Dubai Foodstuff Trading Licence 2026 | Cost & Approvals
A foodstuff trading licence in Dubai costs AED 18,000–35,000 all-in for 2026. You must register with the Dubai Municipality Food Safety Department, obtain a Dubai Customs code, and secure a DET commercial licence with the correct activity code. Processing takes 7–10 working days once all documents are submitted.
What Is a Foodstuff Trading Licence in Dubai?
A foodstuff trading licence authorises your company to import, distribute, store, and sell food products (fresh, frozen, packaged, or specialty items) within Dubai and the UAE. This falls under DET (Department of Economy and Tourism) commercial licensing and requires separate approval from the Dubai Municipality Food Safety Department. Whether you're setting up a Dubai business setup focused on food imports or local distribution, the licence covers both wholesale and retail operations. Your activity code must match the DET's foodstuff trading classification to remain compliant.
Need help identifying the right activity code? Contact DBS on WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846.
2026 Cost Breakdown: AED 18,000–35,000 All-In
The total cost for a foodstuff trading licence in Dubai ranges from AED 18,000 to AED 35,000 depending on licence size, storage facility, and jurisdictional fees:
| Component | Cost Range (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DET Commercial Licence (annual) | 3,000–8,000 | Based on licence category & capital |
| Municipality Food Safety Registration | 2,500–5,000 | Initial & annual renewal |
| Customs Code & Registration | 1,500–3,000 | One-time or annual |
| Warehouse/Storage Compliance & Inspection | 5,000–12,000 | Layout approval, temperature control, labelling setup |
| Professional Services (consultancy, documentation) | 6,000–10,000 | DBS & legal advisors |
| Miscellaneous (visas, MOA, trade licence) | 1,500–3,000 | Dependent on sponsorship structure |
Exact costs depend on your company's legal structure (free-zone vs. mainland) and import volume.
Dubai Municipality Food Safety Department Approval
The Dubai Municipality Food Safety Department is the primary regulatory body for all foodstuff activities in Dubai. Before you can legally operate, you must:
- Submit a food safety plan detailing storage conditions, handling procedures, and labelling standards
- Pass a warehouse inspection confirming temperature control, hygiene, pest control, and traceability systems
- Register all food categories you intend to trade (e.g. dairy, meat, vegetables, prepared foods)
- Obtain a food establishment licence valid for two years, then renew annually
The Municipality also monitors labelling compliance: all products must display ingredient lists, expiry dates, country of origin, and Arabic translations. Non-compliance incurs fines up to AED 50,000.
Dubai Customs Code & Import Registration
Every foodstuff importer must register with Dubai Customs and obtain a customs code (HS code and UAE import code). This code is mandatory for:
- Clearing shipments at Dubai ports (Jebel Ali Port or Dubai Airport)
- Declaring food items to UAE customs authorities
- Linking your DET commercial licence to customs records
- Complying with UAE food safety and quarantine protocols
Your customs code is issued by the General Authority of Customs (GAC) and must be referenced on all import declarations. Without this, goods will be held at port, incurring demurrage charges. DBS ensures your code is registered before your licence becomes active.
Unsure which HS code applies to your product? Email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com for expert guidance.
DET Activity Code & Commercial Licence Requirements
The DET (under Dubai Economy & Tourism) assigns a specific activity code for foodstuff trading. Common codes include:
- 4629: Wholesale of other non-specialised food products
- 4721: Retail sale of food in specialised stores (e.g. organic, halal)
- 4711: Supermarkets & general food retail
- 5210: Warehousing & storage of food products
Your DET commercial licence must state your chosen activity code(s). If you operate across multiple categories (import, wholesale, and retail), you may need a combined licence or additional endorsements. Your licence capital (registered investment) typically ranges from AED 100,000 to AED 500,000 depending on scale.
Warehouse & Storage Compliance & Labelling Standards
Dubai Municipality and the UAE Ministry of Climate Change & Environment (MOCCAE) enforce strict storage rules:
- Temperature control: Frozen items must be stored at –18°C or below; chilled items at 0–5°C
- Segregation: Raw and ready-to-eat products must be stored separately
- Labelling: All products require Arabic labels with nutritional information, allergens, and traceability codes
- Documentation: Maintain supplier certificates, food safety test reports, and import permits
- Pest control & hygiene: Monthly inspections and certified pest-control logs required
Warehouse layout must be approved by the Municipality before operation. Budget AED 5,000–12,000 for initial compliance and annual re-certification. Breaches result in suspension of your food licence and potential criminal liability.
Timeline & Next Steps
The typical setup timeline for a foodstuff trading licence is 7–10 working days once all documents are ready:
- Days 1–2: Submit DET application, passport copies, and warehouse layout
- Days 3–4: Municipality inspection of storage facility
- Days 5–6: Customs registration and code issuance
- Days 7–10: Licence issuance & trade licence collection
Delays occur if warehouse layout requires modification or if documentation is incomplete. DBS manages all submissions to the DET, Municipality, and Customs, reducing your administrative burden. Our Dubai business setup consultants will guide you through each step and flag any risks early.
Ready to start? WhatsApp +971 54 332 2846 or email inquiry@dubaibusinessservices.com today.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a foodstuff trading licence cost in Dubai in 2026?
A foodstuff trading licence costs AED 18,000–35,000 all-in. This includes the DET commercial licence (AED 3,000–8,000), Municipality food safety registration (AED 2,500–5,000), customs code registration (AED 1,500–3,000), warehouse compliance & inspection (AED 5,000–12,000), and professional services (AED 6,000–10,000). Costs vary by licence size, storage facility, and your company's legal structure (mainland vs. free-zone).
What approvals does Dubai Municipality require for foodstuff trading?
Dubai Municipality Food Safety Department requires: (1) a food safety plan detailing storage, handling, and labelling protocols; (2) warehouse inspection confirming temperature control, hygiene, and traceability systems; (3) registration of all food categories you intend to trade; (4) a food establishment licence valid for two years. Annual renewal is mandatory. Products must display Arabic labels with ingredient lists, expiry dates, and country of origin.
Do I need a Dubai Customs code to import food into Dubai?
Yes. Every food importer must obtain a customs code (HS code and UAE import code) from the General Authority of Customs (GAC). This code is mandatory for clearing shipments at Jebel Ali Port or Dubai Airport, declaring food items to customs, and linking your DET commercial licence to customs records. Without it, goods are held at port and incur demurrage charges.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a foodstuff trading company in Dubai?
Yes, if you set up in a designated free zone (e.g. Jafza, DMCC, or Dubai Airport Free Zone). On the mainland (outside free zones), UAE regulations typically require a local Emirati sponsor or partner holding at least 51% ownership, though this varies by emirate. Free-zone licences permit 100% foreign ownership. DBS advises on the optimal structure for your situation.
How long does it take to get a foodstuff trading licence in Dubai?
The standard timeline is 7–10 working days once all documents are submitted. This includes DET application review (2 days), Municipality warehouse inspection (2 days), customs registration (2 days), and final licence issuance (2–4 days). Delays can occur if warehouse layout requires modification or documentation is incomplete. DBS manages all submissions to expedite the process.
What food storage and labelling rules apply in Dubai?
Dubai Municipality and UAE MOCCAE enforce strict rules: frozen items must be stored at –18°C or below; chilled items at 0–5°C. Raw and ready-to-eat products must be segregated. All products require Arabic labels with nutritional information, allergens, and traceability codes. Monthly pest-control logs and hygiene inspections are mandatory. Warehouse layout must be pre-approved by the Municipality before operation.
What DET activity code do I need for foodstuff trading?
Common DET activity codes for food trading include: 4629 (wholesale non-specialised food), 4721 (retail food specialists), 4711 (supermarkets & general retail), and 5210 (food warehousing & storage). Your commercial licence must state your chosen code(s). If you operate across multiple categories, you may need a combined licence or additional endorsements. Registered capital typically ranges from AED 100,000 to AED 500,000.
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