Dubai’s customs authority has enacted an exceptional measure that directly affects international companies operating in the United Arab Emirates. Through Customs Notice No. 15/2026, Dubai Customs grants an 80% reduction on outstanding customs fines. However, applications must be submitted before 31 December 2026.
The decision was approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council. Moreover, it forms part of the second package of economic incentives worth AED 1.5 billion (approximately EUR 375 million). In total, UAE authorities have deployed AED 2.5 billion in under three months. Therefore, the initiative reinforces the operational continuity of the international business fabric established in the country.
Scope and exclusions of the Dubai Customs fine reduction program
From a legal standpoint, the reduction has a precisely defined scope. First, it applies exclusively to fines issued before 28 February 2026. Additionally, the measure does not cover customs duties, service charges or administrative fees. Court costs associated with ongoing proceedings are also excluded.
Moreover, the benefit is not applied automatically. Certain scenarios are expressly excluded:
- Fines already settled in full or partially
- Cases currently under review by the Dubai Government Legal Affairs Department, courts, Public Prosecution or law enforcement authorities, unless required approvals are obtained
- Sanctions linked to customs offences with ongoing judicial proceedings
Verified impact of the Dubai Customs penalty reduction program
Data published by Dubai Customs mid-2026 confirms concrete results. For instance, the program has injected more than AED 79 million of additional liquidity 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. Consequently, it reinforces Dubai’s position as a global trade and logistics hub.
These figures are relevant for legal advisors. In other words, this is not a symbolic announcement. On the contrary, it is a scheme with verified implementation and demonstrated capacity for large-scale corporate regularisation.
Dubai customs fines Spanish companies: key assessment areas for UAE operations
Any international company with UAE activity should review its customs history in the coming weeks. This includes subsidiaries in the Emirates, import or export operations through Dubai, and regular commercial presence. Therefore, the legal analysis focuses on four key areas:
First, identification of outstanding Dubai customs fines issued before 28 February 2026 and not included in the exclusion scenarios.
Second, verification that none of these penalties is subject to ongoing judicial proceedings or administrative review that would prevent access to the program.
Third, quantification of the actual savings derived from the 80% reduction compared to full settlement otherwise required.
Fourth, temporal planning of the application. Additionally, approved settlements must be liquidated before 30 June 2027. Therefore, this requires coordination with internal finance teams.
Application process and timeline
Applications must be directed to Dubai Customs’ Finance Department. Two channels are available: dedicated email address or in-person submission at the headquarters in Port Rashid. Moreover, the process includes eligibility verification, thorough documentary review and written approval. Therefore, it typically takes six to eight weeks from complete file submission.
A relevant precedent exists. In 2020, during the pandemic economic impact, Dubai Customs applied an equivalent measure through Customs Notice No. 07/2020. Additionally, verified outcomes confirmed mass corporate regularisation. Therefore, the current initiative replicates that formula but expands its scope and temporal duration.
Legal support for Dubai customs fines from RLD Dubai
From our Dubai office, RLD’s legal team supports international companies through three phases of the process. First, we conduct the documentary diagnostic of the customs history. Then, we perform the eligibility analysis under Customs Notice No. 15/2026. Finally, we manage the complete application before Dubai Customs’ Finance Department.
We recommend initiating the analysis in the coming weeks. Although the application window closes on 31 December 2026, coordinating documentation, legal verification and approval from UAE authorities requires operational anticipation. Furthermore, RLD’s presence in Madrid and Dubai enables an integrated approach. Consequently, we combine local knowledge of Dubai Customs procedures with Spanish-speaking corporate legal advice from Madrid.
