Exporting Food Products From UAE: a Comprehensive Guide

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a major player in the global food trade, is also the leader in food export in the Arab world (Exporting Food Products From UAE). The top destinations for food exports from the UAE include Libya, Somalia, Egypt, Sudan, and Djibouti. The nation is also a hub for re-exporting food and agricultural products to Middle Eastern countries and other places. 

Businesses can leverage the UAE’s progressive regulatory framework, its robust infrastructure, and the strategic position of Dubai to excel in exporting food products. Read on to learn about the documentation and more needed for the food export process from the UAE.

Why is exporting food products from the UAE significant?

The UAE is situated between Europe, Africa, and Asia and is close to markets in Africa and Eurasia. The country has also invested hugely in the development of infrastructure including world-class ports like the Port of Jebel Ali. The country also has outstanding providers of services in aviation and warehouse operations.  

Regulations Governing Food Exports From the UAE 

Several regulations are in place to control the UAE food export process. These include: 

• Health Certificate

Exporters must deliver to the port entry inspector the original health certificate issued by the exporting country’s government. This certificate should state that the food is appropriate for human consumption. 

• Halal Certificate

The export of meat and poultry products to the UAE requires a halal slaughter certificate by an Islamic organization that has the approval of the nation.

• Labeling

Food labels must include information such as storage conditions, usage instructions, and nutritional information if applicable. These labels should also include a statement assuring that all the animal fat and ingredients in the products come from Halal slaughtered animals. 

Food labeling during the UAE food export process should also include a statement saying that pet food is not appropriate for human consumption. Products containing more than one percent genetically modified ingredients should also produce a GMO-free certificate.

• Other Requirements

While exporting food products, the product should also abide by the legislation, technical rules, and bilateral agreements with the exporting company. All the documents for logistics for food products should be legitimized by the relevant Consulate.

Packaging and Labeling Standards for Exporting Food Products

The national standards for packaging and labeling for food exports in the UAE are developed and implemented by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT). The ministry formulates these based on regional and international standards. The following are some of the several labeling and packaging standards for food exports:

• The label should include the product name, country of origin, ingredients, usage instructions, storage conditions, and nutritional information. 
• The dates of production and expiration of the product should be stated clearly in the international date format. 
• Packaging should highlight potential allergens.
• The label should include manufactured information, including name, country of production, and address.
• The label for food exports should include local importer or distributor details, nutritional information, and the net weight of the contents.
• The label for food exports should include local importer or distributor details, nutritional information, and the net weight of the contents. 
• A code should mark each pack in a lot clearly to indicate the lot and the factory of production. 
• A barcode number should be there on the product.
• Safety requirements of packaging materials that come into contact with the food products
• The labels of the food products should include information in Arabic only or Arabic/English
• Islamic dietary guidelines should be followed for halal labeling. 

Also read: Documentation for International Exports From the Uae: Complete Guide

Transportation and Logistics for Exporting Food Products

The type of food products, export budget, and shipment urgency determine the best shipping mode. The common shipping modes for exporting food products from the UAE include: 

• Sea Freight: This is the most economical shipping option for large goods without shipment urgency 
• Air Freight: This is the fastest mode for transporting goods if both the shipper and the receiver have access to airports. 
• Express Courier:  This house-to-house service is best suited for small packages with shipment urgency.

An exporter should also take into consideration a few other things during the UAE food export process. These are: 

• Completing the online Export Declaration stating invoice particulars and cargo details. 
• Getting certifications and permits from the Chamber of Commerce depending on the cargo’s nature
• Using proper packaging and correct labeling for air exports
• Engraving, printing, embossing, or stamping the dates of production and expiry directly on the original packaging and label. 
• Prior declaration of any sensitivity related to a food product or ingredients in any product.

How Ryan Worldwide Simplifies Food Product Exports: 

The following are the reasons why you should choose Ryan Worldwide to simplify the UAE food export process: 

• We have almost 15 years of experience in customs clearance in Dubai.
• Ryan Worldwide represents the customer throughout the process including assessment, inspection, payment of duty, and delivery. 
• We either ship the consignment directly from overseas suppliers or clear it from any port and take it to your doorstep. 
• We have the required permissions from Dubai Municipality for importing and re-exporting food products.
• Warehousing operations are controlled by an experienced team of professionals.
• 24/7 monitoring of warehousing operations.

How to Conduct Your Food Product Exporting Successfully? 

The following are a few tips for businesses to conduct their food product exporting successfully: 

• Labeling the goods clearly to inform the place from which they come and where they are going. 
• Agree on a payment condition that works best for you and your buyer. 
• Conduct market research to study the factors affecting the export destination and to analyze your product’s demand. 
• Make a thorough export plan by explaining your entry into a foreign market, deciding the market strategy and human resources, and allocating the needed budget. 
• Declare the absence of any food additives or other prohibited ingredients.
• Following necessary rules and completing proper export documentation while exporting food products 
• Stay updated about contacting international customers and industry news by attending trade shows.
• Fetch all data related to export and import to simplify international trade.
• Pay attention to all the customs policies, documents, and tariff duties. 
• Ensuring that all the packaging is safe and cost-effective
• Choosing the best options for transportation and logistics while exporting food products

Closing Thoughts: 

Exporting food products from the UAE includes processes and documentation that require careful consideration. These include the furnishing of health certificates, and halal certificates, complying with the proper standards for labeling and packaging, and choosing the right shipping mode. 

Having an expert shipping and logistics company like Ryan Worldwide, however, simplifies the whole process for you. Contact us to learn more about our end-to-end support and personalized logistics solutions for food export. 

phone: +9714 2528468 (or) +971559020985

Email: info@ryan-worldwide.com