Trading is vital in the UAE, especially in Dubai, making it the 25th largest export nation globally and one of the wealthiest. While it exports various products, its relationship with India is notably warm compared to other Arab nations. For years, the UAE has been India’s leading destination for oil and non-oil exports, accounting for approximately 9% of India’s total export production. This enduring relationship has positioned India as a primary supplier to the UAE, particularly in Dubai. In this blog, Shuraa Business Setup offers guidance on the best products to export from India to Dubai, UAE. Keep reading to learn more.
What types of items does India export to Dubai, UAE?
Indian products enjoy considerable popularity in Dubai due to their affordability and high quality. Some of the most in-demand products exported from India to Dubai include:
- Automobiles: Indian automobile manufacturers like Mahindra, Tata Motors, and Maruti export vehicles worth 14.5 billion USD. Their innovative designs, great mileage, and affordability make them popular in Dubai.
- Petroleum Products: India exports a strong 61.2 billion USD worth of petroleum products, including naphtha, refined petrol, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which are crucial to meeting global energy needs.
- Jewelry: Indian jewelry, known for its exquisite designs in gold, silver, diamonds, and precious gemstones, has a strong market in the UAE, with an export value of 41.2 billion USD.
- Pharmaceuticals: India exports a wide range of pharmaceuticals, including generic medicines, drugs, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), vaccines, and biosimilars, totaling over 11.7 billion USD in value.
- Machinery: Durable, high-quality, and affordable Indian machinery and equipment are popular in Dubai. Agricultural, textile, industrial, and construction machinery are exported in large quantities, valued at 13.6 billion USD.
- Bio-chemicals: Valued at 12 billion USD, Indian bio-chemicals are in high demand in Dubai due to their applications in sustainable development.
- Cereals and Grains: The UAE imports approximately 10.1 billion USD worth of cereals from India, including wheat, maize, millet, and rice, due to their high nutritional value and the UAE’s short supply.
- Iron and Steel: Dubai imports about 9 billion USD worth of iron and steel from India, essential for its expanding industries.
- Textiles: Unique Indian looming and weaving techniques make its textiles highly sought after globally. Dubai imports about 9 billion USD worth of textiles and handicrafts annually.
- Electronics: Valued at about 9 billion USD, Indian electronics are known for their efficiency, ease of use, and durability. This sector is rapidly expanding, increasing exports to Dubai.
Guide to exporting goods from India to Dubai
Exporting goods from India to Dubai requires adherence to specific procedures and compliance with Indian and Dubai customs regulations. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this process:
1. Obtain an Importer-Exporter Code (IEC)
Before exporting, you must secure an IEC, a unique identification number. You can apply for this code through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) or its online portal.
2. Determine the HS Code
Identify the appropriate Harmonized System (HS) code for your products. This code categorises your goods and determines the applicable duty rates.
3. Prepare Essential Documents
Collect all required export documents, including the commercial invoice, packing list, shipping bill, and specific certificates like Certificate of Origin or Phytosanitary Certificate, depending on your product type or buyer’s requirements.
4. Select a Shipping Agent or Freight Forwarder
Engage a shipping agent or freight forwarder to manage the transportation logistics. They will assist with choosing the best transportation mode (sea, air, or land) and handling paperwork like the bill of lading or airway bill.
5. Complete Indian Customs Clearance
Submit the shipping bill or export bill to Indian Customs. Provide all necessary documents and pay any export duties, if applicable.
6. Prepare Goods for Shipment
Once customs procedures are finalised, transport your goods to the designated port or airport for shipment to Dubai. Ensure proper packaging and labelling to meet international shipping standards.
7. Engage a Customs Clearing Agent in Dubai
Upon arrival in Dubai, hire a customs clearing agent to assist with customs clearance. Provide them with all necessary paperwork, including the commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or airway bill.
8. Assess Customs Duties and Fees
Determine the customs duties, taxes, and additional charges applicable in Dubai. With guidance from your customs agent, make the required payments to Dubai Customs authorities.
9. Arrange Delivery in Dubai
After customs clearance, organise the final delivery of your goods to your desired location within Dubai. Ensure efficient logistics and transportation to guarantee timely delivery.
While this guide offers a general overview, specific requirements and procedures may differ based on your product type and existing bilateral trade agreements. Always stay updated with the latest regulations to ensure smooth export operations.
List of items exported from India to Dubai
Here’s a detailed list of products that India commonly exports to Dubai. If you’re wondering what goods to export from India to Dubai, these items have consistently shown high profitability in the UAE market.
Key Products Exported from India to Dubai:
- Iron or Steel Products
- Telephones and Communication Equipment
- Petroleum-Derived Products
- Edible Nuts and Food Items
- Various Cereals
- Nuclear Reactors and Machinery
- Organic Chemicals
- Precious Stones and Metals like Diamonds
- Electrical Machinery and Equipment
- Machinery and Mechanical Appliances
- Apparel and Clothing Articles
- Natural or Cultured Pearls
- Ships, Boats, and Floating Structures
- Food Products such as Rice and Seafood
- Mineral Fuels, Oils, and Distillation Products
This list provides an overview of the diverse range of products that India exports to Dubai, reflecting the robust trade relationship between the two countries.
Guide to importing to Dubai from India
Importing goods from India to Dubai requires adherence to specific procedures and compliance with the customs regulations of both countries. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this process:
1. Business Registration and Licensing
Start by registering your business and obtaining the necessary licenses to conduct import activities in Dubai. This typically includes a trade license, commercial license, or other permits required by Dubai authorities.
2. Understand Import Regulations
Familiarize yourself with Dubai Customs’ import regulations and restrictions. Some goods may require additional permits, certifications, or clearances, such as health or safety certificates.
3. Find a Reliable Supplier
Identify a trustworthy supplier in India who can meet your import requirements. Establish a business relationship, negotiate terms including pricing, quantity, and delivery terms.
4. Choose Transportation Mode
Decide on the best transportation method (air, sea, or land) for your goods. Engage a shipping agent or freight forwarder to assist with documentation and logistics.
5. Prepare Necessary Documentation
Gather all required import documents, including a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, certificate of origin, and any other relevant paperwork as per Dubai customs requirements.
6. Engage a Customs Clearing Agent
Hire a customs clearing agent in Dubai to assist with customs clearance. Provide them with all necessary documentation and details about the imported goods. They will handle customs declaration, duties, and fees on your behalf.
7. Calculate and Pay Customs Duties
Determine the customs duties, taxes, and fees applicable to your goods and make the required payments to Dubai Customs. Your customs agent can help you calculate the correct amount and ensure compliance with all regulations.
8. Prepare for Customs Inspections
Be prepared for customs inspections or other regulatory checks upon your goods’ arrival in Dubai. Ensure your products meet all regulations and standards to avoid delays or rejections.
9. Arrange Goods Delivery
Once customs clearance is complete, organize the delivery of your goods to your specified location within Dubai. Ensure efficient logistics and transportation for timely and secure delivery.
Note that this guide provides a general overview of the import process from India to Dubai. Specific requirements may vary based on factors like the nature of the goods, current regulations, and any bilateral trade agreements in place. Stay updated with the latest regulations to ensure a smooth import experience.
List of goods requiring import permit to enter UAE
Certain goods are restricted for import into the UAE and can only be permitted if an import permit is obtained. Here’s a list of such items:
- Live Animals, Plants, Fertilizers, and Insecticides
- Nuclear Energy-Related Products
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Rough Diamonds
- New Tyres and Drinking Water
- Transmitters and Radio Equipment
- Foodstuffs, Personal Care, and Cosmetic Products
- Printed Materials, Publications, and Media Products
- Arms, Ammunition, Explosives, and Fireworks for Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces, or Ministry of Interior
- Pharmaceutical Products, Medical, Surgical Instruments, and Machines
Please ensure you have the necessary import permit for these goods before shipping them to the UAE to comply with local regulations.
List of products imported to Dubai from India
Here’s a list of products that are commonly imported from India to Dubai:
- Vehicles
- Iron and Steel Products
- Coal and Wax
- Mineral Oils, Fuels, and Distillation Products
- Precious and Semi-precious Stones, Metals, Pearls, and Gems
- Machinery and Mechanical Appliances
- Nuclear Reactors
- Electrical Machinery, Equipment, and Parts
- Spacecraft, Aircraft, and Components
- Plastic Products
- Photographic, Optical, and Cinematographic Equipment
- Cereals, Nuts, Dry Fruits, and Edible Foods
- Clothing, Apparel, and Textile Products
- Ships and Boats
- Organic Chemicals
- Arms, Ammunition, Explosives, and Fireworks for Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces, or Ministry of Interior
This list provides an overview of the diverse range of products that India exports to Dubai, reflecting the strong trade relationship between the two countries.
Required documents for India to Dubai
When exporting goods from India to Dubai, you’ll need to prepare and present several documents to ensure smooth customs clearance and compliance with regulations. Here’s a list of essential documents:
- Sea Waybill, Airway Bill, or Bill of Entry
- Pro-forma Invoice (Contract of Purchase and Sales)
- Certificate of Origin
- Purchase and Sales Agreement between Importer and Exporter
- Packing List detailing the goods being exported
- Manufacturer Details including manufacturing date and expiry date
- Commercial Invoice from the Exporter to the Importer
- Sales Purchase Contract between Exporter and Importer
- Export License
- Insurance Certificate
- Temporary Shipment Documents
- Additional Certificates or Documents specific to the type of goods being exported
Ensure you have all the necessary documents ready and correctly filled out to facilitate a smooth export process from India to Dubai.
Concluding Thoughts with Shuraa
The trade ties between India and Dubai are robust and poised for further expansion. Dubai’s free trade policies, strategic location, and broad trade alliances make it a crucial entry point for Indian businesses aiming to tap into both Middle Eastern and global markets. For Indian exporters targeting Dubai, following a well-defined export procedure is key to navigating customs and logistics with ease. This involves securing the right licenses, determining appropriate HS codes, and ensuring all documentation is in order.
Conversely, importing goods from India to Dubai demands meticulous planning, strict adherence to regulations, and cultivating reliable supplier partnerships. For assistance with obtaining your export licenses, feel free to reach out to us at Shuraa Business Setup.