Step-by-Step Process for Exporting to the UAE

Step 1: Obtain Importer-Exporter Code (IEC)

IEC is mandatory for any business exporting goods from India.

You need:

PAN
Business Registration
Bank Certificate / Cancelled Cheque
Address Proof

IEC is issued by DGFT and serves as your primary export identity.

Step 2: Understand UAE Market Requirements

Before exporting, check UAE-specific regulations.

Key UAE regulatory authorities:

UAE Ministry of Economy
Dubai Municipality (DM) – Food, cosmetics, consumer goods
ESMA – Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology
SFDA (for some items depending on emirate)

Examples of regulated products:

Food Items: Must be registered under Dubai Municipality Food Import System (FIRS)
Cosmetics & Perfumes: Requires label compliance + DM registration
Electronics: ESMA approval (if applicable)
Health supplements: Must follow UAE registration norms

Understand certification needs early to avoid shipment delays.

Step 3: Identify the Correct HS Code & Duty Structure

Determine the accurate HS code for your product to check:

Duty rates
Import regulations
UAE restrictions (if any)

The UAE generally has low import duties (about 5%) except for specific products like alcohol and tobacco.

Step 4: Prepare Export Documentation

Ensure complete and correct documentation.

Mandatory Documents:

Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Shipping Bill (filed via ICEGATE)
Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
Certificate of Origin (preferably from Chamber of Commerce)
Insurance Certificate
Product Compliance Certificates (as applicable)

For food & cosmetic exports:

Halal Certificate (for meat & certain products)
Ingredient list
Expiry date label
Product artwork

Step 5: Choose the Right Shipping Method

Air Freight:

Ideal for small, high-value, or urgent shipments.

Sea Freight:

Cost-effective for bulk consignments.

Choose based on:

Volume
Cost
Buyer agreement
Delivery timelines

Decide Incoterms (FOB, CIF, DDP, etc.) clearly with your buyer.

Step 6: Ensure Proper Packaging & Labeling as per UAE Norms

UAE is strict about labeling and product safety.

General labeling requirements:

Product name
Manufacturer details
Batch / Lot number
Production & expiry dates
Country of origin (Must state “Made in India”)
Ingredients (for food/cosmetics)
Barcode (often required for retail)

Labels may need English or Arabic, based on product category.

Step 7: File Shipping Bill & Complete Indian Customs Clearance

Your freight forwarder or CHA (Custom House Agent) will file the shipping bill.

After clearance, goods are loaded for shipment to the UAE.

Step 8: UAE Customs Clearance

On arrival in UAE ports (Jebel Ali, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah etc.):

UAE Customs verifies:

Commercial invoice
HS code
Certificate of Origin
Compliance documents
Barcode / label compatibility

Applicable duties and VAT (5%) are charged.

After clearance, goods move to warehouses, free zones, or buyer’s location.

Step 9: Delivery to Buyer / Marketplace / Distributor

Goods may be delivered to:

Buyer’s warehouse
Distributor networks
UAE supermarkets and retail chains
Amazon UAE (FBA)
Noon marketplace warehouses

Ensure tracking and communication until final delivery.

Step 10: Claim Export Benefits in India

After successful export, claim available government incentives such as:

RoDTEP (Rebate on Duties and Taxes on Exported Products)
GST Refund / LUT Export
Duty Drawback (if applicable)

Maintain shipping documents strictly for audit requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need any special approval to export food items to UAE?

Yes. Food items must comply with Dubai Municipality regulations and be registered in FIRS.

2. Are cosmetics regulated in UAE?

Yes. Cosmetics require formulation details and compliance with DM standards.

3. Does UAE follow strict labeling laws?

Yes. Incorrect labeling can lead to shipment rejection or relabeling fees.

4. Can Indian sellers export to Amazon UAE?

Yes. After meeting packaging and compliance rules, sellers can ship inventory to Amazon FBA UAE.

5. What import duties apply in UAE?

Most goods attract 5% duty, except regulated or luxury categories.

Final Tips for Exporters

Study competitor pricing in UAE markets.
Maintain high product quality to match UAE market expectations.
Use trusted freight forwarders familiar with Middle East logistics.
Keep all UAE compliance certificates updated.

Disclaimer

This blog is for informational purposes only. Export regulations, customs procedures, and compliance norms may change based on updates by DGFT, UAE Customs, Dubai Municipality, ESMA, and other authorities. Businesses should consult certified professionals before acting on any guidance provided here. Saving Mantra is not liable for decisions made based on this content.

Step-by-Step Process for Export to the United Arab Emirates (UAE)