The UAE is known not just for its towering skyscrapers but also for being a powerful re-export hub for the world. If you’re in the hardware or building material business, especially as a shopkeeper or trader, there’s an opportunity you might be underutilizing—using UAE Free Zones to re-export your items tariff-free.
Yes, you read that right. Let’s break down how it works and how you can benefit without setting up a massive operation.
🚢 What is Re-Exporting?
Re-exporting means importing goods into the UAE (without paying import duty) and then exporting them to another country, again without paying any local taxes or tariffs.
This is legal, tax-efficient, and encouraged—especially when done through UAE’s free zones like JAFZA, Sharjah Airport Free Zone, RAKEZ, and others.
🛃 Why Use Free Zones?
Free zones are special economic areas where:
- No customs duties are levied on imported or exported goods (unless you sell them inside the UAE).
- You get 100% foreign ownership, no local sponsor needed.
- Paperwork is faster, and you get access to world-class logistics.
For shopkeepers, this means you can:
- Import hardware in bulk.
- Store it in a free zone warehouse.
- Ship globally without paying VAT or customs in the UAE.
🛠️ Perfect for Hardware and Tools
Think of items like:
- Fasteners (nuts, bolts, screws)
- Power tools
- Paint accessories
- Pipes and fittings
These items have great demand in Africa, India, and Eastern Europe—and UAE is the perfect middleman.
✈️ How It Works in Simple Steps
- Open a free zone company – Many zones offer low-cost packages for traders.
- Import your stock into your free zone warehouse. No duties paid.
- Get orders from international clients.
- Re-export the items directly from the warehouse.
- No UAE tax, no import duty, and clean documentation for global shipping.
You can even sell through online B2B platforms, trade fairs, or use freight forwarding companies for smaller loads.
💼 Do You Need a Big Setup?
No. Many free zones offer flexi-desks or shared warehouses. You don’t need a huge office or staff.
If you’re already in business in Deira, Sharjah, or Ajman, you can use a free zone as a re-export base while continuing your local sales in your mainland shop.
📌 Final Thought
Re-exporting from UAE free zones is a smart move for small traders, especially those dealing in durable hardware items. With zero customs, faster processing, and global market access, it gives you a powerful way to grow internationally—without moving abroad.
If you haven’t explored this yet, now is the time. Talk to a free zone consultant or visit their website—you might be just a few steps away from opening your global branch.
