How to verify a wholesale supplier in the GCC

Most supplier problems a small shop faces are avoidable with checks that take under an hour. Use this list before you send a deposit to anyone new, including us.

Short answer: Check the trade licence on the official register, check the VAT number, see the goods or samples, get a written quote with Incoterms, call two retailer references, and start with a small first order paid against documents.

The 10-step checklist

Trade licence. Ask for it and search the number on the country's official register.
Tax number. In the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain, check the VAT number on the tax authority site.
Physical address. Visit, or ask for a live video call from the office and warehouse.
Company email. Be careful with suppliers who only use free email and change bank details by message.
Samples. Pay for samples if needed. Keep them as the agreed quality reference.
Written quote. It should name price, quantity, delivery term (for example EXW, CIF or DAP) and who pays freight, duty and VAT.
References. Call two retailers who bought in the last six months.
Bank details. The beneficiary name should match the licensed company name.
Small first order. Test delivery time, packing and quality before you scale up.
Paperwork. Make sure you get a tax invoice, packing list and certificate of origin for cross-border orders.

Red flags

Prices far below every other quote.
Pressure to pay the full amount today.
Bank account in a personal name or a different country from the licence.
No samples, no address, no references.

Country details for licences, VAT and routes are on our GCC supplier guide.

Tell us what your shop needs

Send your city, your product categories and a rough monthly budget. We reply with what we can supply, the terms, and how delivery works for your location.

WhatsApp us Email kifayat1@gmail.com Company brochure (PDF)

Questions retailers ask

How can I check if a UAE supplier is real?

Search the trade licence on the emirate's economic department site and the TRN on the Federal Tax Authority site, then visit or video-call the premises.

What payment terms are safe with a new supplier?

A small first order, part deposit and balance against documents or delivery. Avoid paying the full amount upfront to a supplier you have not checked.

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Last updated 2026-10-02. Global Pioneer General Trading FZE, 1303 Falcon Tower, Rigga Al Buteena, Deira, Dubai, UAE.