Export Tea from India to Dubai Indian tea export process, Dubai trade, premium tea supplier India to UAE

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

India is one of the largest tea producers in the world, known for its premium Assam, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri teas. With a strong global reputation, Indian tea has found a thriving market in Dubai a hub for international food trade and re-export.
If you want to learn how to export tea from India to Dubai, this complete guide will help you understand the process, documentation, and marketing strategies required to build a successful tea export business.

Why Export Tea to Dubai?

Dubai serves as the gateway to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Its growing hospitality industry, retail tea brands, and re-export opportunities make it one of the most lucrative destinations for Indian tea exporters.

Dubai imports large quantities of Assam and Darjeeling tea every year.
The UAE acts as a re-export hub, connecting Indian exporters to Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Africa.
High tea consumption among Dubai’s diverse population drives steady demand.

Moreover, the city’s modern logistics system ensures faster delivery and safer tea storage, giving Indian exporters a competitive advantage.

You can also expand your product line by exploring export spices from India to Dubai to capture wider market segments.

Types of Tea Exported from India to Dubai

India exports a diverse range of teas to the UAE, catering to different tastes and blends.

Type of Tea	Description	Export Demand in Dubai
Assam Tea	Strong, malty flavor ideal for milk tea and chai blends.	Very High
Darjeeling Tea	Known as the "Champagne of Teas," offers floral aroma and delicate flavor.	High
Nilgiri Tea	Aromatic and smooth; preferred in iced teas and blends.	Moderate
Green Tea	Popular for its health benefits and wellness use.	Rising demand
CTC Tea	Common in bulk exports and ready-made blends.	High
Organic Tea	Certified organic teas have a growing demand in Dubai supermarkets.	Rapidly Growing

Many best tea suppliers from India to Dubai offer blended packs combining green, black, and herbal teas for retail and bulk buyers.

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

1. Register Your Tea Export Business

To start exporting tea from India to Dubai, register your company as an exporter:

Obtain an Import Export Code (IEC) from DGFT.
Register with the Tea Board of India and APEDA (Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority).
Open a current account in a nationalized bank for foreign transactions.

2. Obtain Necessary Licenses

Compliance is crucial in tea export:

FSSAI License for food safety.
GST Registration for taxation and invoicing.
Tea Board Certificate of Origin for authenticity.
Optional: Organic certification if you are exporting organic tea to Dubai.

3. Quality Testing and Grading

Tea quality is key for international buyers:

Ensure the tea meets FSSAI and Dubai Municipality standards.
Get your tea samples tested for pesticide residue and moisture content.
Grade your tea as per the Tea Board of India and UAE import standards.

4. Packaging and Labelling for Tea Export

Good packaging preserves freshness and increases brand appeal.

Use air-tight and moisture-proof pouches or tins.
Include English and Arabic labels mentioning:
- Tea variety and grade
- Net weight
- Country of origin (India)
- Expiry date
- Batch number

Attractive labeling is important, especially for retail exports.

5. Logistics and Shipment to Dubai

Choose the right shipping mode based on your target market:

Sea Freight – Best for bulk tea export from India to Dubai.
Air Cargo – Ideal for premium teas or urgent deliveries.
Partner with a freight forwarder familiar with Dubai tea import customs.

Many exporters also handle export rice from India using similar logistics channels to optimize costs.

6. Customs Clearance and Delivery in Dubai

Submit all export documents to Indian customs for clearance.
Upon arrival in Dubai, the shipment must comply with UAE Customs and Dubai Municipality Food Import Regulations.
Deliver goods to wholesalers, distributors, or retail brands in Dubai.

Documents Required for Tea Export from India to Dubai

Below is the list of documents required for tea export to Dubai:

Import Export Code (IEC)
APEDA Registration Certificate
FSSAI License for Tea Export
Tea Board of India Registration
Commercial Invoice
Packing List
Certificate of Origin
Phytosanitary Certificate
Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
Insurance Policy

These documents ensure smooth customs clearance and build credibility with international buyers.

How to Find Buyers for Tea in Dubai?

Finding genuine buyers is essential for long-term success. Here’s how to connect with them:

Register on B2B trade platforms like Alibaba, TradeIndia, and IndiaMART.
Participate in Gulfood Dubai and other international tea exhibitions.
Contact importers listed in the top 10 rice importers in Dubai directory, many also deal in agri-products like tea and coffee.
Build strong relationships with Dubai-based retail chains and distributors.

To diversify your market reach, consider export coffee from India to target similar buyers in the UAE beverage sector.

Challenges in Tea Export from India to Dubai

While the tea trade is profitable, exporters face some challenges:

Price competition from other countries.
Meeting strict labeling and quality standards in Dubai.
Managing fluctuating freight charges.
Ensuring freshness during long transit times.

By choosing the right logistics partner and maintaining quality, these challenges can be easily overcome.

Why Choose Hind Gate General Trading LLC for Tea Export?

While the tea trade is profitable, exporters face some challenges:

Price competition from other countries.
Meeting strict labeling and quality standards in Dubai.
Managing fluctuating freight charges.
Ensuring freshness during long transit times.

By choosing the right logistics partner and maintaining quality, these challenges can be easily overcome.

Conclusion

Exporting tea from India to Dubai presents one of the most promising trade opportunities in 2025. With the right business registration, export documentation, and compliance with UAE import regulations, Indian exporters can successfully enter Dubai’s expanding beverage market.

Furthermore, to strengthen their business presence across the Middle East, exporters can gradually diversify into related sectors such as export pulses from India, ensuring long-term profitability and sustainable growth.

Partner with Hind Gate General Trading LLC, your trusted export partner in Dubai, to simplify the entire process from sourcing premium Indian tea to managing logistics and customs clearance efficiently.