Businesses operating in Dubai with outstanding customs fines have a limited window to reduce them by 80%. The Dubai Customs fine reduction program is established under Customs Notice No. 15/2026 and is available until 31 December 2026. Furthermore, it forms part of the wider economic support package approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
This guide explains who qualifies, what documentation is required, and how to apply.
Who qualifies for the fine reduction
The program is open to any company, local or international, with customs fines registered with Dubai Customs. Additionally, these fines must have been issued before 28 February 2026. In practice, this includes several profiles:
- Importers and exporters operating through Dubai ports
- Logistics providers and freight forwarders
- Trading companies established in Free Zones
- International groups with operational presence in Dubai
- Any business using Dubai Trade Portal for customs declarations
Moreover, company size and capital origin are not relevant. What matters is that the fine falls within the specific scope of the program.
What the Dubai Customs fine reduction covers
Being precise about scope is essential. First, not every entry in a customs record qualifies. The program applies exclusively to:
- Customs case fines for regulatory violations
- Administrative penalties for non-compliance detected before 28 February 2026
However, the program does NOT cover:
- Outstanding customs duties
- Service charges or administrative fees
- Warehousing costs at customs depots
- Court fees associated with ongoing proceedings
- Fines already settled in full or partially
- Cases under review at Dubai Government Legal Affairs Department, courts, Public Prosecution or law enforcement authorities, unless required approvals have been obtained
Therefore, before starting any application, review the classification of each fine in your record. This is the most common reason for application rejection.
Step-by-step application process
The official procedure follows four phases.
First phase: documentation gathering. Firstly, compile the complete list of outstanding fines. Additionally, include issuance date, original amount, customs file reference and current processing status. This information is accessible via Mirsal, the customs management system on Dubai Trade Portal.
Second phase: submission to Dubai Customs Finance Department. Two channels are available:
- Email to the dedicated address for this program
- In-person submission at the headquarters in Port Rashid
Third phase: verification by Dubai Customs. The authority reviews the eligibility of each fine. Furthermore, it cross-checks information with other government departments and issues written approval. Therefore, this process typically takes six to eight weeks.
Fourth phase: settlement of the reduced amount. Once the application is approved, the reduced amount (20% of the original fine) must be settled before 30 June 2027.
Critical timeline of the Dubai Customs discount
The effective calendar of the program is:
- 28 February 2026 → maximum issuance date for eligible fines
- 31 December 2026 → application submission deadline
- 30 June 2027 → final settlement deadline
Although December 2026 may seem distant, actual processing requires six to eight weeks. Therefore, starting the process in October or November 2026 exposes you to receiving approval after the deadline.
Context: proven track record of the program
This is not an untested initiative. Firstly, the 2026 program replicates the 2020 pandemic-era Notice No. 07/2020. Consequently, it reinforces the financial position of the private sector in complex economic contexts.
Moreover, recent data confirms the current program’s impact. For instance, over AED 79 million in additional liquidity has been injected into 428 companies. Additionally, it has sustained trade flows worth AED 33.9 billion between March and June 2026. Furthermore, the initiative aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. In consequence, it reinforces Dubai’s position as a global trade and logistics hub.
Our Dubai office handles customs proceedings before Dubai Customs on a regular basis. If your company has outstanding fines, we can support you in four phases:
- Firstly, review your full customs history and validate which fines qualify
- Next, prepare technical documentation required by Dubai Customs
- Then, manage the complete application until written approval is obtained
- Finally, coordinate settlement of the reduced amount within the program deadline
Contact us to assess your case before the program window closes.
