Business Licensing

Business Licensing and Regulatory Compliance for Global Operations

Operating a business across borders requires navigating a complex web of industry-specific licenses, permits, and regulatory frameworks. Missing a required license can result in fines, shipment holds, forced shutdowns, or permanent market bans. At Aqualeo Digital, LLC, we provide expert business licensing support across multiple jurisdictions and industries — so you can focus on growing your business while we handle the compliance.

FDA Registration for Food and Health Product Exporters

Any facility that manufactures, processes, packs, or holds food for US consumption must be registered with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Bioterrorism Act of 2002 and FSMA 2011. We provide:

• FDA Facility Registration: End-to-end registration through the FDA FURLS system, including DUNS number coordination and US Agent appointment for foreign facilities.
• Prior Notice preparation: Compliance with FDA Prior Notice requirements for all food shipments entering the US.
• US Agent representation: We provide or coordinate qualified US Agents who serve as your FDA contact in the United States ($500–$1,500/year).
• FSMA compliance advisory: Guidance on Preventive Controls, FSVP, Produce Safety, and other FSMA rules.
• FDA label compliance review: Ensuring your product labels meet 21 CFR Part 101 requirements including Nutrition Facts, allergen declarations, and net quantity statements.

UAE Trade License and Free Zone Licensing

Operating legally in the UAE requires a trade license issued by either the relevant emirate's Department of Economic Development (DED) for mainland operations, or by the Free Zone authority for Free Zone companies.

• Mainland DED license: Required for businesses that want to trade directly with UAE consumers and government entities without a local distributor. Three main categories: Commercial, Industrial, and Professional.
• Free Zone license: Available through 45+ Free Zones. Activity-specific licenses (trading, service, e-commerce, media, etc.) allow 100% foreign ownership. Restricted to within the Free Zone or internationally — not for direct mainland sales without a local agent or DED license.
• E-Commerce license: Specific licenses for online trading are available through DMCC, Shams, and other Free Zones — ideal for businesses selling through Shopify, Amazon UAE, or noon.
• Professional license: For consulting, IT, design, and services businesses operating as sole professionals or small firms.

India IEC (Import Export Code) and Business Licenses

Any Indian business or individual intending to import goods into India or export goods from India must obtain an Import Export Code (IEC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). The IEC is a 10-digit code that is mandatory for customs clearance, foreign currency remittance from banks, and claiming export incentives under schemes like RoDTEP and MEIS (where applicable).

• IEC application is filed online through the DGFT portal.
• No renewal required — IEC is valid for the lifetime of the entity.
• Annual update on DGFT portal required (no fee).
• We handle IEC registration, DGFT profile setup, and RCMC (Registration Cum Membership Certificate) applications for export promotion councils.

Other Licenses and Compliance Frameworks We Support

• FSSAI registration (India): Food Safety and Standards Authority of India registration for food business operators manufacturing or selling food products in India.
• CE Marking (EU): Conformity assessment for products sold in the European Economic Area — required for electronics, medical devices, toys, machinery, and more.
• ISO certification guidance: We advise on ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 22000 (Food Safety), and ISO 27001 (Information Security) certification pathways.
• GST/VAT registration: We assist with GST registration in India and VAT registration in the UAE and UK for eligible businesses.
• Professional licenses: Real estate broker licenses (RERA UAE), healthcare facility licenses (DHA/HAAD/MOH UAE), education permits, and financial service licenses for relevant business types.

Aqualeo Digital, LLC ensures your business is fully licensed, compliant, and audit-ready across every market you operate in. Contact us today.