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How to Start a Garments Accessories Trading Business with Meydan Free Zone
Garments accessories trading covers the wholesale, import, and distribution of the components, trims, and finishing accessories that are attached to or sold alongside garments -- a commercially distinct category from the retail sale of clothing. The UAE occupies a strategic position as a regional garments accessories trading hub, given its proximity to major Asian manufacturing centres, its free zone infrastructure, and its role as a distribution gateway for the GCC and MENA garment and fashion industry.
The UAE apparel market reached AED 50.3 billion in 2023 and the broader fashion supply chain generates significant demand for buttons, zippers, labels, threads, elastic, and all garment components and accessories.[1] The UAE's own modest fashion and abaya manufacturing sector, alongside import and re-export trade, sustains consistent demand for garments accessories traders.
Who is this for?
| Audience Segment | Profile |
|---|---|
| B2B AND SUPPLY CHAIN | Garments Accessories Wholesalers and Importers Wholesalers and importers supplying buttons, zippers, labels, threads, elastics, ribbons, and all garment trims and accessories to UAE fashion manufacturers, alteration and tailoring businesses, and regional garment producers. |
| RETAIL AND CRAFT | Retail Haberdashery and Craft Accessories Traders Traders supplying sewing accessories, haberdashery items, garment fasteners, and craft and fashion accessories to consumer retail channels, online stores, and craft enthusiasts in the UAE. |
4771.87 - Garments Accessories Trading
Activity 4771.87 covers the trading of garments accessories, interpreted within the retail sale of clothing, footwear and leather articles in specialised stores. This encompasses buttons, zippers and zip fasteners, press studs, hooks and eyes, elastic and elastic webbing, sewing thread, labels and woven patches, ribbons and trims, appliques and embellishments, lining materials, shoulder pads, and all components and accessories used in the manufacture, finishing, or embellishment of garments.
Activity 4771.87 covers garments accessories as components and trims. Retail sale of complete clothing articles falls under 4771.01.
Textiles sold by the metre fall under separate textile retail categories.
In short: if you are trading garments accessories, trims, and components used in clothing production and finishing, you are in. Complete clothing articles fall under 4771.01.
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Buttons and fastenersPlastic, metal, shell, and fabric buttons, snap fasteners, hooks, eyes, and all garment closure components. | Labels, patches and embellishments Woven labels, printed labels, brand tags, embroidered patches, heat-transfer labels, and garment embellishments. |
| Zippers and slidersAll-purpose zippers, invisible zippers, waterproof zippers, zip sliders, and zipper components for garment and accessories manufacture. | Thread and sewing accessories Polyester and cotton sewing thread, embroidery thread, seam tape, interfacing, and essential sewing and tailoring accessories. |
| Elastic, ribbons and trims | Elastic webbing, decorative ribbon, bias tape, braiding, fringe, and all fabric trims and finishing accessories. |
Third-Party Approval
This activity does not require third-party approval to obtain a business license from Meydan Free Zone.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
This business activity is not subject to AML compliance requirements.
References
- ¹ GlobalData. (2024). UAE Apparel Market Size, Consumer Insights, Competitive Landscape and Forecast to 2028. globaldata.com
