Foodstuff Trading License in Dubai

Dubai commands a substantial portion of the Middle East and Africa’s food imports and exports, with over 80% of the UAE’s food needs met through imports. As the main entry point for food imports and a key re-export hub, Dubai’s foodstuff trading industry is fiercely competitive yet ripe with potential for businesses of all scales. With the UAE’s growing population and increasing demand for quality food products, there’s never been a better time to venture into this dynamic sector. 

License required for starting foodstuff trading business in Dubai

The Department of Economy & Tourism – DET ( previously DED) is the authority that issues business licenses for companies registered in Dubai mainland. You must submit all the necessary documents to the DET since it is the authority that carries out the registration process.

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Foodstuff Trading Business Setup Procedures in Dubai

A foodstuff trading business in Dubai necessitates thorough planning and execution of multiple steps.

The following are the steps for licensing: 

1. Trade name certificate

Start with getting a trade name certificate through the Department of Economy & Tourism. Avoid any offensive or blasphemous language in the trade name. Make sure to avoid the names of well-known organizations and avoid abbreviations if naming your company after yourself.

2. initial approval

The initial approval, granted by the UAE Government, signifies clearance for a foreign investor to initiate business setup proceedings within the country. While indicating governmental consent for the business establishment, it does not confer upon the business owner the authority to commence or conduct the business activity.

3. Approval from Dubai Municipality Food Control Department

Secure compliance with food regulations by getting approval from the Dubai Municipality Food Control Department.

4. MOA attestation from the DET ( Department Of Economy & Tourism)

Next, Obtain MOA attestation from the DET (Department of Economy & Tourism) to ensure legal compliance and smooth business operations.

5. Get the registered Commercial Tenancy contract under the company trade name and initial approval from the DLD (Dubai Land Department)

Secure a registered Commercial Tenancy contract under the company trade name and obtain initial approval from the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to proceed with your business setup.

6. Documents submission in DET

Then you need to submit all of the required documents to the Department of Economy and Tourism.

7. Get the license government payment voucher

Get the government payment voucher necessary for the licensing procedure.

8. Issue the license

The final procedure includes the issuance of the foodstuff trading license, granting you legal operation within Dubai Mainland.

Documents need to start a foodstuff trading business in Dubai

  • Passport copies of shareholders
  • Visa of the shareholder – visit visa/ residence visa 
  • The Emirates ID of shareholders
  • NOC from the current sponsor

Major Sub-Activities Under Foodstuff Trading

Some of the activities that come under foodstuff trading include 

  • Food & beverages trading
  • Grains, cereals & legumes trading
  • Dates trading 
  • Baby food trading
  • Flavors & fragrances trading
  • Canned & preserved food trading
  • Snack food trading
  • Dried vegetables & fruit trading
  • Frozen fish & seafood trading
  • Dairy products trading
  • Salted, preserved fish & seafood trading
  • Egg trading 
  • Fresh & chilled & frozen meat trading
  • Honey & apiary accessories trading
  • Bread & bakery products trading
  • Pastry trading 
  • Ice cream trading
  • Flour trading 
  • Ghee & vegetable oil trading
  • Bottled water trading
  • Ghee & vegetable oil trading
  • Soft drinks & carbonated water trading
  • Juice trading
  • Ice trading
  • Potatoes trading 
  • Vegetables & fruits trading

Cost For Food License in Dubai

  • Local Sponsor Fee
  • Labor and Immigration Fee
  • Trade License Fee
  • Cost Involves in Food License
  • Cost Involved in Visa

Dubai Municipality Involvement in Foodstuff Trading in Dubai, UAE

The Dubai Municipality (DM) plays an important role in achieving the highest standards of food safety through its food control department, The department mainly oversees the implementation of best practices and evaluation.

If your company intends to import foodstuff, compliance with the following requirements set by the Dubai Municipality Food Control department is mandatory:

  • Enroll your company in the DM Food Import and Re-export System (FIRS) to facilitate the application for food import requests and to monitor the import status, from inspection to release.
  • Secure approval for food labels of all items planned for import to ensure adherence to government standards, thus minimizing the risk of consignment rejection.
  • Register all food items in the DM Food Import and Re-export System (FIRS) before initiating the import process.
  • Obtain a FIT analysis result from the Dubai Central Food Laboratory for the imported food items, indicating their suitability for human consumption.

How Damaar Can Help

Now is the opportune moment to establish your business in Dubai Mainland. The regulatory landscape is crafted to foster business growth, offering flexibility and ease in the setup process, accommodating both novice entrepreneurs and seasoned businesses alike.

Recent legislation abolishes the necessity of a local sponsor for foreign entrepreneurs, granting full ownership of their company shares. While navigating the intricacies of business setup can be daunting, Damaar stands ready to assist. Our seasoned experts streamline the process, guiding business owners through the complexities of obtaining the necessary trade licenses for launching a foodstuff business in Mainland Dubai. Trust Damaar to make your business setup journey as smooth as possible.

FAQ

Typically, the process takes around 1 to 2 weeks once all required documents are submitted and approved.

It will cost approximately AED 10K to 12K. However, the charges might change with time.

No, an Alcohol permit has to be taken under a Restaurant, Hotel, or Club Business license from The Police Headquarters, Alcohol Permits Department.

Renewal requires updated documents such as a trade license copy, lease agreement, and clearance from relevant authorities, typically every year.

Yes. , entities that possess a foodstuff trading license are also authorized to engage in the trading of fruits and vegetables as well.

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