UAE-India

Imports

Find vital information about import guidelines between the UAE and India.

General Import Guidelines

To ensure seamless trade, importers must adhere to India's customs regulations, which involve proper documentation, compliance with import quotas, and observance of product-specific standards. Non-compliance may result in penalties, shipment delays, or seizure.

Imports Required Documents

The following documents are crucial for importing goods:

Commercial Invoice
Certificate of Origin
Bill of Lading (or Airway Bill)
Import License (if applicable)
Packing List
Insurance Certificate
Customs Declaration Form
Importer Exporter Code (IEC) Certificate

Import Mandatory Requirements

Importers must possess a valid Importer Exporter Code (IEC) and ensure compliance with India's Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regulations where applicable. The consignee or notify party must provide accurate customs documentation and verify that goods meet local safety and quality standards. Customs clearance is subject to thorough checks, especially for restricted or regulated goods.

Duties Exemption

India

India offers duty exemptions on essential commodities like medical equipment, agricultural products, and raw materials for production. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and bonded warehouses allow duty-free imports for export-oriented businesses.

UAE

The UAE provides duty exemptions for goods transiting through free zones, with specific exemptions on re-exported items, machinery, and raw materials for manufacturing industries. Importers operating within free zones also benefit from tax relief.

Leading Import Commodities

India

Crude Oil
Gold and Precious Stones
Electronics and Consumer Goods
Machinery and Equipment
Organic Chemicals

UAE

Automobiles and Spare Parts
Gold and Jewelry
Electronics and Appliances
Building Materials
Food and Beverages

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the cargo handling capacities of major airports in India involved in UAE-India trade?

Indira Gandhi International Airport can handle over 1.8 million metric tonnes annually and features state-of-the-art cold storage facilities. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport supports over 591 thousand metric tons of cargo each year and is equipped with dedicated freight terminals, and lastly, Kempegowda International Airport facilitates around 150,000 tonnes per year and offers extensive warehousing with a high-tech security system.

What are the main seaports in India for cargo operations between UAE and India, and what are their capabilities?

Mundra Port in Gujarat can handle over 338 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo annually and is the largest container port in India. Nhava Sheva (Jawaharlal Nehru Port) in Maharashtra handles over 5 million TEUs annually and has advanced deep-water berths, and lastly, Chennai Port in Tamil Nadu facilitates roughly 3,000,000 TEUs of cargo annually and has specialized automotive cargo handling capabilities.

What are the import duty rates and tax structures in the UAE and India for goods traded between the two countries?

In the UAE, goods are subject to customs duties ranging from 0% to 5%, with a standard VAT rate of 5%. Excise duties are higher for specific goods like tobacco and alcohol. In India, import duties vary by product, with rates ranging from 0% to 100% for luxury goods. Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates are 5%, 12%, 18%, or 28%, depending on the product category.

What documents are required for importing goods into India?

Essential documents for importing into India include a Commercial Invoice, Certificate of Origin, Bill of Lading or Airway Bill, Import License (if applicable), Packing List, Insurance Certificate, Customs Declaration Form, and an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) Certificate.

What are the typical payment methods and terms for trade between the UAE and India?

Common payment methods include bank transfers (SWIFT), Letters of Credit (LC), and Documentary Collections (DC). High-value transactions may use escrow accounts. Typical payment terms include credit periods of 30-60 days, which can be negotiated based on the trade relationship and market conditions. Transactions often use the UAE Dirham (AED), Indian Rupee (INR), and US Dollars (USD) for ease of international trade.