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INDUSTRY · TRADING

UAE free zone for trading and import-export businesses.

Compare UAE free zones for general trading, wholesale, commodities and goods distribution. Workbook AED, customs-code registration paths, and zones with the strongest GCC + African re-export corridor.

Last updated: Reviewed by · UAE-resident team · DubaiWorkbook-verified against authority pricing

Licensing for Trading businesses

General trading is licensed under broad codes (e.g. 'General Trading', 'Wholesale of …'). Specific goods (alcohol, tobacco, controlled chemicals, gold over 1kg, gemstones, pharmaceuticals) require activity-specific authority pre-approvals. Customs code registration is mandatory; some free zones (DMCC, JAFZA, DAFZA) have integrated customs-code workflows.

Recommended UAE free-zone routes for Trading

DMCC · Trading
AED 1,925

Dubai's gold + commodities cluster. AstroLabs row delivers cheapest Dubai trading entry. Strongest international B2B reputation.

IFZA · Trading
AED 12,900

Dubai stamp + broad activity list. Strong bank corridor for general trading and wholesale distribution.

ANCFZ · Import-Export
AED 4,888

Lower entry AED for trading + import-export operations. Higher visa quota for warehouse staff.

Key topics on this page

  • Jebel Ali (Dubai) is the largest seaport in the Middle East — re-export hub for GCC + Africa + South Asia
  • Tax-free re-exports under the UAE free-zone bonded zone status (subject to FZ status retention)
  • 5% VAT only on UAE-domestic supplies; zero-rated for goods re-exported outside UAE
  • Customs-code registration (Dubai Customs, Sharjah Ports, Fujairah Customs) is integrated with the trade licence

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a separate customs code for my trading company?

Yes. UAE customs require an authority-issued customs code linked to your trade licence. Dubai Customs (for Dubai-zone licences), Sharjah Ports + Customs (for Sharjah zones), and Fujairah Customs (for Fujairah) each register their own customs codes. Allow 5–10 working days post-licence for customs-code registration.

Can I import goods directly into my free-zone warehouse?

Yes. Free-zone bonded warehouses allow tax-free import for re-export. Goods stay in the bonded zone with no customs duty applied. Customs duty (typically 5%) applies only when goods enter UAE mainland markets.

Is VAT applied to my trading transactions?

Yes for UAE-domestic supplies (5% standard). Zero-rated for exports outside UAE and for B2B supplies to other GCC VAT-registered businesses (subject to documentation). VAT registration is mandatory above AED 375,000 of taxable turnover over any 12-month period.

Can I use DAFZA or JAFZA for trading?

Yes — both are major trading-focused free zones with integrated customs. DAFZA (Dubai Airport Free Zone) is best for air-freight and premium-trading. JAFZA (Jebel Ali) is best for sea-freight and bulk commodities. Formenzo's coverage includes DAFZA (under verification) — workbook pricing is being ingested.

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