Table of Contents
Topic Summary
Massive Market Demand Drives Packaging Opportunities
The global packaging market was valued at USD 1.1 trillion in 2024 and is growing at a CAGR of 4.7%. Dubai's role as a top logistics hub, with Jebel Ali handling over 14 million TEUs annually, creates consistent, high-volume demand for packaging consumables.
Activity 4773.d2 Covers a Wide Product Range
This trading activity includes corrugated cartons, stretch film, shrink wrap, bubble wrap, foam, pallet wrap, packaging tape, void fill materials, and food-grade films and pouches. Essentially, any consumable used in product packaging, logistics, or distribution falls under this license.
Know Which Activity Code Applies to You
Activity 4773.d2 specifically covers packaging materials and consumables, not machinery or general paper products. Packaging machinery falls under 4773.a6, while broader paper products are covered by 4773.d1.
E-Commerce and Logistics Sectors Are Key Customers
Traders under this activity can supply corrugated boxes, tape, and protective packaging directly to e-commerce fulfilment centres, 3PL operators, and distribution companies. The UAE's booming e-commerce sector makes this a particularly strong growth segment.
Food and Industrial Markets Offer Strong Opportunities
Distributors can supply food-grade films, pouches, trays, and shrink wrap to food manufacturers, FMCG producers, and industrial exporters. These sectors require reliable, compliant packaging materials in large and recurring volumes.
No Third-Party Approval Required to Get Licensed
Setting up under activity 4773.d2 with Meydan Free Zone does not require any third-party regulatory approval, simplifying and speeding up the licensing process. This activity is also not subject to AML compliance requirements.
How to Start a Packing & Packaging Materials Trading Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
Packing and packaging materials are a foundational consumable for every manufacturing, logistics, e-commerce, food production, and retail operation in the UAE. The UAE's rapidly growing e-commerce market — projected to reach AED 3.5 billion in food delivery alone — and its position as one of the world's most active logistics hubs (Jebel Ali handling 14 million+ TEUs annually) generate enormous demand for packaging materials.
The global packaging market was valued at USD 1.1 trillion in 2024 and is growing at a CAGR of 4.7%.[1] Distinct from 4773.a6 which covers packaging machinery and equipment, activity 4773.d2 covers the materials themselves — cartons, stretch film, shrink wrap, foam, bubble wrap, tape, and the full range of secondary and tertiary packaging consumables that every supply chain operation requires.
4773.d2 - Packing & Packaging Materials Trading
Activity 4773.d2 covers the trading of packing and packaging materials. This encompasses corrugated cartons and boxes, stretch film, shrink wrap, bubble wrap, foam packaging, packaging tape and dispensers, pallet wrap, void fill materials, food packaging films, bags and pouches, Styrofoam and protective packaging, and all packaging materials and consumables used in product packaging, logistics, and distribution operations.
Activity 4773.d2 covers packing and packaging materials. Packaging machinery and equipment are covered under activity 4773.a6.
Paper products broadly fall under activity 4773.d1.
In short: if you are trading packing and packaging materials and consumables, you are in. Packaging machines fall under 4773.a6 and general paper products under 4773.d1.
Who is this for?
| Audience Segment | Profile |
|---|---|
| E-COMMERCE & LOGISTICS | Logistics & E-commerce Packaging Materials Traders Traders supplying corrugated boxes, stretch film, tape, bubble wrap, and packaging materials to e-commerce fulfilment centres, 3PL logistics operators, and distribution companies packaging goods for UAE and export markets. |
| FOOD & INDUSTRIAL | Food & Industrial Packaging Materials Distributors Distributors supplying food-grade packaging films, trays, pouches, shrink wrap, and industrial packaging materials to food manufacturers, FMCG producers, and industrial goods exporters. |
Activity Details
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Corrugated cartons & boxesSingle, double, and triple-wall corrugated boxes and cartons in all sizes for product packaging, shipping, and secondary packaging applications. | Food packaging films & pouches Cling film, MAP packaging films, stand-up pouches, ziplock bags, and food-grade flexible packaging materials for food and FMCG products. |
| Stretch film & pallet wrapMachine and hand-applied stretch film, pre-stretch film, and pallet wrap for securing palletised loads for storage and transport. | Tape, void fill & ancillary materials Packaging tape, strapping, void fill paper and air pillows, edge protectors, and ancillary packaging consumables for logistics and dispatch operations. |
| Bubble wrap & foam packaging | Bubble wrap rolls, polyethylene foam sheets, foam pouches, and protective packaging materials for fragile product protection. |
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 Industry data — Global Packaging Market.
