Broad activity codes under one licence
We map your product range to the correct trading or e-commerce activity codes so nothing is licensed too narrowly.
- Sun–Sat, 8:00–20:00 GST
- Business Bay, Dubai, UAE
INDUSTRY · TRADING & E-COMMERCE
Trading & E-commerce Setup in the UAE
Import and export codes, e-trader and marketplace licensing, customs registration — company structures built for physical trading floors and online-only stores alike.
At a glance
- DED or free zoneGoverning authority
- Import, export, wholesale, D2CBest suited to
- Commercial or e-trader licenceTypical structure
- Scales with warehouse sizeVisa scope
What licensing looks like for trading and e-commerce
Trading activities are licensed under broad commercial codes that cover general trading, specific commodity trading, or e-commerce and e-trader activities, depending on whether stock physically moves through the UAE or the business sells online only.
Businesses that import or export physical goods need a Dubai Customs importer code registered against the trade licence, and in many cases a bonded warehouse arrangement through a free zone such as JAFZA, DAFZA or Dubai CommerCity to move goods efficiently through the region.
Marketplace sellers on platforms such as Amazon.ae and Noon, and D2C brands shipping direct to consumers, are usually best served by a free zone e-trader or e-commerce licence, which keeps the activity code, banking file and marketplace seller registration aligned from day one.
What We Handle
What we handle for trading businesses
Customs and Importer Code registration
Dubai Customs importer code registration handled alongside your trade licence, not as an afterthought.
Marketplace-ready structures
Licensing and banking documentation prepared to match Amazon.ae, Noon and other marketplace seller requirements.
Warehousing-friendly free zones
Introductions to free zones with bonded warehousing and logistics infrastructure built for trading businesses.
Requirements
What you will need to begin
Passport copies of all shareholders
Proposed trade names, in order of preference
Product or activity list for accurate licence code mapping
Dubai Customs importer code application, where goods are physically imported
Premises or free zone facility, including bonded warehousing if required
Bank account documentation prepared to match your trading model
Ready to license your trading or e-commerce business?
Tell us your activity and we will map the exact licences and approvals you need — free, in writing.
Free consultation Exact cost in writing Response in under 5 minutes