What India Exports to the UAE: A Packaged Food & Biscuit Guide
Editorial Team
Contributor
6 min read
The UAE is one of India's closest trading partners, and food is a big part of that relationship. Supermarket shelves in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah carry Indian rice, spices, tea, snacks and biscuits, sold to both the large South Asian community and to Emirati and expatriate shoppers who simply like the taste and the price. This guide explains what India exports to the UAE, why packaged food and biscuits do so well there, and what UAE importers should look for in an Indian supplier.
Quick answer: India supplies the UAE with rice and other grains, spices, tea and coffee, fresh produce, meat and dairy, and a large volume of processed and packaged foods such as biscuits, cookies, wafers and rusk. Indian biscuits sell well there because of a large South Asian customer base, value pricing, a short sea route and the India–UAE trade agreement (CEPA). Importers should buy from a certified manufacturer that handles Arabic labelling, halal certification and mixed container loads.
What does India export to the UAE?
India's exports to the UAE cover almost every category, from petroleum products and gems and jewellery to machinery, textiles and food. On the food side, the main categories are:
- Cereals and grains, especially basmati and non-basmati rice
- Spices, tea and coffee
- Fresh fruit and vegetables, including onions, bananas, mangoes and green chillies
- Meat and dairy products
- Processed and packaged foods: biscuits, cookies, wafers, rusk, namkeen snacks, confectionery and ready-to-eat meals
Processed foods are where Indian manufacturers have the clearest advantage: long shelf life, competitive pricing and products that are already familiar to millions of UAE residents.
Why do Indian biscuits sell well in the UAE?
| Factor | Why it matters for UAE importers |
|---|---|
| A large, loyal customer base | UAE residents of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan origin grew up with tea-time biscuits, rusk and cream biscuits, and they look for the same formats abroad. |
| Value for money | Indian manufacturers produce at scale, so importers can offer good quality at prices that suit everyday shoppers, labour camps, cafeterias and discount stores. |
| Range that fits every channel | From small pocket packs for groceries to family packs and gift tins for hypermarkets, Indian biscuit ranges cover every shelf. |
| A short supply route | Containers from India's west-coast ports reach Jebel Ali quickly, which keeps stock fresh and working capital low. |
| Trade agreements | The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), in force since May 2022, has reduced or removed duties on a wide range of Indian goods. Importers should confirm the rate for their exact HS code (sweet biscuits fall under HS 1905). |
Which biscuit formats do UAE shoppers buy most?
Search data for the UAE shows steady demand for a few core formats:
- Marie and tea-time biscuits for everyday tea and coffee
- Digestive and glucose biscuits as a staple, value-led choice
- Cream biscuits such as chocolate and bourbon-style sandwiches
- Wafers in chocolate, vanilla and strawberry
- Butter and bakery cookies, including gift tins for Ramadan, Eid and Diwali
- Rusk / toast, a favourite with South Asian households
What should UAE importers check in an Indian biscuit supplier?
1. Manufacturer or trader?
Buying directly from the factory gives you better control over price, quality and lead times. Ask where the products are made and whether you can audit or visit the plant.
2. Certifications
Look for internationally recognised food-safety systems such as ISO 22000 and HACCP, FSSAI licensing in India, and Halal certification, which most UAE retailers expect for biscuits and confectionery.
3. Labelling for the UAE
Food sold in the UAE must carry Arabic labelling (usually alongside English) with ingredients, allergens, net weight, country of origin and production and expiry dates. Products are normally registered with the relevant emirate authority, such as Dubai Municipality, by the importer. A good supplier will prepare compliant packs and the documents you need for registration.
4. Flexible container loads
Ask whether the supplier can ship mixed containers. Combining cookies, cream biscuits, wafers and rusk in one 20ft load lets you test several SKUs before committing to volume.
5. Private label
Many UAE distributors and retailers now sell biscuits under their own brand. An experienced Indian manufacturer can adapt recipes, pack sizes and designs for your label.
Which documents do you need to import biscuits from India to the UAE?
A typical shipment travels with a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin (needed to claim CEPA benefits), health certificate and Halal certificate. Your clearing agent will confirm the current list for your product and emirate.
FAQs
Do biscuits sold in the UAE need Arabic labels?
Yes. Food sold in the UAE must carry Arabic labelling, usually alongside English, including the ingredients, net weight, production and expiry dates and country of origin.
Can I import a mixed container of Indian biscuits?
Many Indian manufacturers can ship mixed containers that combine cookies, cream biscuits, wafers and rusk, which lets you test several products in one order.
Is there a trade agreement between India and the UAE?
Yes. The India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) lowers duties on many goods. Ask your supplier for a preferential certificate of origin to claim the lower rate.
Which Indian biscuits sell best in the UAE?
Marie and tea-time biscuits, digestive and glucose biscuits, cream biscuits, wafers, butter and bakery cookies (including Ramadan gift tins) and rusk are the steady sellers.
Sourcing biscuits for the UAE from KROWN
KROWN has been baking biscuits in India since 1981 and exports to more than 30 countries. Our range includes cream biscuits such as Black Magic, Miss Marie, cookies and premium cookie tins, Wafills and Creme Tango wafers, chocolate-coated treats and rusk, made under ISO 22000 and Halal quality standards. We supply importers, distributors, supermarkets and private-label brands across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the other Emirates.
Read more about our biscuit exports to the UAE or contact our export team for pricing and samples.
Editorial Team
Specialized in deep dives and investigative reports within the tech and lifestyle sectors. Our global team of contributors brings you neutral, verified insights every week.
