Customs Recordal of Trademark in UAE: A Complete Guide for Brand Owners
If your brand is registered in the UAE, registration alone isn't enough to stop fake goods from crossing the border. That's where customs recordal of trademark in UAE comes in a powerful, underused tool that lets trademark owners flag their brand directly with UAE Customs so counterfeit shipments can be intercepted before they ever reach the market.
This guide breaks down what customs recordal is, why it matters, and exactly how to get it done.
What Is Customs Recordal of a Trademark?
Customs recordal (officially known as "Request Trade Mark Recording") is a government-to-business service that allows trademark and copyright owners to record their already registered trademark with UAE Customs authorities specifically the IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) Department. Once recorded, customs officers are authorized to actively monitor incoming and outgoing shipments and flag consignments that appear to infringe your registered mark. This gives you a real enforcement mechanism, not just a certificate on paper.
Why Customs Recordal Matters for Your Brand
- Stops counterfeits at the border before they ever reach retail shelves or e-commerce platforms
- Enables faster enforcement customs can seize suspicious shipments and notify you, rather than you discovering infringement after the fact
- Strengthens your legal position recorded marks give you a documented enforcement trail, useful in litigation or complaints
- Low cost, high impact for a modest government fee, you gain ongoing protection across all UAE ports and free zones
- If you're a company that manufactures, imports, exports, or sells branded products in the UAE this is not
optional protection. It's foundational.
Who Can Apply
- Companies that hold a valid, registered trademark or copyright
- Individuals who own a registered trademark
- Legal representatives or IP agents acting under Power of Attorney on behalf of the rights holder
Documents Required
- A valid copy of the trademark registration certificate issued by the UAE Ministry of Economy
- A duly authenticated and translated Power of Attorney (POA), if applying through a legal representative
Note: your trademark must already be registered with the Ministry of Economy before you can record it with Customs recordal is a second, separate step, not a substitute for registration.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
- Submit the application through any available channel online, mobile web, or in person
- Pay the service fee
- Receive your customs recordal certificate
Where to Apply
- Port Rashid Center IPR Department (in person)
- Official Customs website
- Mobile web portal
The service is available online and via mobile web 24/7. In-person applications follow standard Customer Happiness Centre working hours.
Fees and Processing Time
- Service fee: AED 200
- Knowledge and Innovation fee: AED 20 (applies on top of any service cost of AED 50 or above)
- Processing/completion time: 2 working hours This is one of the fastest IP-related government services in the UAE most applications are processed within a
couple of hours once submitted correctly.
This is one of the fastest IP-related government services in the UAE most applications are processed within a couple of hours once submitted correctly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting an expired or unregistered trademark certificate
- Using a Power of Attorney that hasn't been properly authenticated and translated into Arabic
- Assuming recordal happens automatically after trademark registration it doesn't; it must be applied for
separately - Failing to renew recordal when the underlying trademark registration is renewed
Final Thoughts
Customs recordal is one of the most cost-effective, high-leverage steps a brand owner can take in the UAE. For a small fee and a two-hour turnaround, you convert a passive registration certificate into an active enforcement tool at every port of entry. If you're serious about protecting your brand from counterfeiters, don't treat trademark registration as the
finish line customs recordal is the next essential move.
Protect Your Brand at Every UAE Border
Protect your brand at the border. With 15+ years of IP experience, our authorised attorneys can manage your UAE Customs trademark recordal efficiently. Contact us today. info@legacypartners.global
Frequently Asked Questions
Updated On: 24 Aug, 2026
