Customs Hold UAE: Why Shipments Are Held and How to Release

A customs hold in the UAE means clearance of your shipment is paused while customs, or the system behind it, waits for something: a document, an answer on value or classification, an approval or a payment. Most holds clear once the missing item is supplied, so the first job is to find the exact reason, not to chase the status.

This guide is for importers whose cargo shows as held at Dubai or Abu Dhabi customs. It covers the likely reasons, how to find the real cause, and what to do in order.

What does a customs hold mean in the UAE?

A hold is a pause, not a verdict. Carriers describe it the same way. FedEx UAE says shipments are held to confirm they meet import or export rules. It lists missing or incomplete paperwork, waiting for clearance instructions, and authorities needing more information as causes.

The federal authority for customs operations is the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Each emirate runs its own customs administration and systems. In Dubai, declarations go through Dubai Customs and the Dubai Trade portal. In Abu Dhabi, trade runs through the Abu Dhabi Trade and Logistics Platform (ATLP), operated by Maqta Gateway. AD Ports Group describes ATLP as the single-window platform, with inspection and clearance services run in agreement with the General Administration of Customs – Abu Dhabi.

Why does customs hold a shipment?

Customs holds a shipment for one of about six reasons. The table sets out what each looks like and the usual fix. The reasons beyond the FedEx list come from forwarder experience, not from a government rule, so treat them as the likely candidates.

Value and documents

Customs may ask you to prove what you paid. The Mirsal 2 FAQ on Dubai Trade says declarants must keep the documents that support a declaration. It adds that customs may ask for contracts, correspondence and other documents to prove value. The FAQ is dated 2009, so use it for the principle, not for current steps.

Inspection

Customs works on risk, so not every shipment is opened. Inspection is more likely when the cargo and paperwork do not match. A common case is mixed goods in irregular packages with a vague packing list. For a fuller view of timing, see our post on how long customs clearance takes in Dubai.

Which holds have nothing to do with the cargo?

Some holds come from your company's status, not the goods. Forwarders report that an expired trade licence or customs code blocks clearance even when every document is correct.

The Dubai Customs policies booklet says a customs client code is suspended if it is not renewed within 60 days of expiry. It also says a code is suspended if the company does not use it for more than 6 months. The booklet is titled "Customs Policies 2005 – 2020" and may predate later changes. Check the live policy with Dubai Customs before you rely on those periods.

Check these before anything else. Fixing a lapsed code is quicker than arguing over a classification.

How do you find out why your shipment is held?

Get the written reason first, then act. Follow these steps in order:

1. Ask your clearing agent for the exact status text. "On hold" is not a reason. You need the query, such as "documents requested" or "inspection required".
2. Check the portal yourself. In Dubai, look at your Dubai Trade account. In Abu Dhabi, ATLP lets traders follow clearance at each stage.
3. Compare the declaration with your documents. Match invoice, packing list and transport document line by line: quantities, descriptions, values, consignee name, HS codes.
4. Check your company status. Confirm the customs client code and trade licence are valid.
5. Check permits. If the goods are regulated, confirm the approval or certificate was attached.
6. Reply once, with everything. Send the full corrected set in one go. Partial replies restart the query.
7. Escalate if there is no movement. If your agent cannot get an answer, the ICP contact line inside the UAE is 600522222. ICP does not publish a cargo-hold appeals process on that page, so ask what channel applies to your emirate.

A worked example

Say a Dubai importer receives a pallet of mixed kitchen items. The invoice reads "household goods, 1 lot" and the packing list has no item lines. The declaration is held for a value and classification query. The importer asks the supplier for an itemised invoice and packing list, adds product catalogues, and the broker resubmits. The shipment may still be inspected, but the paperwork now matches the cargo. This example is hypothetical, and timing depends on customs.

Can goods be released before the hold is fully resolved?

Sometimes, against a financial guarantee. The Dubai Customs policies booklet lists a policy on releasing goods before some customs procedures are complete, against financial guarantees. Forwarders typically describe it for disputes over value, classification, duty rate or origin. Customs decides whether your case qualifies.

Two related points:

• Suspended duty. Under the GCC Common Customs Law, goods can move without paying duty against a bail or bank guarantee equal to the duty. Goods imported for re-export need a cash deposit or bank guarantee equal to the duty. The Dubai Customs tariff and suspended duty guide explains both. If your goods are under suspended duty, check the deadline on your status. Dubai reportedly extended these periods in 2026, but the relief window it applied to has closed, so confirm your own dates with Dubai Customs.
• Unclaimed goods. The policy text links held goods to sale by public auction. Do not leave a hold open for months. Ask your broker what the time limits are for your case.

What mistakes make holds last longer?

• Replying in pieces, so each answer opens a new query.
• Submitting an invoice that does not match the packing list.
• Using a vague goods description such as "spare parts" or "accessories".
• Guessing an HS code. Every invoice line needs one, and a wrong code starts a classification query.
• Ignoring storage charges while you wait. Ask your port or terminal operator what applies.
• Learning that the customs code has lapsed only after the cargo arrives.

How can you reduce holds on the next shipment?

Fix the document set before the cargo leaves the supplier.

• Ask suppliers for an itemised commercial invoice with quantities, unit prices and a precise description.
• Agree the HS code with your broker before booking.
• Check permits for regulated goods early.
• Set reminders for trade licence and customs code renewal.
• Keep a file for each shipment with the declaration, supporting documents and any customs correspondence.

If you run a brokerage or a busy import desk, software helps with the last two points. Quickship's Customs Clearance module is built for UAE and KSA clearance work, keeping declaration data and documents in one place. Quickship is a technology company. It does not clear, store or deliver goods. Your licensed broker or your own team still files and answers customs.