Questions & Answers
Restrictions on starting an e-commerce business in the UAE
We are in the phase of establishing an e-commerce business that will mainly market and sell apparels and accessories within the United Arab Emirates and potentially in some of ME countries.
The items intended for sale are from different well-known brands, including many brands that have either agents or retail outlets within this region. However, these items are not of the latest collections.
In addition, they are liquidated from previous years’ collections and imported from different countries. For this, we have the following enquiry:
- Are there any legal restrictions to trade with international brands business that have potentially agents within the country (Noting that imported items are genuine but not latest)?
- Are there any other considerations you could highlight to us, or if you may provide advice on the above-intended business setup?
Best regards,
M. Z.
Dear Mr M. Z.,
Thanks for keeping in contact with me.
There is no restriction in trading an international brand here provided the existing agents don't have exclusivity in their agency agreement.
For starting up the above e-commerce business, even though it is not latest items, you have to get the proper trade license for trading which will cover the e-trade also from the approved business consultants who can arrange the required license and other facilities for your to start the trade.
Hope this answer will serve your purpose. Please feel free to contact me at 0556635526 or WhatsApp me at 0508575526 if you need any further assistance or clarification on this.
Regards,
Anitha Rajeev
