Why UAE buyers work with us
The UAE is India's fastest-growing spice export destination, driven by the 2022 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that reduced or eliminated duty on most spice HS codes. For Dubai importers, Abu Dhabi foodservice groups, and Sharjah private-label manufacturers, sourcing directly from an FSSAI-certified Indian exporter with CEPA documentation is the shortest path to landed-cost savings.
SpiceModo ships to all seven emirates. Our standard UAE lane moves from our Hyderabad partner facility to Chennai port, sailing to Jebel Ali in 5 to 8 days. Documentation is delivered within 24 hours of BL issuance — CEPA Certificate of Origin included when the buyer qualifies.
What we ship to the UAE
- Culinary spice powders in quick-commerce pack sizes (50g, 100g, 200g) — turmeric, chilli, coriander, cumin, garam masala blends.
- Whole spices in bulk 25kg and 50kg cartons — Malabar black pepper, Ceylon cinnamon, green cardamom, cloves, star anise.
- Specialty SKUs — Lakadong turmeric (7%+ curcumin), Bhut Jolokia (ghost pepper), single-origin products for retail private labels.
- Custom export packs for foodservice and HORECA — up to 5kg pillow packs and 10kg tins.
UAE compliance we handle
- Food product registration — Dubai Municipality (FIRS) for Dubai and ADAFSA for Abu Dhabi, against federal standards set by MoIAT, which absorbed the former ESMA in 2020. We provide all documentation required.
- Halal certification — available from UAE-recognised Indian halal certification bodies on request.
- Dubai Municipality inspection support — pre-shipment lab reports from NABL-accredited labs, aligned with UAE food safety standards.
- CEPA Certificate of Origin — issued through the Spices Board of India or ICC for preferential duty.
- Arabic-language labeling — available on retail SKUs.
Logistics from India to UAE
Our standard routes:
- Chennai → Jebel Ali — 5-7 days, weekly sailings (standard)
- Nhava Sheva (Mumbai) → Jebel Ali — 5-8 days, multiple sailings per week
- Cochin → Jebel Ali — 6-8 days (for Kerala-origin spices like cardamom and black pepper)
- Air freight Hyderabad → Dubai — 1-2 days for sample shipments and specialty high-value SKUs
Terms
Standard payment terms for UAE buyers: 30% advance T/T, 70% against BL copy for new orders; LC at sight available; open account net-30 for established relationships. Pricing FOB Chennai or CIF Jebel Ali. MOQ from 500kg for most SKUs, 100kg for specialty items.