In the period before issuing the Customs Law, Sharjah Customs was in fact responsible for carrying out the general policies of the Emirate. This was represented in responding to the orders and instructions of the Ruler of Sharjah in various specializations including collection of taxes on imports arriving via sea or Sharjah airport or land borders of the Emirate.

At that time Sharjah Customs was issuing passports (represented in travel papers); performing the job of what is now known as financial department for paying wages for all public servants such as teachers, airport staff, watchmen at Sharjah port and airport and cleaning workers. It was also in charge of issuing certificates of good conduct and birth certificates instead of Ministry of Health. Besides, it was registering estates and issuing certificates of landownership, and receiving and responding to the correspondence of the Ruler.

Customs duties or taxes in those days were only 2 percent for all kinds of cargo that reached the Emirate. The late Issa bin Mohammed Al Midfa’a was the first Director General of Sharjah Customs.

Sharjah Customs in its new concept was established in 1976 according to the Ordinance issued by His Highness Sheikh Dr.Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. This ordinance was known as the “Customs Ordinance” for the year 1976. It included the law of customs and related customs regulations at sea, air and land terminals of the Emirate

Since then, Sharjah Customs has witnessed huge developments as it has adopted plans and programmes which were launched by the Department of Seaports & Customs and participated in rendering the best customs services for traders and passengers.

On July 27 2020, His Highness Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah issued Decree-Law No. 05 of 2020 on the establishment and organisation of the Sharjah Seaports, Customs and Free Zones Authority. Pursuant to the decree the Authority shall be in charge of Ports, Customs, Free Zones and border crossings & check points in the Emirate of Sharjah.