Basic Non Ferrous Metal Products Trading License in Dubai
The global non-ferrous metals market continues to expand as industries from construction and electronics to aerospace and renewable energy demand reliable supplies of copper, aluminium, zinc, lead, and tin. Dubai sits at the crossroads of these supply chains, and entrepreneurs who secure a Basic Non Ferrous Metal Products Trading License in Dubai are well placed to capitalise on that position. Whether you are sourcing from Asia, supplying to Africa, or serving the GCC construction boom, this license provides the legal framework to trade freely and profitably.
What the License Covers
Issued under Activity Code 4752.76 and classified as a Trading License in the Trading category, this license authorises the wholesale and retail trade of basic non-ferrous metal products. Covered commodities typically include:
Copper and copper alloy products such as rods, sheets, tubes, and wire
Aluminium profiles, ingots, coils, and sheets
Zinc, lead, tin, and nickel in primary and semi-fabricated forms
Brass and bronze products
Non-ferrous scrap and secondary metals intended for resale
The license does not cover ferrous metals such as iron and steel, nor does it extend to the manufacturing or processing of these materials. Businesses that wish to add value through cutting, bending, or alloying would require a separate industrial or manufacturing license.
The Dubai and UAE Market Context
The UAE is one of the Middle East's largest re-export hubs, and metals are among its most traded commodities. Dubai's Jebel Ali Port ranks among the top ten container ports in the world, giving traders direct access to over 150 shipping routes. The UAE's non-oil foreign trade exceeded AED 2.2 trillion in recent years, with metals and related products forming a significant share of that volume. Demand from Saudi Arabia, India, East Africa, and Central Asia continues to drive growth, making a Dubai-based metals trading operation commercially attractive.
Why Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is strategically located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport and within close proximity to Jebel Ali Port. This dual connectivity makes it one of the most logistics-friendly free zones in the region. Key advantages include:
100 per cent foreign ownership with no local sponsor requirement
Zero corporate and personal income tax
Full repatriation of profits and capital
Streamlined business registration and visa processing
Access to world-class warehousing and logistics infrastructure
Key Stats at a Glance
Activity Code: 4752.76
License Type: Trading License
Foreign Ownership: 100 per cent permitted
Corporate Tax: 0 per cent on qualifying free zone income
Typical Setup Timeline: 3 to 7 working days
Minimum Share Capital: Subject to authority requirements at time of application
Visa Eligibility: Multiple investor and employee visas available
Port Access: Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport within close proximity
Who This License Suits
The Basic Non Ferrous Metal Products Trading License is well suited to a broad range of business profiles, including:
International metals traders looking to establish a Middle East distribution hub
Importers supplying construction and manufacturing companies across the GCC
Entrepreneurs seeking to build re-export businesses targeting Africa and South Asia
Existing businesses in Europe or Asia wishing to open a regional sales office with full trading rights
Scrap metal dealers and commodity brokers requiring a compliant UAE entity
Setup Steps and Costs
Setting up a metals trading company in Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone follows a straightforward process:
Choose your business activity: Confirm Activity Code 4752.76 and any complementary activities you wish to include.
Select a company structure: Free zone limited liability company (FZ-LLC) is the most common choice for trading operations.
Reserve your trade name: Submit two or three preferred names for approval in line with UAE naming conventions.
Submit incorporation documents: Provide passport copies, visa pages, and any relevant business background documentation.
Obtain your license: Once documents are approved and fees are paid, the license is typically issued within three to seven working days.
Open a corporate bank account: Several UAE and international banks operate in the free zone ecosystem.
Apply for visas: Investor and employee visas can be processed once the license is active.
Costs vary depending on the office package selected, the number of visas required, and any optional services such as nominee services or accounting support. Prospective investors should request a detailed cost breakdown from an authorised registration agent.
Licensing and Compliance Requirements
Holders of this license must comply with the following ongoing obligations:
Annual license renewal and payment of renewal fees
Maintenance of a registered office address within the free zone
Adherence to UAE Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, particularly important in metals trading
Compliance with UAE customs procedures for import, export, and re-export of goods
Corporate tax registration with the Federal Tax Authority where applicable under the UAE Corporate Tax Law effective from June 2023
VAT registration if annual taxable supplies exceed AED 375,000
Re-Export and Logistics Advantages
One of the most commercially significant benefits of holding a non-ferrous metals trading license in Dubai is the ability to re-export goods efficiently. Dubai South's proximity to Jebel Ali means traders can consolidate shipments from multiple origins, store them in bonded or non-bonded warehouses, and redistribute them across more than 100 countries. The UAE has signed free trade agreements and preferential trade arrangements with numerous markets, further reducing costs for compliant re-exporters.
Related Activities
Building Metal Products Trading Business
Basic Steel Products Trading Trading License
Non-Manufactured Precious Metal Trading Trading License
