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Synopsis: Discover how Indian exporters can navigate trade policies and regulations to ship goods to Dubai efficiently. This guide covers the India-UAE CEPA, preferential tariffs, streamlined customs procedures, Dubai’s free trade zones, and practical shipping solutions with DHL Express to expand into the UAE and wider Middle East market.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the world's key trading partners. Strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia, the UAE allows convenient access to both developed and emerging markets across these regions, as well as the wider Middle East. Notably, the UAE shares close trade ties with India and has long been one of the country’s key commercial partners.
Trade between India and the UAE continues to grow steadily, with the UAE strengthening its position to become India’s second-largest export destination after the United States. In 2024, India’s exports to the UAE reached US$37.1 billion, rising from US$35.4 billion in 20231. Two-way trade between the countries is also projected to rise to US$200 billion well before 2032, up from the current figure of US$92.8 billion in 20242.
Indian exports to the UAE span a wide range of industries, from mineral fuels and oils to pearls, precious metals, and electrical and electronic equipment. Beyond serving the UAE market, businesses can also leverage Dubai’s role as a major regional trading hub to access the broader Middle East, making it an attractive launchpad for companies looking to ship internationally.
However, as with any country, the UAE has its set of import, export, and customs procedures as well as trade regulations that companies from India should familiarize themselves with before shipping their goods to the UAE, specifically Dubai. Failure to comply with these import requirements can result in significant penalties, delays in customs clearance and possible seizure of goods.
The India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) came into force in May 2022, marking a major milestone in strengthening bilateral trade between the two countries. As the agreement enters its fourth year, it continues to play a key role in facilitating exports from India to Dubai and the rest of the UAE by lowering tariffs, streamlining customs procedures, and improving market access for businesses.
In 2025, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the partnership, setting an ambitious target to expand non-oil and non-precious metal trade to US$100 billion by 20303. This next phase of CEPA is expected to focus increasingly on diversifying trade and encouraging higher-value exports.
Here’s how Indian exporters can benefit under the India-UAE CEPA:
Under the UAE-India CEPA, customs duties on many Indian goods are reduced or eliminated either immediately or in a phased manner. This provides Indian exporters with easier market access and the ability to compete more effectively in the UAE.
Phased reduction structure: Duties on certain goods are reduced by 20% each year, gradually reaching 0% in the fifth year. For example, vegetable oil enjoys this phased reduction, giving exporters time to plan and benefit from progressively lower tariffs.
Some of the goods benefiting from preferential tariffs include:
These and many other products across industries give Indian exporters wide-ranging opportunities to access the UAE market.
When it comes to goods delivery to Dubai from India, the UAE-India CEPA includes provisions that make customs processes more efficient, helping Indian exporters reduce delays and comply more easily with UAE import requirements.
Key streamlined procedures:
Dubai’s free trade zones offer favorable conditions for importers and exporters. These zones are regions exempt from standard customs rules and duties, providing opportunities for businesses to prepare goods for re-export or manage fragile imports efficiently.
Benefits of free trade zones:
Examples of free trade zones in Dubai:
These zones make Dubai an attractive hub for Indian exporters looking to expand into the UAE and wider Middle East market.
While the UAE’s customs rules have been simplified to support trade, exporters from India still need to carefully prepare shipping documents and plan shipments. Commonly required documents for exports to Dubai include:
However, this list is non-exhaustive and specific goods may require additional documentation. Finding out the detailed requirements can be a tedious process for businesses looking to ship quickly and reliably with worldwide express services. In such instances, engaging an international courier service like DHL Express will help companies navigate the paperwork for a smooth and seamless import and export experience.
As a leading logistics company in the industry, DHL Express can draw on its wealth of experience to help companies prepare parcels for expedited shipping and manage customs clearance. This helps companies in India avoid delays and costly mistakes.
With an extensive network, companies can be assured that their parcels can be delivered quickly and in good condition, enabling them to deliver value to their own customers. Through DHL Express’ real-time tracking system, companies can also easily receive timely updates on the status of their products, facilitating their own business decision-making.
Register an account with DHL Express today to tap on DHL Express’ expertise and obtain end-to-end support for all your logistics needs.
The most exported products from India to Dubai include refined petroleum, jewelry and precious metals, and telephones and other electronics. Beyond these top categories, Indian exports are diverse, spanning gems, textiles, electrical and electronic equipment, and processed agricultural products, reflecting both traditional strengths and opportunities in high-demand sectors.
Shipping costs depend on factors such as shipment size, weight, and transport method. Air freight offers faster delivery but at a higher cost, while sea freight is more economical for larger or bulk shipments. Using consolidated shipments and planning packaging efficiently can also help reduce expenses.
Dubai applies a standard customs duty of 5% on most imported goods. Under the India-UAE CEPA, many Indian products, including jewelry and certain industrial items, qualify for reduced or zero tariffs. Additionally, a 5% VAT applies to most imports. This is calculated on the combined value of the goods and the customs duty.
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