The UAE is India's largest spice export destination, taking in over $280 million worth of Indian spices annually. Dubai serves as a re-export hub for the GCC, East Africa, and South Asia — meaning UAE importers often buy in bulk and distribute across multiple markets. Here is everything you need to know to find and connect with them.
Why Export Spices to UAE?
- No import duty on most spices into UAE under GCC tariff schedules
- Re-export market — UAE distributors supply Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, plus East Africa
- Large Indian diaspora (3.5 million) drives consistent retail demand for Indian spice blends
- Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) — many spice trading companies operate duty-free from here
- Payment safety — UAE is a low-risk market with strong banking infrastructure and ECGC-approved buyers
Top Spices Imported by UAE from India
| Spice | HS Code | UAE Import Volume (Approx) | Key UAE Buying Cities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 0909.21 | 18,000 MT/year | Dubai, Sharjah |
| Coriander Seeds (Dhania) | 0909.11 | 12,000 MT/year | Dubai, Abu Dhabi |
| Turmeric (whole & powder) | 0910.30 | 9,500 MT/year | Dubai, Sharjah |
| Dried Red Chillies | 0904.21 | 14,000 MT/year | Dubai, Ajman |
| Black Pepper | 0904.11 | 4,200 MT/year | Dubai, Abu Dhabi |
| Cardamom (Green) | 0908.31 | 2,800 MT/year | Dubai |
| Fennel Seeds | 0909.61 | 3,100 MT/year | Dubai, Sharjah |
Sample Verified UAE Spice Importers
EximHub's database contains 80+ UAE companies that have imported Indian spices in the last 24 months. Below is a sample — sign up to access all importers with named procurement contacts, direct emails, and phone numbers.
What Certifications Do UAE Spice Buyers Require?
- FSSAI Export Licence — mandatory for all food exports from India
- Spices Board of India Certificate — required by most serious UAE buyers and UAE customs
- Phytosanitary Certificate — issued by State Agriculture Department / APEDA
- Certificate of Origin (CoO) — from FIEO, Chamber of Commerce, or Export Promotion Council
- Halal Certificate — required for blended/processed spice products sold to UAE retail
- ISO 22000 or FSSC 22000 — increasingly required by supermarket chains (Al Adil, LuLu, Carrefour UAE)
How to Approach UAE Spice Buyers: What Works
- Lead with your Spices Board certificate number — UAE buyers get hundreds of enquiries; showing you are already registered signals seriousness immediately
- Quote CIF Jebel Ali — UAE buyers prefer CIF so they can compare landed cost directly; include freight in your quote
- Offer sample cartons at cost — 5–10 kg samples are standard in the spice trade; buyers who like the quality place repeat orders
- Mention your minimum order — most UAE importers are buying 1 MT+ per order; state your MOQ upfront
- Provide lab reports — curcumin content for turmeric, volatile oil % for cumin, microbial count — UAE buyers increasingly ask for these
Timing tip: The best time to approach UAE spice buyers is September–November, before the Ramadan buying season (March–April), when they are placing advance orders. A buyer who agrees to a trial in October can become a regular client by March.
Shipping from India to UAE: Key Ports
| Indian Port | UAE Destination Port | Transit Time | Approx Freight (20ft FCL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| JNPT Mumbai | Jebel Ali (Dubai) | 6–9 days | $700–$950 |
| Mundra (Gujarat) | Jebel Ali (Dubai) | 5–7 days | $650–$880 |
| Chennai | Jebel Ali (Dubai) | 8–12 days | $780–$1,050 |
| Pipavav (Gujarat) | Jebel Ali (Dubai) | 6–8 days | $680–$900 |
Access All 80+ UAE Spice Importers
Get direct email, phone, and procurement contact for every verified UAE spice buyer in EximHub's database — built from real customs shipment records.
Start Free — No Credit CardFrequently Asked Questions
Which Indian spices are most in demand in UAE?
The highest-volume Indian spices imported by UAE companies are cumin seeds (jeera), coriander seeds (dhania), turmeric powder, dried red chillies, black pepper, and cardamom. UAE re-exports a significant share to GCC countries, East Africa, and South Asia.
How do I find spice importers in UAE?
The most reliable method is searching Indian customs export data for UAE-bound spice shipments, which reveals the actual UAE importer name and import quantity. EximHub's database contains 80+ verified UAE spice importers with named procurement contacts. You can also search Dubai Chamber of Commerce directories and contact the India-UAE Business Council.
What certifications do UAE spice buyers require?
UAE spice buyers typically require: FSSAI export licence, Spices Board of India certificate, phytosanitary certificate, Certificate of Origin, and Halal certification for blended products. Supermarket buyers (LuLu, Al Adil) increasingly require ISO 22000 or FSSC 22000.
Is UAE a good market for first-time spice exporters?
Yes. UAE is an ideal first export market because: payment risk is low (ECGC approves most UAE buyers), there is no import duty on spices, transit time is only 6–9 days, and there is a large Indian community that drives demand for Indian spice varieties specifically. Many successful Indian spice exporters started with a UAE order before expanding to Europe or USA.