How to Export Fresh Produce from India to UAE: Complete Guide 2026
Step-by-step guide for B2B exporters: documentation, logistics, Al Aweer Market entry, and quality standards for Gulf markets.
Umair Khan
Founder & CEO, RAFRAF INTERNATIONAL
What is Fresh Produce Export from India to UAE?
Fresh produce export from India to UAE is the process of shipping vegetables, fruits, and agricultural commodities from Indian farms to wholesale buyers in the United Arab Emirates. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), India-UAE bilateral trade reached US$ 100.06 billion in FY25, with agricultural exports forming a significant component. The UAE is India's second-largest export destination, making it a prime market for fresh produce exporters.
The process involves securing export licenses, meeting quality standards, arranging logistics through Customs House Agents (CHA) and freight forwarders, and delivering to key wholesale hubs like Al Aweer Central Market in Dubai. With proper planning and execution, Indian exporters can tap into the UAE's growing demand for fresh vegetables and fruits.
How to Export Fresh Produce from India to UAE: 7 Essential Steps
Successfully exporting fresh produce from India to UAE requires careful planning and execution across multiple stages.
1. Obtain Export Licenses and Registration
Register your business with the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and obtain an Import Export Code (IEC). This 10-digit code is mandatory for all export transactions from India. Additionally, register with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) for agricultural exports.
Timeline: 2-4 weeks for complete registration process.
2. Identify Target Products and Suppliers
Select products based on UAE market demand and your sourcing capabilities. High-demand items include red onions from Nashik (60mm+), pomegranates, G9 Cavendish bananas, green chillies, drumsticks, and okra. Build relationships with reliable suppliers across specialized regions—Nashik for onions and pomegranates, Gujarat for green chillies, South India for bananas and vegetables.
Pro Tip: Maintain a multi-supplier strategy to mitigate seasonal gaps and ensure year-round availability.
3. Meet Quality and Packaging Standards
UAE buyers, particularly those at Al Aweer Market, have strict quality requirements. Implement quality control protocols including size grading (e.g., 60mm+ for onions), visual inspection for defects, and proper cleaning. Use export-grade packaging—ventilated cartons for vegetables, cushioned crates for fruits, and clear labeling with product details, origin, and weight.
Quality Standard: According to Expert Market Research, India exported exotic vegetables worth Rs 1,200 crore in 2021-22, with UAE being a major destination. Meeting international quality standards is non-negotiable.
4. Arrange Logistics and Freight
Partner with a Customs House Agent (CHA) to handle export documentation and customs clearance. Select freight forwarders offering both sea and air options—sea freight for bulk shipments (7-10 days transit), air freight for perishables requiring faster delivery (24-48 hours). Ensure cold chain logistics for temperature-sensitive products.
Cost Consideration: Sea freight is 60-70% cheaper than air but requires longer transit time. Choose based on product shelf life and buyer requirements.
5. Complete Export Documentation
Prepare essential documents including Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading (for sea) or Airway Bill (for air), Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate (from Plant Quarantine), and any buyer-specific certificates. Your CHA will guide you through customs procedures and ensure compliance with both Indian and UAE regulations.
Critical Document: Phytosanitary Certificate is mandatory for all fresh produce exports to prove products are pest-free.
6. Target Al Aweer Market Dubai
Al Aweer Central Fruit & Vegetable Market is the largest wholesale produce hub in the Gulf, spanning 1 million square meters and handling 7,000 tonnes daily. This is your primary entry point for UAE distribution. Build relationships with wholesale buyers operating at Al Aweer—they supply to retailers, restaurants, and hotels across the UAE.
Market Insight: Al Aweer operates as a wholesale-only market. Direct retail sales are not permitted. Focus on B2B relationships with established distributors.
7. Establish Consistent Supply and Quality
UAE buyers prioritize reliability over one-time deals. Start with 2-4 trial shipments to prove quality consistency and delivery reliability. Once trust is established, negotiate long-term supply agreements. Monitor feedback closely and address any quality issues immediately to build a reputation as a dependable supplier.
Success Metric: Aim for zero quality complaints in your first 6 months. This builds the foundation for long-term B2B partnerships.
India-UAE Fresh Produce Trade: Key Statistics
- India-UAE Bilateral Trade: US$ 100.06 billion in FY25 (IBEF, 2025)
- UAE Position: India's second-largest export destination after USA
- Indian Diaspora in UAE: 3.5 million (30% of UAE population), driving demand for Indian produce
- Exotic Vegetables Export: Rs 1,200 crore in 2021-22, with UAE as major destination (Expert Market Research)
- Al Aweer Market Capacity: 7,000 tonnes daily throughput, 1 million sqm area
- India's Banana Production: 33 million metric tonnes annually, offering huge export potential
Common Challenges in Fresh Produce Export to UAE
Quality Consistency
Challenge: Maintaining uniform quality across shipments due to seasonal variations and multiple suppliers.
Solution: Implement strict quality control protocols, maintain relationships with multiple suppliers across regions, and conduct pre-shipment inspections for every batch.
Logistics and Cold Chain
Challenge: Perishable products require temperature-controlled logistics from farm to Al Aweer Market.
Solution: Partner with experienced freight forwarders offering cold chain facilities. For highly perishable items like leafy vegetables, prioritize air freight despite higher costs.
Payment Terms and Trust
Challenge: New exporters often struggle with payment security and buyer trust.
Solution: Start with Letter of Credit (LC) or advance payment terms. As relationships mature, transition to open credit terms. Build trust through consistent quality and on-time delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents are required to export fresh produce from India to UAE?
Essential documents include Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading or Airway Bill, Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate from Plant Quarantine, and any buyer-specific certificates. Your Customs House Agent (CHA) will guide you through the complete documentation process.
How long does it take to ship fresh produce from India to UAE?
Sea freight takes 7-10 days transit time and is suitable for bulk shipments. Air freight takes 24-48 hours and is ideal for highly perishable products. Choose based on product shelf life, buyer requirements, and cost considerations.
What is Al Aweer Market and why is it important for exporters?
Al Aweer Central Fruit & Vegetable Market in Dubai is the largest wholesale produce hub in the Gulf, spanning 1 million square meters and handling 7,000 tonnes daily. It serves as the primary distribution point for fresh produce across UAE, making it the key entry point for Indian exporters targeting UAE wholesale buyers.
What are the most in-demand Indian vegetables and fruits in UAE?
High-demand products include red onions from Nashik (60mm+), pomegranates, G9 Cavendish bananas, green chillies, drumsticks, okra, coconuts, and various exotic vegetables. The 3.5 million Indian diaspora in UAE (30% of population) drives strong demand for Indian produce.
How much does it cost to export fresh produce from India to UAE?
Costs vary based on product type, volume, and shipping method. Sea freight is 60-70% cheaper than air freight but takes longer. Factor in costs for quality control, packaging, documentation, CHA fees, freight charges, and insurance. For a 20-foot container, expect total logistics costs of ₹1.5-2.5 lakhs depending on product and urgency.
Conclusion: Start Your Fresh Produce Export Journey
Exporting fresh produce from India to UAE offers significant opportunities for B2B wholesalers. With India-UAE bilateral trade at US$ 100.06 billion and growing, the market potential is substantial. Success requires attention to quality standards, reliable logistics partnerships, and building trust with UAE wholesale buyers at Al Aweer Market.
Start with 2-4 trial shipments to establish credibility, focus on consistency over volume initially, and scale gradually as relationships mature. The UAE market rewards reliability—exporters who deliver consistent quality and on-time shipments build long-term partnerships that drive sustainable growth.
Partner with RAFRAF INTERNATIONAL
Looking for a reliable fresh produce supplier for your UAE wholesale business? RAFRAF INTERNATIONAL offers consistent quality, timely delivery, and fair pricing.
Contact Us for B2B Wholesale InquiriesAbout the Author
Umair Khan
Founder & CEO, RAFRAF INTERNATIONAL
Umair Khan founded RAFRAF INTERNATIONAL in 2026 with a mission to connect premium Indian fresh produce with Gulf market wholesalers. With a family legacy in international trade and a focus on execution excellence, Umair leads RAFRAF's expansion across UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Iran.