# Shipping Containers Loading & Unloading Services licence in the UAE

> Shipping Containers Loading & Unloading Services licensing in the UAE — the authority catalogue rows we hold for this line, the approvals attached to them, and where the activity can be filed.

- Canonical: https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/shipping-containers-loading-and-unloading-services
- Updated: 2026-09-05
- IFZA (Dubai): 5224006
- Ajman Free Zone: AM-02915
- Dubai mainland (DET): 5224006
- Regulation: Regulator approval required
- Method: https://dubaisetupindex.com/methodology

## What the authority says

Includes firms which operate in the ports, airports and customs stations the loading and unloading containers for domestic and international shipments, involving proper inventory control for incoming and outgoing shipments and proper stacking and packing of cargo containers ensures safe arrivals to destinations abroad.

Source: IFZA activity catalogue.

## Where you can licence this

| Authority | Status | Code | Licence type | Approval | Facility |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| [IFZA (Dubai)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/ifza) | Listed | 5224006 | Commercial | Required before the licence issues | Not restricted in the catalogue |
| [Ajman Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/ajman) | Listed | AM-02915 | Services | Not stated | Office, Virtual office, Warehouse, Land |
| [Dubai mainland (DET)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/mainland) | Listed | 5224006 | Commercial | Not stated | Not restricted in the catalogue |

Catalogue evidence, not legal advice. Authorities change activity lists without notice — confirm before you file.

## Routes that list this activity

- [IFZA (Dubai)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/ifza) — Dubai address, available with Dubai Setup Index. From, no visa: AED 12,900 (12 months · calculator output)
- [Ajman Free Zone](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/ajman) — Lower cost, available with Dubai Setup Index. From, no visa: AED 5,555 (12 months · current package)
- [Dubai mainland (DET)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/mainland) — Onshore trading rights, Ejari premises. From, no visa: AED 14,000 (Licence only · plus 5% of rent)

A route listing the activity is a starting point. The authority confirms eligibility when you apply.

## Additional conditions

- Ajman Free Zone ISIC code: [5224006](https://dubaisetupindex.com/free-zones/ajman)

## Facility and premises restrictions

- Ajman Free Zone AM-02915 facilities: Office, Virtual office, Warehouse, Land

## Third-party approvals

### Dubai Ports Authority

Before licence · IFZA (Dubai)

Authority’s process note: We would like to inform you that one or more of the activities selected for the license require approval from the Dubai Ports Authority (DPA). This approval is mandatory and must be obtained before the issuance or renewal of the license. Required Documents issued by IFZA: • Initial Approval (or trade license for existing company) • TPA letter (for each regulated activity) How to Apply for DPA Approval: 1. Register the company online through the PCFC portal: https://online.trakhees.ae/oaservices/nonclient/company/register/verifyLicense/form.htm While registering: . Select DSOA as the authority. . Choose “Ports & Maritime” as the role. 2. Once your username and password are approved, log in at https://online.trakhees.ae/oaservices/login/form.htm Navigate to DPA Services > New NOC Request > New NOC for Marine Activities, and select the relevant activity title. 3. You will be prompted to upload the required documents (TPA letter and initial approval). 4. Additional documents or forms may be requested by DPA. These will be shared directly with the applicant. Important Notes: • The initial approval will be provided by IFZA once the license passes the mandatory security checks • DPA process Timeline: 1-3 working days. • Fees: AED 600 (payable directly to the regulating authority). • Approval must be renewed annually at the same cost. For assistance with the application process or any technical issues, please contact the DMA website support team directly. For any other inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to assist.

[Approval documents](https://ifza.link/LhMlw4)

## Free zone or mainland

- Both IFZA in Dubai and Ajman Free Zone list this activity, so the choice is a Dubai licence address against a lower package cost.
- Dubai mainland under DET lets you invoice UAE mainland clients directly, but it expects Ejari-registered premises and runs longer than a free-zone desk package.
- Dubai Ports Authority clearance is required before the licence issues, which breaks any advertised same-week timeline.

## Also catalogued elsewhere

The same activity name appears in other authority catalogues we track. This is a name match, not a legal equivalence, and Dubai Setup Index does not file in these zones.

- ADGM: 5224006 · Non-Financial (Category B)
- DMCC: 6303-08 · Service
- Meydan Free Zone: 5224.99
- SPC Free Zone: 5229.16

## Related activities

- [Cargo Loading & Unloading Services](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/cargo-loading-and-unloading-services) — IFZA (Dubai) · Dubai mainland (DET)
- [Goods Land Shipment Services](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/goods-land-shipment-services) — Ajman Free Zone
- [Goods Loading and Offloading Services](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/goods-loading-and-offloading-services) — Ajman Free Zone
- [Wholesale of Shipment Containers Trading - Import & Export](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/wholesale-of-shipment-containers-trading-import-and-export) — Ajman Free Zone
- [Sea Cargo Services](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/sea-cargo-services) — IFZA (Dubai) · Ajman Free Zone · Dubai mainland (DET)
- [Air Cargo Services](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/air-cargo-services) — IFZA (Dubai) · Ajman Free Zone · Dubai mainland (DET)

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I add more activities to a Shipping Containers Loading & Unloading Services licence later?

Usually yes, as a licence amendment, subject to the authority's rules and any extra approval attached to the new line.

### Does this activity need third-party approval?

Yes. Dubai Ports Authority must clear the activity before the licence issues, so build that step into your timeline.

## Related

- [All business activities](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities)
- [Compare setup routes](https://dubaisetupindex.com/compare)
- [How company setup works](https://dubaisetupindex.com/how-it-works)

## Machine-readable

- [Shipping Containers Loading & Unloading Services record (JSON)](https://dubaisetupindex.com/data/activities/shipping-containers-loading-and-unloading-services.json)

## Citation

Required when quoting any figure from this page. Copy one of these verbatim — the link is not optional.

Dubai Setup Index. “Shipping Containers Loading & Unloading Services licence in the UAE.” Updated 2026-09-05. https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/shipping-containers-loading-and-unloading-services

[Dubai Setup Index](https://dubaisetupindex.com/activities/shipping-containers-loading-and-unloading-services). “Shipping Containers Loading & Unloading Services licence in the UAE.” Updated 2026-09-05.

Quoting any figure from this record requires a resolvable link to url. Keep the figure's unit, what it covers (licence only, package, government fee) and the updated date with it. A starting price is not a total setup cost, and an unknown amount stays unknown.