Can I import branded shoes and resell them to another business under my company’s invoice?

Dear Sir/Madam,

Thank you for your inquiry regarding the importation and resale of branded products in Dubai.

We appreciate your interest in conducting business with branded merchandise. However, we must advise that the proposed arrangement would not comply with the brand's established distribution policies and legal agreements.

Brands maintain strict control over their distribution channels to ensure product authenticity, maintain brand integrity, and uphold quality standards. As such, only authorized retailers and distributors are permitted to resell branded products.

Their authorized distributor in Dubai would indeed have concerns with unauthorized reselling activities, as these would contravene their exclusive distribution rights in the region.

To legally engage in the resale of branded products, we recommend exploring the possibility of becoming an authorized retailer.

This typically involves meeting specific criteria they set and entering into a formal agreement with the company or its regional distributor.

We hope this information is helpful to you. Should you require further clarification or wish to explore authorized business opportunities with them, please do not hesitate to contact their regional office or their authorized distributor in Dubai.

Yours sincerely,

Yes, you can import genuine branded shoes for resale. However, verify compliance with UAE customs regulations and ensure you have the right to resell the products, as the authorized distributor may have exclusive rights.

For tailored advice and to address any potential issues, please contact us.

Hello,

Importing and reselling genuine branded products in Dubai under your company’s invoice involves legal considerations related to intellectual property rights, trademark protections, and commercial agency laws.

While the products are genuine, the key legal issue is whether the authorized distributor of the brand in the UAE holds exclusive distribution rights that could prevent parallel imports.

Under Federal Law No. (36) of 2021 on the Regulation of Commercial Agencies, exclusive distributors or registered commercial agents have the right to take legal action against any entity that imports and resells products without their authorisation if the brand is registered under a commercial agency agreement in the UAE.

The law states that goods covered by an exclusive agency agreement cannot be imported by third parties for trade purposes without the agent’s approval.

However, if the brand’s authorised distributor does not have an exclusive agency agreement registered with the Ministry of Economy, then parallel imports—where genuine products are sourced from other markets and resold may not be prohibited.

It is advisable to check the official UAE commercial agency register to confirm whether the brand’s authorised distributor has exclusive rights.

Additionally, you should ensure compliance with Dubai’s import regulations, including customs approvals and the necessary trade license scope for your company.

Dear Questioner,

Thank you for your inquiry!

Regarding your question about importing and reselling branded shoes in Dubai, you need to be mindful of the following legal aspects:

- Authorized Distributors and Trademark Law:

A brand typically has authorized distributors in the UAE. Without explicit permission from the authorized distributor or the brand itself, importing and reselling branded products may violate trademark laws and distribution rights.

The authorized distributor could potentially take legal action against you for infringement.

- Customs and Import Regulations:

Importing branded products through unofficial channels may lead to issues with UAE Customs and could result in fines or confiscation.

To avoid potential legal risks, we recommend obtaining authorization from the official brand distributor or contacting the brand directly to secure the proper rights to import and resell their products.

If you require further assistance in navigating these legalities, feel free to contact us for detailed advice and guidance.

Best regards,

Mohammed Salah

Legal Consultant

Thank you for your inquiry!

While you can import and resell genuine branded products under your company’s invoice, there are key legal considerations to keep in mind.

In the UAE, parallel importation (importing genuine products without going through the authorized distributor) is generally allowed unless the brand has registered its trademark with specific distribution restrictions.

If the authorized distributor of the brand in Dubai holds exclusive rights, they may challenge your imports, citing trademark or commercial agency protections under UAE law.

To ensure compliance and avoid potential legal disputes, I recommend a thorough legal review of your business model and supply chain.

I have advised clients on similar matters and can assist you in structuring your operations within the legal framework.

Please reach out to me via WhatsApp or phone at [----------] to discuss this further and ensure your business remains protected.

Best regards,

Suhail Rana