BIR has been informed that Dubai Customs have issued Customs Notice No. 13/2026 introducing a temporary ban on the export of selected industrial-use waste and scrap materials, including certain iron, copper and aluminium scrap categories.
The measure entered into force on 10 June 2026 and will remain in place until 8 October 2026, covering a four-month period. According to the notice, the ban may be renewed automatically unless a further notice is issued to cancel it.
The export prohibition applies to waste and scrap materials falling under specified HS codes, which include iron (codes 72041000, 72042100, 72042900, 72043000, 72044100 and 72044900), as well as copper (code 74040000) and aluminium (code 76020000). A full list is available in the official notice.
The notice provides for possible exemptions, subject to approval by the Ministry of Foreign Trade. These may apply to shipments prepared for export under valid international contracts concluded before the ban was issued, as well as to shipments considered eligible for exemption in the public interest.
Companies seeking an exemption must submit a request to the Ministry of Foreign Trade. Further information on the exemption process is available through the Ministry’s trade information platform.
Dubai Customs stated that violations of the temporary export ban will be subject to penalties under the Unified Customs Law and its implementing regulations.
BIR members trading in the affected materials are advised to review the official notice carefully and assess whether current or planned shipments may fall within the scope of the temporary measure.
