The UAE is one of the most significant fragrance markets in the world by per capita consumption, with a deep cultural affinity for oud, oriental attars, and luxury Western perfumes that makes the local and regional market commercially distinct from any other. Beyond domestic consumption, Dubai's position as a re-export hub means fragrance traders based here serve markets across the GCC, South Asia, East Africa, and parts of Europe through a single well-located entity. For entrepreneurs entering perfume and fragrance trading, the business case for a Dubai base is supported by both the demand side and the logistics infrastructure. This guide covers the setup costs and license structure at Dubai South. 

What Does a Perfume and Fragrance Trading License Cover? 

A perfume and fragrance trading license authorises your business to import, export, and wholesale perfumes, colognes, attars, oud products, fragrance ingredients, aroma chemicals, and personal care products incorporating fragrance. This spans luxury branded fragrances, private label perfumes, fragrance raw materials, incense products, and agarwood-based items. For businesses combining fragrance with broader beauty and personal care trading, the trading hub page outlines how a wider product license can be built. 

Perfume and Fragrance Trading License Requirements 

Standard free zone registration documents include: passport copy for all shareholders, proof of residential address, and a proposed company name. Fragrance products imported into the UAE must comply with UAE.S GSO technical standards for cosmetics and personal care, including fragrance allergen labelling requirements. Products containing certain regulated ingredients require documentation confirming compliance with IFRA standards. 

Relevant Activity Codes 

Activity codes for perfume and fragrance trading businesses at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone: 

• 4649.09, Wholesale of Perfumery, Cosmetics and Soaps 

• 4721.88, Flavours and Fragrances Trading 

• 4772.93, Agarwood and Incense Trading 

• 4772.94, Beauty and Personal Care Requisites Trading 

• 4772.96, Soap and Hair Care Products Trading 

Browse the full list of trading activity codes on the business activities page. 

Cost of a Perfume and Fragrance Trading License 

A trading license at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone starts from AED 12,500 per year. The first five activity codes are included at no additional cost, covering perfumery, fragrance, incense, and personal care under one license. Use the cost calculator to generate a personalised itemised estimate for your setup.

Setting Up Your Fragrance Trading Company 

Verify your preferred company name using the name check tool, then complete the digital application. Your license is typically issued within one business day. With your license in place, you benefit from 100% foreign ownership, zero personal income tax, and full repatriation of your trading profits, with no UAE national sponsor required. For fragrance businesses trading high-value goods globally, Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone's direct access to Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport provides material logistics advantages. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What license do I need to trade perfumes in Dubai? 

You need a free zone trade license with relevant perfumery and fragrance trading activity codes at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. 

Can I trade both Western luxury perfumes and traditional oud products under one license? 

Yes. Activity codes for wholesale perfumery (4649.09) and agarwood and incense trading (4772.93) can be combined under one license. The first five codes are included at no additional cost. 

Can a foreigner own 100% of a fragrance trading company in Dubai? 

Yes. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone permits full foreign ownership with no UAE national partner required. 

What is the minimum cost for a perfume trading license in Dubai? 

A trading license at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone starts from AED 12,500 per year. 

Are there labelling requirements for fragrance products imported into Dubai? 

Yes. Fragrance and personal care products must comply with UAE.S GSO labelling standards. Labels must be in Arabic and English and comply with relevant fragrance safety and allergen disclosure requirements. 

Can I trade fragrance raw materials and finished products under the same license? 

Yes. Flavours and Fragrances Trading (4721.88) alongside Wholesale of Perfumery (4649.09) covers both raw materials and finished fragrance products under the same license. 

Do I need any special approvals to import perfumes into the UAE? 

Standard customs documentation and GSO compliance apply. Fragrance products containing alcohol require confirmation of compliance with UAE import regulations for alcohol-containing goods. 

Can a free zone fragrance company sell to UAE mainland retailers? 

A local distributor arrangement is typically required for direct sales to UAE mainland retail stores. Free zone companies can freely export internationally and trade within the free zone. 

Is the Dubai fragrance market a good opportunity for a new trading business? 

The UAE fragrance market is one of the highest per capita consumption markets in the world and continues to grow. Both the premium Western fragrance segment and the traditional oud and attar category offer genuine commercial opportunities for well-structured trading businesses. 

Can I develop my own fragrance brand and trade it through a Dubai company? 

Yes. A Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone trading company can import, brand, and distribute private label fragrances under your company's own brand identity.