How to Search Dubai HS Codes: Free Online Tools Guide (2026)

Why Finding the Right HS Code Matters for Dubai Imports

Every product imported into Dubai must be classified with a **Harmonized System (HS) code** — a standardized numerical identifier that determines your duty rate, required permits, and whether your goods clear customs or get held at the port. Get the code wrong and you face delayed shipments, penalty fees, or even confiscation of goods.

Dubai processes over **8.5 million TEUs of container traffic annually** through Jebel Ali Port alone, making it one of the busiest trade hubs in the world. The UAE Federal Customs Authority enforces strict classification rules aligned with the World Customs Organization (WCO) standards, and Dubai Customs applies additional local tariff schedules on top of the international 6-digit HS framework.

The challenge is straightforward but frustrating: the HS code system contains **over 5,000 commodity groups** at the 6-digit level, and the UAE extends many of these to **8-digit or even 12-digit codes** for more granular classification. If you are importing laptops, for example, the international code is **8471.30**, but the UAE tariff schedule breaks this down further depending on whether the device weighs under or over 10 kg, whether it includes a built-in screen, and other specifications.

This guide walks you through three free methods to search for the correct Dubai HS code in 2026, explains the critical difference between 8-digit and 12-digit formats, and shows you how to verify your classification before filing your customs declaration.

Method 1: The Official UAE Customs Tariff Database

The **UAE Federal Customs Authority (FCA)** maintains the official customs tariff database, which is the authoritative source for all HS code classifications applied in Dubai and across the Emirates.

**How to use the FCA Tariff Database:**

• Navigate to the FCA website and locate the **Customs Tariff** or **Tariff Search** section • Enter a keyword describing your product (e.g., "mobile phone" or "cotton fabric") • Browse through the returned results, which display the HS code, description, duty rate, and any applicable notes • Click on a specific code to see the full tariff detail, including whether any permits or certificates are required

**Strengths of this method:**

• It is the **official government source**, so the codes and duty rates are always current • Results include the full UAE-specific extensions beyond the standard 6-digit international codes • Duty rates, exemptions, and GCC Common External Tariff rates are displayed alongside each code

**Limitations to be aware of:**

• The search function uses **exact keyword matching**, which means searching for "laptop" may not return results filed under "portable automatic data processing machine" — the official tariff language • Navigation can be difficult if you do not already know which **Chapter** (1-97) your product falls under • The interface is designed for customs professionals, not first-time importers

The FCA database is the best choice when you already have a rough idea of your HS code and need to **confirm the exact UAE-specific digits** or check the current duty rate.

Method 2: CustomsEZ AI-Powered HS Code Search

If you want to skip the technical jargon and simply **describe your product in plain English**, the CustomsEZ AI-Powered HS Code Search is the fastest way to find your Dubai HS code. This tool uses artificial intelligence trained on the UAE customs tariff to match natural-language product descriptions to the correct classification.

**How it works:**

• Go to customsez.com/ai-hs-search • Type a plain-language description of your product — for example, "wireless Bluetooth headphones with noise cancellation" or "stainless steel kitchen sink" • The AI analyzes your description against the full UAE tariff schedule and returns the **most likely HS codes** ranked by confidence • Each result shows the code, official description, duty rate, and the reasoning behind the match

**Why this method stands out:**

• **No tariff expertise required** — you describe the product the way you would to a colleague • The AI understands synonyms and related terms, so searching for "phone" correctly maps to HS heading **8517.12** (telephones for cellular networks) • Results include the **full 8-digit and 12-digit UAE codes**, not just the international 6-digit prefix • You can refine your search by adding details like material composition, intended use, or dimensions

**Example search:**

Typing **"children's cotton t-shirt, printed, for ages 3-5"** returns HS code **6109.10** (T-shirts, singlets and other vests, of cotton) with the UAE-specific extension codes for knitted garments.

The CustomsEZ AI search is particularly useful for **first-time importers**, businesses dealing with a wide variety of products, and anyone who wants a fast answer without spending 30 minutes navigating tariff chapter trees.

Method 3: Dubai Trade Portal

The **Dubai Trade Portal** (dubaitrade.ae) is the official single-window platform operated by Dubai Customs for all trade-related transactions. While primarily designed for filing declarations and managing customs procedures, it also includes a tariff lookup feature.

**How to navigate the Dubai Trade Portal for HS codes:**

• Visit dubaitrade.ae and access the **Customs Tariff Inquiry** tool • Use the **Browse by Chapter** function to drill down through the tariff tree • Alternatively, use the keyword search bar, keeping in mind that it works best with **official tariff terminology** • The portal displays the full code hierarchy from 4-digit heading down to the 12-digit UAE statistical code

**Advantages of the Dubai Trade Portal:**

• It is the **same system used for actual customs declarations**, so the codes you find here are exactly what you will enter on your import paperwork • You can see **historical duty rates** and any recent amendments • The portal integrates with other Dubai trade services • Available in both **English and Arabic**

**Drawbacks:**

• The tariff search requires familiarity with the chapter structure • The portal is optimized for **registered traders** with existing Dubai Trade accounts • Keyword matching is rigid — searching for "car parts" may not surface results categorized under "parts and accessories of motor vehicles" (HS heading **8708**)

Understanding 8-Digit vs 12-Digit HS Codes

One of the most common sources of confusion for Dubai importers is the **difference between 6-digit, 8-digit, and 12-digit HS codes**. Understanding this hierarchy is essential for accurate classification.

**The 6-digit international code (WCO standard):**

• The first **2 digits** identify the Chapter (e.g., 85 = Electrical Machinery) • The next **2 digits** identify the Heading (e.g., 8517 = Telephone sets) • The final **2 digits** identify the Subheading (e.g., 8517.12 = Cellular phones) • This 6-digit code is **standardized worldwide**

**The 8-digit GCC/UAE code:**

• The GCC Common External Tariff adds **2 more digits** for regional specificity • The 8-digit code determines your **duty rate** under the GCC unified tariff (typically 5% for most goods) • Example: **8517.1200** may break down differently than **8517.1210** based on device specifications

**The 12-digit UAE statistical code:**

• The UAE adds up to **4 more digits** beyond the 8-digit code for statistical and regulatory tracking • These digits are **required on customs declarations** filed through Dubai Trade • Example: A laptop classified as **8471.3010.0000** provides more detail than the base **8471.30** heading

**When to use which format:**

• Use the **6-digit code** when communicating with international suppliers • Use the **8-digit code** when calculating duty rates • Use the **12-digit code** when filing your **actual customs declaration** in Dubai — this is mandatory

How to Verify Your HS Code Is Correct

Finding a candidate HS code is only half the job. Before you commit a code to your customs declaration, you should **verify it through multiple sources** to avoid misclassification penalties.

**Step 1: Cross-reference across tools**

• Search for your product using at least **two of the three methods** described above. If multiple sources return the same code, you can be confident in the classification.

**Step 2: Check the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI)**

• The WCO publishes **six General Rules of Interpretation** that govern how products should be classified when they could fit under multiple headings • **GRI Rule 1**: classification is determined first by the terms of the headings and relevant notes • **GRI Rule 3**: covers goods classifiable under two or more headings — the most specific description takes precedence

**Step 3: Review the Explanatory Notes**

• The WCO Explanatory Notes provide detailed guidance on what each heading covers • Dubai Customs follows these notes, so they are a reliable reference

**Step 4: Request a Binding Tariff Ruling**

• If your product is unusual or sits on the boundary between two classifications, you can request a **binding tariff information ruling** from Dubai Customs • This official ruling is legally binding and protects you from reclassification disputes

**Step 5: Consult with a licensed customs broker**

• For high-value or complex products, a **licensed UAE customs broker** can verify your classification • Broker fees are modest compared to the cost of a misclassification penalty

Common HS Code Search Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced importers make classification errors. Here are the most frequent mistakes:

**1. Using only the 6-digit international code** — Filing a Dubai customs declaration with just the 6-digit code will result in an **automatic rejection**. Always extend to the full UAE format.

**2. Classifying by intended use instead of material composition** — Many products must be classified by **what they are made of**, not what they are used for.

**3. Using outdated HS code editions** — The WCO updates the Harmonized System every **5 years**. Always verify against the **current UAE tariff schedule**.

**4. Ignoring chapter and section notes** — Chapter notes often **exclude** certain products that seem like they should belong in that chapter.

**5. Relying on the HS code provided by your supplier** — Your supplier's country may use a different national extension system. Always verify against the UAE-specific tariff.

**6. Classifying sets and kits incorrectly** — Products sold as a set have **special classification rules** under GRI Rule 3.

**7. Overlooking dual-use and restricted item codes** — Some products require **additional permits or certificates** depending on their HS code.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dubai HS Code Search

**Q: Is it free to search for HS codes in the UAE?** Yes, all three methods described in this guide are free to use. The UAE Federal Customs Authority database, the Dubai Trade Portal tariff inquiry, and the CustomsEZ AI-powered search all provide free HS code lookup.

**Q: What duty rate do most goods attract when imported into Dubai?** The standard customs duty rate is **5% of the CIF value** (Cost, Insurance, and Freight). Exceptions include tobacco (100%), alcohol, and certain exempt categories like basic foodstuffs and medical equipment.

**Q: Can I use an HS code from another country for my Dubai import declaration?** You can use the **first 6 digits** as a starting point since they are internationally standardized. However, you must extend to the full **8-digit or 12-digit UAE format**.

**Q: What happens if I use the wrong HS code on my customs declaration?** Incorrect codes can result in shipment holds, underpayment penalties (1x to 4x the underpaid amount), and enhanced scrutiny on future shipments.

**Q: How often do HS codes change?** The international system is updated every **5 years** (current edition: HS 2022). The UAE can amend national extensions and duty rates at any time through federal decrees.

Conclusion: Find Your Dubai HS Code with Confidence

Accurate HS code classification is not optional — it is the foundation of every successful Dubai import. The wrong code costs you money, time, and reputation.

To summarize your three best options for finding Dubai HS codes in 2026:

• **UAE Federal Customs Authority Database** — the authoritative source, best when you know your approximate code • **CustomsEZ AI-Powered Search** — the fastest and most intuitive option for plain-language product descriptions • **Dubai Trade Portal** — the official declaration platform with integrated tariff lookup

For the fastest and most reliable results, start with the CustomsEZ AI-Powered HS Code Search. Describe your product in your own words, review the suggested codes, then cross-reference against the official FCA database for final confirmation.