Image showing sacks of various pulses with a cargo ship, airplane, and skyline representing Dubai, symbolizing the export of pulses from India to Dubai.

How to Export Pulses From India to Dubai? A Complete Guide

India ranks among the world’s largest producers of pulses, offering protein-rich legumes like chickpeas, lentils, pigeon pea, and beans. For entrepreneurs aiming to tap into international food markets, the opportunity to export pulses from India to Dubai stands out as one of the most lucrative.

Dubai is not only a consumption hub but also a key re-export center connecting the GCC and African regions. With proper documentation, logistics planning, and strategic partnerships, Indian exporters can easily build a successful and sustainable pulses export business in Dubai.

Why Dubai is a Leading Market for Indian Pulses?

Dubai’s geographic advantage and advanced logistics make it a preferred import destination for Indian agro-products.

Several factors contribute to this:

A large expatriate population that consumes pulses regularly.
Dubai’s re-export trade routes serve Middle Eastern and African countries.
Consistent demand for chickpeas, moong, lentils, and toor in the UAE’s food supply chain.

This growing demand mirrors other booming sectors like export tea from India to Dubai, proving the UAE’s appetite for Indian agri-products.

Types of Pulses Exported from India to Dubai

Pulse Type	Description	Export Potential
Chickpeas (Kabuli & Desi)	Used widely in hummus, curries, and snacks.	Strong demand across UAE & GCC.
Green Gram (Moong)	Lightweight and quick to cook.	Popular in retail & food processing.
Pigeon Pea (Toor/Arhar)	Staple for Indian households abroad.	Steady, year-round export demand.
Black Gram (Urad)	Key ingredient in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine.	Growing interest among UAE restaurants.
Lentils (Masoor)	High in protein and simple to prepare.	Increasing sales in UAE supermarkets.
Peas (Matar)	Used in soups, snacks, and ready meals.	Rising demand in food manufacturing.

These varieties provide diverse export opportunities from bulk shipments for food-service buyers to retail packs for supermarkets. Many exporters also combine pulses with rice or spices to enhance order volumes, similar to export spices from India to Dubai strategies.

Step-by-Step Process to Export Pulses from India to Dubai

1. Business Registration

Begin by registering your business under Indian law. Whether you’re a proprietorship, partnership, or Pvt Ltd, ensure you’re legally compliant for export.

2. Obtain Essential Licenses & Codes

Apply for an Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT mandatory for all exporters.
Register with APEDA for agri-food export promotion and obtain an FSSAI license for food safety compliance.
Complete your GST registration for smooth taxation and invoicing.

3. Quality Sourcing & Certification

Source from certified suppliers or pulse mills. Ensure lab testing for purity, moisture content, and foreign matter. Compliance with UAE import norms is crucial.

4. Packaging & Labelling

Use moisture-proof HDPE or jute sacks for bulk exports. For retail, 1kg or 5kg packs are preferred.
Labels should include product name, grade, net weight, batch number, origin (India), and expiry date. Arabic labeling is mandatory under UAE import rules.

5. Logistics & Shipment

Use sea freight for high-volume exports or air cargo for urgent orders.
Work with freight forwarders experienced in India UAE agri-trade. Proper logistics can significantly reduce transit delays.

6. Customs Clearance & Delivery

Submit all export documents at Indian customs and UAE authorities.
Ensure Dubai Municipality’s food safety approval to release goods at ports like Jebel Ali.

Following these steps ensures a compliant and efficient pulses export process similar to what’s followed in export Coffee from India operations.

Documents Required for Pulses Export from India to Dubai

To ensure a smooth and hassle-free customs clearance process, exporters must prepare the following documents:

Import Export Code (IEC) – A mandatory code issued by DGFT for all Indian exporters.
APEDA Registration Certificate – Required for exporters dealing with agri-food products like pulses.
FSSAI License for Pulses Export – Confirms the product meets Indian food safety standards.
Commercial Invoice – Contains transaction details such as product name, price, and quantity.
Packing List – Lists each item, packaging type, and weight for easy verification.
Certificate of Origin – Declares that the pulses are produced and packed in India.
Phytosanitary Certificate – Ensures the shipment is pest-free and meets UAE import health norms.
Bill of Lading / Airway Bill – Proof of shipment, depending on whether goods are sent by sea or air.
Insurance Policy – Protects your goods during transit against loss or damage.

Having these documents in place helps minimize delays and enhances your reputation as a reliable pulses exporter from India to Dubai.

Quality Standards & Compliance for Pulses Export

To meet Dubai’s food safety requirements:

Conduct moisture and residue tests through certified labs.
Use hygienic packaging as per Dubai Municipality food import rules.
Add bilingual labeling (English & Arabic).

Maintaining these standards strengthens buyer trust and supports long-term trade partnerships.

Packaging & Labelling Guidelines for Pulses Export

To preserve quality and ensure compliance:

Choose moisture-resistant bags or laminated pouches.
Display variety, origin, batch number, and expiry clearly.
Include Arabic translation for UAE markets.
Use export-grade branding for premium buyers.

High-quality packaging gives Indian exporters a professional edge in Dubai’s retail space.

Logistics and Shipping of Pulses from India to Dubai

Reliable logistics are the backbone of export success.

Sea freight: Ideal for large, economical shipments.
Air freight: Suitable for urgent or high-value consignments.
Major Indian ports: Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Chennai.
UAE destinations: Jebel Ali Port and Dubai Air Cargo terminals.

Partnering with logistics experts helps maintain freshness and reduces costs an approach also used by firms in export rice from India trade.

How to Find Buyers for Pulses in Dubai?

To find reliable buyers and build long-term relationships:

List your business on B2B portals like IndiaMART, Alibaba, and TradeIndia.
Attend global expos like Gulfood Dubai.
Connect with wholesalers through Dubai’s food markets and trade parks.
Offer samples and flexible payment terms for trust-building.

These buyer-sourcing strategies mirror what successful exporters follow in export milk powder from India and other FMCG segments.

Challenges in Exporting Pulses and How to Overcome Them

Exporters may face certain challenges:

Price volatility and fluctuating global demand.
Quality rejections due to moisture or contamination.
Customs delays due to incomplete paperwork.

Solutions:

Maintain consistency with quality testing.
Stay updated on government policies.
Use professional logistics partners to ensure smooth handling.

Why Choose Hind Gate General Trading LLC for Pulses Export?

Based in Dubai, Hind Gate General Trading LLC specializes in facilitating agri-exports from India to the UAE.

We offer:

Verified sourcing from certified Indian farms.
Full export documentation and compliance assistance.
Reliable logistics and warehouse solutions.
Access to top wholesale and retail buyers in the UAE.

Partnering with Hind Gate ensures your pulses export journey remains efficient, transparent, and profitable.

Conclusion

The opportunity to export pulses from India to Dubai is growing rapidly, driven by the increasing demand for high-quality, protein-rich foods in the UAE. By maintaining strong compliance, accurate documentation, and consistent quality, Indian exporters can build a sustainable presence in Dubai’s competitive food market.

Further, in order to be successful globally, the importance of brand trust, logistics efficiency, and long-term buyer relationships is crucial for any business that is looking to export pulses from India successfully.

Partner with Hind Gate General Trading LLC, your reliable export partner, bridging Indian farmers with international markets.