delivery times. Traders also considered improving competitive options and pricing for shipments from China via Emirates SkyCargo, aligning with the urgent supply needs of construction companies.
Furthermore, the meeting addressed challenges associated with transporting chemicals and certain hazardous construction materials by air. Airline representatives noted that acceptance of these shipments depends on material classification, its UN number, safety data sheets, and specific safety requirements for each category. A consensus emerged to provide airlines with detailed data on material types, quantities, and sector requirements to evaluate possible pre-transportation capacity and operational plans.
Risk Management
Dubai Customs clarified that the targeting of shipments for inspection is governed by an advanced risk management system. This system considers the nature of the goods, country of origin, supplier, shipment history, and other risk factors, while random inspections occur in limited instances following established guidelines. Notably, approximately 98% of customs declarations are processed without referral for inspection, and random inspection rates are below 1%, highlighting the efficiency of risk management practices and the implementation of artificial intelligence to minimise unnecessary customs intervention and accelerate trade flow.
Customs Facilitation
In response to regional developments and shifts in global trade, Dubai Customs has rolled out a series of measures to support business stability and enhance operational resilience. This includes Circular No. (12/2026), which extends deadlines for outstanding customs duties benefiting 6,613 companies. This extension grants an additional 120 days for customs declarations related to imports for re-export, temporary admission, and all types of transit.
The measures are designed to provide greater flexibility for businesses in managing their customs obligations, bolstering cash flow, and ensuring business continuity. Future circulars may further extend these provisions in line with approved regulations. Additional circulars, such as (14/2026) and (15/2026), have allowed for the instalment of customs duties and a reduction in financial penalties by 80%, as well as an extension of customs transit from 30 to 90 days. Moreover, entry facilitation for shipments through Khor Fakkan and Fujairah ports, along with Hatta crossing for land transport under a customs guarantee scheme, has been implemented, prioritising the processing of food and pharmaceutical materials.