24 million tons of goods traded through Dubai amidst Covid-19 outbreak

Dubai Customs’ sea and air entry ports processed 24.314 million tons of goods in Q1 2020, despite the international economic downturn brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

Officials say Dubai Customs’ inspectors are working very hard on the frontline to ensure smooth and streamlined flow of goods into the local, regional and international markets.



Inspection officers across all its centers have been equipped with the safety gear and equipment needed to protect them from any exposure to the virus.



Strict guidelines, including social distancing and wearing gloves and masks, are compulsory for all inspectors, employees and clients. 



“Dubai Customs is playing an increasingly important role during this difficult time to secure borders, trade and international supply chain,” said Dr Abdullah Busnad, Executive Director of Customs Inspection Division.

“We work hard to ensure safety to everyone during the outbreak of covid-19 and at the same time to secure the supply chain and handle goods and different commodities, especially food commodities, during this difficult time.”



Dubai Customs had announced a number of relief measures for its customers following a stimulus package plan announced by the Dubai Executive Council.



It announced a refund of 20 per cent on customs fees imposed on imported products sold locally in Dubai markets from March 15 to June 30.


Dhows and all ships registered locally have exempted from any berthing fees.

The package also includes the cancellation of the AED 50,000 bank guarantee or cash required to undertake customs clearance activity.



Bank guarantee or cash paid by existing customs clearance companies will also be refunded.