What’s the difference between General Trading and Grocery store in Dubai?

Dubai is popularly known as the business hub of the Middle East. Over the last 2 decades, there has been an immense growth in the financial, business, trade and logistics sectors, due to which their substantial contribution towards the world economy. Due to a favorable business environment and backing from the government, many business people are opting for starting a new business in Dubai. Huge demand for goods, ease of doing business and proximity to the emerging markets make Dubai one of the most sought-after locations for starting a new business.

General Trading

If you have multiple trading activities that are in the same or different industries then a general trade license covers it all. The activities under the general trading license in Dubai include export, import or trading of goods or products like clothes, accessories, furniture, electronics, etc. Those who wish to do wholesale business should also have a general trade license. One of the benefits of having a general trading license is, a company can trade within Dubai and other Emirates. It is important to note that there are regulated products such as alcoholic beverages, pharmaceutical products, and frozen goods, and so on that require special approval from the respective authority to be traded. Due to tremendous opportunities in local as well as national and international markets, a trader has the advantage of exploiting all the trading possibilities.

Dubai provides 3 main options to its entrepreneurs for business setup in the Emirate, i.e., they can set up a company in the mainland, free zones or offshore. A business person needs to decide from which area he/she wants to get a trade license in Dubai. Both offshore and free zones have their advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of a General Trading License in Dubai

Tax-free jurisdiction
Local and international trading provision
Auditing is not mandatory
Hassle-free legal process
A wide range of banking facilities
Easy access to visas for employees
No currency restrictions
No requirement of paid-up capital
100% repatriation of capital and profits
Low import duty

Obtaining a general trading license in Dubai can be of immense advantage to a businessman. Due to the pro-business policies of the government, investors are flocking to start a company in Dubai. Once you decide to set up a company in Dubai, do go through all the rules, regulations and procedures before making a decision; unawareness and lack of knowledge can lead to undesirable overheads. To make things simpler on getting a general trading license in Dubai, we at Anuvi business solutions have advisors who can help you through the whole process. If you are looking to set up a business in Dubai, do contact us, even if it’s just for friendly advice.

Grocery Store

A grocery store primarily retails a general range of food products, which may be fresh or packaged. There is a rebuttable presumption that if a store receives seventy percent (70%) or more revenue from retailing a general range of food products, then it qualifies as a grocery store.

Opening a grocery store in Dubai offers several opportunities and multiple trading avenues. These little stores selling a range of general food products and small items can be found all over Dubai and the UAE. The lucrative UAE market and large foreign investments have always made business setup in Dubai appealing and profitable. This in turn attracts small entrepreneurs to open a grocery store in Dubai.

However, every business setup is different and must follow different sets of procedures. The Dubai Government has laid out an easy process for individuals wanting to start a grocery store in Dubai. Nevertheless, as a foreign entity entering the international market, opening a grocery store business in the UAE can require guidance and assistance. Therefore, you should get in touch with the business expects at Anuvi and we’ll help you obtain the grocery store license in Dubai.

Every business activity is grouped under a certain license type in Dubai. There are four categories of licenses: commercial license, professional license, tourism license, and industrial license. Getting your grocery license in Dubai for your grocery business, a commercial license is a must. Under a grocery license, only things listed as grocery items can be sold. It does not allow the sale of any products related to medical, herbal, pharmaceutical, or e pharmaceutical, or even cosmetics. Don’t forget to pay the grocery license fee in Dubai within the specified time to ensure that the issued license is valid at all times.

Rules for Grocery License in Dubai

The policy of sale will be acknowledged to the customer through a suitable means of declaration together with the commodities replacement, return or reparation.
If the location of the store is supposed to change, a prior approval must be taken
The DED must have complete knowledge of the existence of any bogus products or supplies in the local market.
It is the duty of the customer to acquire invoice of the goods purchased
The machine for coin operation must be installed only after getting the permit
Sale of products with fake trademark is prohibited by law
Any amendment must not be carried out without the approval of the authority
The commercial name must be same on the license and on the signboard
To sell as well as promote the counterfeit goods is not allowed
One must not display the advertising sign boards on the front wall of the store until and unless the prescribed permit is not obtained
Pots, vegetables, electric devices, fruits, clothing, and toys of kids must not be over display
Products must have date of production and expiry
The groceries in the store must not have sales, discount, and special offers without proper approval
Prices must be clearly visible on all the goods
No business activity will be entertained after 12 am until and unless the applicable permit is obtained
The trademark of the groceries must be registered with the Ministry of Economy for its security
Under the grocery license, one is not allowed to sell any products related to medical, herbal, pharmaceutical, or cosmetic
No store must involve themselves in any promotional campaigns until and unless the parent company gets the permit

These rules must be strictly followed while getting the license and starting a grocery store in Dubai.

The Department of Economic Development is introducing new standards as a part of its efforts to improve the quality of services available to the public in Dubai, particularly in the retail sector, thereby reinforcing Emirate’s position as a preferred shopping destination, nationally and internationally.

If you would like to set up a general trading company or grocery store in Dubai, contact ANUVI Business Solutions today.

For more information, speak/chat with our experts on +971506472494 or email us at info@anuvibs.com.