Specialised Products Wholesale Trading License in Dubai: Cost and Requirements
Dubai has long served as a global crossroads for trade, and its free zones continue to attract entrepreneurs seeking streamlined access to international markets. For businesses dealing in waste, scrap, and other specialised products not elsewhere classified, the Specialised Products Wholesale Trading License under Activity Code 4669 at Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers a compelling and cost-effective route to market. This article outlines everything you need to know about the license, from what it covers and who it suits, to setup costs, compliance requirements, and the strategic advantages of operating in Dubai.
What the License Covers
The Specialised Products Wholesale Trading License falls under the Trading category and is classified under ISIC Activity Code 4669, which covers the wholesale of waste, scrap, and other products not elsewhere classified (n.e.c.). This activity encompasses the bulk buying and selling of residual materials, industrial by-products, recyclable commodities, and miscellaneous goods that do not fit neatly into standard product categories.
Typical tradeable items under this license include:
Ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metals
Industrial waste materials suitable for recycling
Paper, plastic, and rubber scrap
Electronic waste and components
Other miscellaneous wholesale goods not classified under standard categories
This breadth makes the license particularly valuable for traders operating in circular economy supply chains, recycling industries, and commodity resale markets.
Who This License Suits
The 4669 license is well suited to a range of business profiles, including:
Recycling and waste management companies seeking a UAE trading base
Import and export traders dealing in industrial by-products
Commodity brokers handling scrap and residual materials
Entrepreneurs looking to re-export goods across the GCC, Africa, and Asia
International businesses establishing a regional hub in the Middle East
The free zone structure is particularly attractive to foreign investors, as it permits 100% foreign ownership without the need for a local UAE sponsor.
Dubai Market Context
The UAE's strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa positions it as one of the world's most active re-export hubs. Dubai alone handles a significant share of regional trade in recycled materials and scrap commodities, driven by strong demand from South Asian and African manufacturing markets. The UAE government's commitment to sustainability and circular economy initiatives has further elevated the profile of waste and scrap trading as a legitimate and growing sector. Dubai South, in particular, is home to the Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port proximity, making it an ideal logistics base for wholesale traders.
Key Stats at a Glance
Activity Code: 4669
License Type: Trading License
Free Zone: Dubai South Business Hub
Foreign Ownership: 100% permitted
Estimated Setup Cost: From AED 12,000 to AED 20,000 (license fees vary by package)
Typical Timeline: 3 to 7 working days for license issuance
Corporate Tax Rate: 9% on taxable income above AED 375,000 (0% below threshold)
VAT Rate: 5% (with export exemptions applicable)
Setup Costs and Steps
Setting up a Specialised Products Wholesale Trading License at Dubai South Business Hub is a straightforward process. Costs typically include the license fee, registration fee, and any applicable visa or flexi-desk charges. Estimated total setup costs range from AED 12,000 to AED 20,000, depending on the package selected and the number of visas required.
Step-by-Step Setup Process
Step 1: Choose your business activity and confirm Activity Code 4669 applies to your trade
Step 2: Submit your application to Dubai South Business Hub with required documents
Step 3: Provide passport copies, business plan (if required), and proof of address
Step 4: Pay the applicable license and registration fees
Step 5: Receive your trading license, typically within 3 to 7 working days
Step 6: Open a corporate bank account and activate your trade operations
Licensing and Compliance Requirements
License holders under Activity Code 4669 must adhere to UAE federal regulations governing the import, export, and re-export of waste and scrap materials. Key compliance considerations include:
Registration with the relevant UAE environmental authority where required for waste-related activities
Adherence to UAE customs regulations for cross-border shipments
Compliance with UAE Corporate Tax Law, including registration with the Federal Tax Authority
VAT registration if annual taxable turnover exceeds AED 375,000
Maintaining proper trade documentation including invoices, bills of lading, and certificates of origin
Why Dubai South is Strategically Positioned
Dubai South Business Hub offers free zone companies a range of operational advantages. Its proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and easy access to Jebel Ali Port significantly reduce logistics costs for wholesale traders. The free zone also provides customs duty exemptions on imports and exports, repatriation of 100% of profits and capital, and a tax-efficient environment ideal for international trading operations. For scrap and waste traders, the ability to consolidate, repackage, and re-export goods from a single logistics hub is a major operational benefit.
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