India to UAE Export β
CEPA Benefits & Halal Certified
Leverage India-UAE CEPA duty savings of up to 90% on agricultural and processed goods. Halal-certified, ESMA-compliant products shipped to Jebel Ali within 7β10 days.
India-UAE CEPA: A Game Changer for B2B Importers
The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) came into force in May 2022 and represents the most significant trade agreement between the two nations. It covers goods, services, and investments β and for B2B buyers in the UAE, it means substantially lower landed costs on Indian-origin products across hundreds of HS code categories.
Agricultural commodities, processed foods, spices, textiles, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals all benefit from reduced or zero tariffs under CEPA. To claim CEPA benefits, shipments must be accompanied by a Certificate of Origin (COO) issued by an authorised body in India such as FIEO or the local chamber of commerce, clearly stating Indian origin.
IndianXporter handles the complete COO application and documentation process, ensuring your shipments arrive with all paperwork needed to claim CEPA duty savings at Jebel Ali Customs. We also advise on Rules of Origin requirements to ensure products qualify for preferential treatment.
Halal Certification & ESMA Compliance
The UAE requires Halal certification for all food products consumed by Muslims, which represents the vast majority of the UAE population. ESMA (Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology) regulates Halal certification standards, and importers must ensure their suppliers hold certification from an ESMA-recognised body.
Our Halal-certified product range covers spices, agro commodities, processed foods, and beverages. All Halal certificates are current, renewed annually, and issued by certification bodies on the UAE's approved list β eliminating customs clearance delays due to documentation issues.
Top Products We Export to UAE
Basmati Rice
HS: 1006.30
CEPA 0% duty, premium aged varieties
Indian Spices
HS: 0909β0910
Halal certified, vacuum packed
Dry Fruits & Nuts
HS: 0801β0806
Cashews, almonds, raisins β Halal
Textiles & Fabrics
HS: 52β55
Cotton, blended β CEPA duty savings
Pharmaceuticals
HS: 3004
GCC registered, full dossier support
Fresh Vegetables
HS: 0702β0714
Onions, potatoes, direct farm sourced
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the India-UAE CEPA and how does it benefit importers?
The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in February 2022 and effective May 2022, eliminates or reduces customs duties on over 97% of Indian products entering the UAE. Agricultural goods, spices, textiles, and processed foods benefit from duty reductions of up to 90%, making Indian products significantly more competitive against other origins. Buyers in the UAE can now source premium Indian goods at lower landed costs than ever before.
How does IndianXporter obtain Halal certification for food products?
IndianXporter works with ESMA (Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology) recognised Halal certification bodies in India including HFSAA and Halal India. Our food processing facilities follow strict Halal protocols β no cross-contamination with non-Halal ingredients, dedicated equipment, and trained personnel. Each Halal-certified shipment comes with a valid Halal certificate from an accredited body recognised by the UAE government.
Which Indian products benefit most from India-UAE CEPA duty savings?
Products with the highest CEPA benefit include: textiles and garments (previously 5% duty, now 0%), processed foods and spices (0-5% reduction), agro commodities like rice and pulses (significant reductions), chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and crystals & jewellery. Products where UAE has sensitive industries may have longer phase-out periods for duty reduction.
How long does shipping from India to UAE take?
Ocean freight from Nhava Sheva (Mumbai) or Mundra to Jebel Ali Port (Dubai) takes approximately 7β10 days. With production lead time of 15β30 days, total order-to-delivery is typically 22β40 days. Air freight is available for urgent orders with 2β4 day transit. We also offer DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) terms direct to Dubai warehouses or free zone addresses.
Get Your UAE Export Quote
Halal certified, CEPA compliant. We respond within 4 business hours.
Request Free Quoteβ CEPA Certificate of Origin
β Halal certification included
β DDP to Jebel Ali available
β 7β10 day ocean transit