United Arab Emirates - Limitations on Selling US Products and ServicesUAE - Sales Limitations
- Finding a Distributor: In the UAE, companies can enter the market solely or through a local distributor who will act as an agent for the American company. It is advisable to enter the UAE through a local distributor that knows the market and is well established among customers. The process of finding the right distributor can take time, money and effort but finding the right distributor to work with is essential to your success.
- Ownership Restrictions: As a general rule, a foreign company intending to conduct business in the UAE must do it by: participation with a local company or other commercial entity; establishment of a branch office; appointment of a commercial agent or distributor; or establishment of a branch or subsidiary in one of the free zones of the UAE Outside of the free zones, foreign ownership is generally limited to 49 percent, with the remaining 51 percent to be held by UAE nationals.
- Federal Laws and Individual Emirate Rules: Each emirate retains certain local regulatory powers. This includes commercial activities such as the issuance of trade licenses and the incorporation of corporate entities (where the activity is not already regulated under federal legislation). The interaction of federal laws, individual emirate laws, and free zone laws can be complex and confusing. Companies are advised to seek out qualified and experienced professional advice before embarking on any significant business venture.
- Customs Import Tariffs: Companies located in the numerous free zones across the UAE are exempt from the tariff on imports and re-exports that do not leave the zones. The exceptions to the five percent tariff in the UAE are a 50 percent tariff for fizzy drinks and a 100 percent tariff for energy drinks and tobacco. There are significant restrictions on importation of firearms and pork.