How to Get a Tannery & Dyeing Materials Trading License in Dubai
Topic Summary
Understand What the License Actually Covers
The Tannery & Dyeing Materials Trading License (activity code 4669.85) authorises buying, selling, importing, exporting, and distributing hides, tanning agents, industrial dyes, and auxiliary chemicals. It does not cover manufacturing or processing, so production operations require a separate industrial license.
Know Exactly Who This License Is For
This license suits international chemical suppliers, GCC-focused re-export traders, and businesses in the fashion or footwear supply chain wanting to control raw material sourcing. It is especially useful for companies bridging Asian manufacturers with Middle Eastern buyers.
Dubai South Free Zone Offers Strategic Advantages
Dubai South sits next to Al Maktoum International Airport, planned to become the world's largest airport, giving license holders strong air freight connectivity for time-sensitive shipments. It also provides easy access to Jebel Ali Port, one of the world's busiest container hubs.
100% Foreign Ownership and Zero Tax Benefits
Businesses licensed in Dubai South Free Zone can be fully foreign-owned with no requirement for a local Emirati partner. Qualifying free zone income attracts zero corporate tax, and profits and capital can be fully repatriated.
Initial Approval Can Take Just Days
The initial approval process for a trading license at Dubai South typically takes only 3 to 7 working days after submitting passport copies, a completed application form, and any required business plan documentation. This makes it one of the faster free zone setup timelines in the UAE.
License Fees Start From AED 12,000 Annually
Annual license fees generally range from AED 12,000 to AED 20,000 depending on the office package selected, whether flexi-desk, shared, or dedicated. Total setup costs will also vary based on visa requirements and any additional regulatory approvals needed.
Dubai Handles 30% of Global Re-Export Trade
The UAE's position as a global re-export hub makes it an ideal base for tannery and dyeing materials traders targeting the GCC and MENA region. Importing from South Asia, Europe, or East Africa and redistributing regionally is a well-established and commercially proven model here.
Global demand for leather goods, textiles, and industrial dyes continues to grow, and the UAE sits at the centre of one of the world's most active trading corridors. For entrepreneurs and established businesses looking to enter this market, securing a Tannery & Dyeing Materials Trading License in Dubai is a practical and commercially sound move. This guide covers everything you need to know, from activity codes and setup costs to compliance requirements and the strategic advantages of operating from Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone.
What the License Covers
The Tannery & Dyeing Materials Trading License operates under activity code 4669.85 and falls within the Trading category. It authorises the holder to buy, sell, import, export, and distribute materials directly related to tannery operations and dyeing processes. This includes:
Tanning agents, including vegetable, mineral, and synthetic tannins
Industrial dyes, pigments, and colourants used in leather and textile processing
Auxiliary chemicals for pre-tanning and finishing processes
Dyeing machinery components and related consumables
The license does not cover manufacturing or processing activities. If you intend to operate a production facility, a separate industrial license category would apply.
Who This License Suits
This trading license is particularly well suited to:
International suppliers of leather chemicals seeking a UAE distribution hub
Trading companies importing dyes and tanning materials from South Asia, Europe, or East Africa for re-export across the GCC and MENA region
Entrepreneurs establishing a sourcing and logistics operation between Asian manufacturers and Middle Eastern buyers
Existing businesses in the fashion, footwear, or upholstery supply chain looking to control their raw material procurement
Why Dubai and Dubai South Free Zone
Dubai handles approximately 30% of global re-export trade and its free zones are a cornerstone of that activity. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone is strategically located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport, which is planned to become the world's largest airport by capacity. This proximity provides exceptional air freight connectivity for time-sensitive chemical and material shipments.
Key advantages of setting up in Dubai South include:
100% foreign ownership with no requirement for a local Emirati partner
Full repatriation of profits and capital
Zero personal income tax and zero corporate tax on qualifying free zone income
Streamlined customs procedures and access to Jebel Ali Port, one of the busiest ports in the world
A business-friendly regulatory environment with dedicated support for trading licenses
Key Stats at a Glance
Activity Code: 4669.85
License Type: Trading License
Category: Trading
Free Zone: Dubai South Business Hub
Foreign Ownership: 100% permitted
Corporate Tax: 0% on qualifying free zone income
UAE Re-export Share: Approximately 30% of global re-exports pass through Dubai
Typical Setup Timeline: 3 to 7 working days for initial approval
Setup Costs and Steps
Setting up a trading license at Dubai South is a structured and efficient process. Costs vary depending on office type, visa requirements, and additional approvals, but the general framework is as follows:
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1 - Choose your business activity: Confirm activity code 4669.85 and ensure it aligns with your intended trade.
Step 2 - Select a package: Dubai South offers flexi-desk, shared office, and dedicated office options to suit different operational scales.
Step 3 - Submit your application: Provide passport copies, a completed application form, and any required business plan documentation.
Step 4 - Obtain initial approval: This typically takes 3 to 7 working days.
Step 5 - Pay license fees and sign your lease: License fees generally start from AED 12,000 to AED 20,000 per year depending on the package selected.
Step 6 - Receive your license and open a corporate bank account: With your license in hand, you can apply to UAE banks for a business account.
Licensing and Compliance Requirements
Trading in tannery and dyeing materials requires attention to several compliance areas. Chemicals classified as hazardous under UAE regulations may require additional approvals from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment or the Dubai Municipality. Importers must also ensure compliance with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) standards for chemical labelling and safety data sheets.
Key compliance considerations include:
Accurate HS code classification for customs declarations
Safety data sheet (SDS) documentation for all chemical products
Compliance with UAE Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 on the Protection and Development of the Environment
Adherence to REACH-equivalent standards where goods are re-exported to European markets
Related Activities
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Frequently Asked Questions
