Indian Seed Spices and Turmeric for UAE Spice Traders, Tested Lot by Lot
Six spice lines from Gujarat, with the aflatoxin and residue reports UAE buyers ask to see.
If you buy spices in bulk for the UAE, Elysium Agri Corporation supplies cumin, coriander, fennel, fenugreek, black cumin and turmeric from Gujarat, India. Each export lot is tested at an NABL-accredited lab and issued with a Certificate of Analysis before it is loaded at Mundra, Kandla or Pipavav.
More than half of the UAE's spice imports already come from India. The USDA puts India's share at 53%, and India shipped about US$99 million of seed spices to the UAE in 2025. With many Indian offers to compare, the test report and the label file are what separate them.
Spice Grades for the UAE Market
| Grade / form | Typical specification | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Coriander seed | Colour and purity to your specification | Grinding, blends, retail packs |
| Fennel seed | Size and colour to your specification | Retail packs, catering supply |
| Fenugreek seed | Purity to your specification | Spice blends, food manufacturing |
| Black cumin seed | Purity to your specification | Bakeries, retail packs |
| Turmeric finger and powder | Finger polish and powder mesh to your specification | Spice packers, food processors |
UAE Rules That Apply to Spices
Spices are tested more closely than most dry commodities. Label registration on ZAD, FIRS or ZADI stays with you as importer. Our part is to send reports and label particulars early.
- Aflatoxin and pesticide residue reports are checked against UAE.S GSO 841 and UAE.S MRL 1/2019. Your test scope is agreed in the quote.
- Dubai asks for laboratory test results when a product is imported for the first time.
- Arabic is mandatory on the label. Spices need no expiry date, but the production or packing date must be printed on the original pack.
- Any claim on the pack, such as organic or GMO-free, needs a supporting certificate.
- Halal certification is not mandated for plain plant commodities.
Packing and Current Routing
- UAE cargo is at present discharged at Khor Fakkan or Fujairah on the east coast, outside the Strait of Hormuz, with Jebel Ali reached by bonded land-bridge. No transit time is published. Your quote names the port and routing at booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the duty on Indian spices zero under the India-UAE CEPA?
Do not assume so. Under the GCC tariff most food products are exempt or pay 5% on the CIF value. CEPA treatment differs by HS line and is confirmed with your quote. Find your line with the HS code finder.
Can turmeric powder be shipped with an Arabic sticker instead of a printed label?
Only within limits. A sticker must be pre-approved, applied before export, non-removable and must not cover required information. Dates are never placed on a sticker. They are printed or embossed on the original pack.
We repack in a UAE free zone for re-export. What should we tell you?
The final destination country. Goods landed in a free zone for re-export do not pay UAE duty. Lab test scope and bag markings are then matched to the country where the spices are sold.
Can I approve a sample before I book a container?
Yes. Inspection by SGS, Bureau Veritas or Intertek is welcome before loading.
Related Pages
Last reviewed: October 2026