How do I export vegetables to Dubai from India The food processing sector of India is one of the biggest revenue generators. It covers every possible food item under the sun ranging from vegetables, fruits, meat, poultry, spices, milk and milk products to grains and so on. In terms of the export performance of the sector, it notched up an export value of about 31563.43 crores for 2014-15. Some of the food item that this export category covers are dried and preserved vegetable, other processed fruit and vegetable, groundnuts, pulses, mango pulp, to name a few. Primarily export-oriented, food products are exported to different and diverse regions of the world such as the Middle East, Europe, Malaysia, Korea and Thailand, among others. Due to the country’s proximity with the region, bilateral trade especially food exports is especially high between the Gulf countries and India. Among them, the trade bond between India and UAE goes back to centuries. According to figures put forward by the Government of India for the 201415 fiscal, trade between the two countries was over US$ 59bn. While exports to the UAE were worth US$ 33.3bn, exports to India from UAE were about US$ 26bn; making UAE a top trading partner of India. Dubai is the primary port through which all exports are routed to other parts of the UAE. One can sell their products in the Dubai market in three ways: direct selling, selling to UAE commercial agents and local presence. The mode of direct selling to well-known traders and importers in the country is one of the best ways for businesses to test the market. This route is especially beneficial for businesses whose trade volumes are on the lower side of the scale. The second route is through tie-ups with UAE companies. Lastly, the third option is the best as it enables businesses to interact directly with consumers, traders and so on. Documents required for doing business in Dubai While all products would require health certificates and country of origin certificates, for plant products like dry pea, vegetables, and fruits and so on, a special certificate called the Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service Phytosanitary Certificate would be needed. Given by the local municipality’s health department or the Ministry of Environment and Water, the purpose of this certificate is to confirm the absence of insect and pest, and that it meets all laid down laws. Furthermore, the concerned health certificates would require notarization by the UAE Consulate or Embassy in India. If certificates lack the notary seal, they are sent back within 15 days. The documents that importers would have to keep in hand at the time of entry are original certificates accompanying shipments. At the time of entry, the presence of these documents is important as they carry details about the shipment. Having said so, changes cannot be made to the certificate once it has been issued and sent with the shipment. Other documents that businesses would need for exporting to Dubai are bill of lading, bill of entry, packing list and original invoices for submission to the Customs Authority.