
India
Website customs India
Government website
Website chamber of commerce
Country Alpha-2 code: IN
Country Alpha-3 code: IND
Country numeric code: 356
GDP: USD 3.385 trillion (2023)
Currency: Indian Rupee
Inhabitants: 1400744000
Language: HindiEnglish
Freight forwarders in India
India has no freight forwarders
Seaports in India
Airports in India
Shipping between India and the United Arab Emirates
Below you can also request multiple quotes from freight forwarders for your shipment.


Pre-import considerations
First of all, you should know the product class of what you are shipping. Determine the correct Harmonized System (HS) code for your goods, as this dictates applicable customs duties and taxes.
If you are importing from India to the United Arab Emirates , check the Customs Tariff from the United Arab Emirates. If you are importing from the United Arab Emirates to India, check the Customs Tariff from India.
Make sure you understand all the product regulations, certifications, labeling requirements, and potential import restrictions or tariffs specific to your product category. A specialised freight forwarder can help you with this process.
Customs Clearance Process:
Clearing customs is crucial for both importing and exporting between India and the UAE. Here's a simplified overview:
- Prepare Documents: Gather essential documents like commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and any required permits.
- Electronic Filing: Electronically submit customs declarations with duty calculations (India) or declarations with supporting documents (UAE).
- Assessment and Payment: Authorities assess duties and taxes based on your declarations. Pay these fees to obtain customs clearance.
- Inspection (Optional): In some cases, physical inspection of your goods may be required.
Remember: Both countries offer online resources and customs brokers to assist with the process.
Costs to consider
Shipping between India and the UAE involves several cost components. Here's a breakdown to help you budget effectively:
- Transportation: This is the core cost, determined by weight, dimensions, chosen shipping method (air vs. sea), and distance. Consider resources like the International Air Transport Association (IATA) https://www.iata.org/ or the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) https://ficci.in/ for estimated air freight rates. Ocean freight costs can be obtained from shipping lines directly.
- Customs Duties & Taxes: These vary based on the type and value of your goods. Utilize the Indian Customs Tariff https://www.cbic.gov.in/ and the UAE Ministry of Finance https://mof.gov.ae/ for duty calculators and tariff schedules.
- Terminal Handling Charges: These fees cover loading, unloading, and storage at ports or airports. Information on these can often be found on the websites of relevant shipping terminals in India (like JNPT https://www.jnport.gov.in/) and the UAE (like DP World https://www.dpworld.com/en).
- Documentation & Processing: Costs associated with preparing invoices, certificates, and customs declarations may apply. Consider consulting a freight forwarder or customs broker for estimates.
- Insurance (Optional): Protect your shipment against loss or damage for added peace of mind. Rates depend on the value of your goods and the chosen level of coverage.
Saving on Shipping Costs
Optimizing your shipping costs requires a proactive approach. Here are key tips:
- Compare Quotes: Don't settle for the first offer! Utilize platforms like Zendeq to obtain quotes from multiple reputable shipping companies. This fosters competition and helps you secure the best rates.
- Consolidate Shipments: Combine smaller packages into larger ones whenever possible. This reduces per-item transportation costs.
- Negotiate Volume Discounts: If you're a frequent shipper, negotiate volume discounts with your chosen carrier.
- Consider Sea Freight: While slower, ocean freight is significantly cheaper than air freight for non-time-sensitive cargo.
By implementing these strategies and leveraging Zendeq's quote comparison tool, you can significantly reduce your India-UAE shipping expenses.
Sending Your Package: India to UAE and Vice Versa
Businesses and individuals can leverage various carriers for India-UAE shipping. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Express Delivery (2-5 days): Need it fast? International couriers like DHL, FedEx, UPS, or Aramex get your urgent documents or small packages there quickly (Sources: https://www.dhl.com/in-en/home.html, https://www.fedex.com/en-us/home.html, https://www.ups.com/us/en/global.page, https://www.aramex.com/track/shipments).
- Business Solutions (3-30 days): Complex business shipments? Freight forwarders like DB Schenker, DP World Logistics, or Allcargo Logistics handle it all. Choose air freight (3-7 days) for speed or sea freight (15-30 days) for cost-efficiency (Sources: https://www.dbschenker.com/, https://www.dpworld.com/en, https://www.allcargologistics.com/).
- Budget-Friendly Options (7+ days): Sending personal items? India Post and Emirates Post offer economical options for smaller packages, with varying delivery times (Sources: https://www.indiapost.gov.in/, https://www.emiratespost.ae/all-services/send-shipment-international).
Choosing Your Carrier:
The best carrier depends on your needs. Consider:
- Package Size & Weight: For heavier or bulkier items, consider freight forwarders.
- Speed: Need it there quickly? Prioritize express delivery.
- Cost: International couriers offer speed but come at a premium. Postal services and sea freight are budget-friendly.
- Services: Consider tracking, insurance, and door-to-door delivery options.
Great Online Resources for India-UAE Shipping
Knowledge base

the United Arab Emirates
Website customs
Government website
Website chamber of commerce
Country Alpha-2 code: AE
Country Alpha-3 code: ARE
Country numeric code: 784
GDP: USD 508 billion (2023)
Currency: UAE Dirham
Inhabitants: 9282410
Language: Arabic
Freight forwarders in the United Arab Emirates
the United Arab Emirates has no freight forwarders
Seaports in India
Airports in the United Arab Emirates

the United Arab Emirates
Website customs
Government website
Website chamber of commerce
Country Alpha-2 code: AE
Country Alpha-3 code: ARE
Country numeric code: 784
GDP: USD 508 billion (2023)
Currency: UAE Dirham
Inhabitants: 9282410
Language: Arabic
Freight forwarders in the United Arab Emirates
the United Arab Emirates has no freight forwarders
Seaports in India
Airports in the United Arab Emirates

India
Website customs India
Government website
Website chamber of commerce
Country Alpha-2 code: IN
Country Alpha-3 code: IND
Country numeric code: 356
GDP: USD 3.385 trillion (2023)
Currency: Indian Rupee
Inhabitants: 1400744000
Language: HindiEnglish
Freight forwarders in India
India has no freight forwarders