Food imports

Importing food products from Dubai to Iran is considered one of the most active and growing routes in the field of international trade. The geographical proximity, access to reputable global brands, wide product variety, and trade facilities in the UAE have turned Dubai into a strategic hub for sourcing various food products. From packaged and canned foods to organic products and snacks, Iranian traders can benefit from this dynamic market through careful planning and familiarity with import regulations. This article explores the process of importing food from Dubai, legal requirements, procedural steps, and the role of trading companies in facilitating this process.

Statistics on Imports from Dubai to Iran

In 2023 (1402 in the Persian calendar), the United Arab Emirates was recognized as the largest source of non-oil imports to Iran. According to official reports, over 5.5 million tons of goods were imported from the UAE to Iran in the first half of the year.

A breakdown of imports from the UAE by product category shows that the electrical and electronics industries ranked first with a 23% share. Following that, grains and food products, industrial parts, machinery, chemicals, transportation equipment, and household appliances took the next top spots respectively.

Additionally, soybean stands out as one of the key imported items from the UAE, with more than 1.5 million tons imported last year, valued at over one billion dollars.

These statistics indicate that imports from Dubai to Iran cover a wide range of sectors, including food products, electronics, clothing, cosmetics, and industrial parts. The diversity and high volume of imports underscore Dubai’s importance as a key commercial center for meeting the Iranian market’s demands.

Steps for Importing Food from Dubai

Importing food products from Dubai to Iran requires following specific steps in compliance with health, customs, and trade regulations. Below is a summary of the main stages:

First, the importer must identify the specific food product and ensure it is permitted for import, as some items may require special health permits or be subject to seasonal restrictions. Next comes identifying a reliable supplier in Dubai, which typically involves negotiations, receiving a proforma invoice, and verifying quality and packaging standards. Once an agreement is reached with the seller, the importer must register the order in Iran’s Integrated Trade System (NTSW) and obtain necessary health, quarantine, or standard certifications if required.

In the next step, the goods are shipped to Iran by sea or land. Upon arrival at customs, a customs declaration must be submitted along with supporting documents such as the invoice, bill of lading, health certificate, and required permits. After inspections, health checks, and laboratory testing (if applicable), the goods are cleared and ready for distribution in the domestic market.

Working with experienced international trading companies like Marsat Zahabia can streamline the import process, reduce costs, and minimize potential risks.

Popular Imported Food Products from Dubai to Iran

Due to the variety of products, access to reputable brands, and Dubai’s strategic position, food imports from Dubai to Iran are a significant and profitable international trade route. Below is a list of the most popular imported food items:

Grains and Legumes:

Products such as rice, wheat, corn, and soybeans are essential staples in the Iranian diet and are imported from Dubai.

Dairy and Protein Products:

Items like powdered milk, cheese, butter, and processed meats are in high demand and are imported via Dubai.

Snacks and Treats:

Products such as chips, puffs, biscuits, and international brand chocolates are imported due to their popularity in the Iranian market.

Beverages:

Various carbonated drinks, packaged juices, and energy drinks are among the popular imported beverages from Dubai.

Canned and Ready-to-Eat Products:

Canned fish, vegetables, instant soups, and semi-prepared meals are imported as convenient food options.

Spices and Condiments:

A wide range of spices, sauces, and specialty condiments sold with high quality in Dubai are also welcomed in the Iranian market.

Organic and Diet Products:

With increasing consumer awareness of health, imports of organic, gluten-free, and low-calorie products from Dubai have grown significantly.

Importers aiming for success in this field should pay close attention to product quality, expiration dates, health standards, appropriate packaging, and required certifications. Additionally, partnering with reputable trading companies can simplify the import process and reduce potential risks.

The Role of Marsat Zahabia in Food Imports

Marsat Zahabia, with its specialized experience and access to the Dubai market, plays a vital role in importing food products to Iran. This company, with its professional trade team, identifies reputable Dubai suppliers and offers cost-effective, hygienic product options.

In addition to sourcing goods, Marsat Zahabia provides integrated services including order registration, health permits, transportation, and customs clearance. This enables importers to focus on domestic distribution and sales without getting entangled in complex administrative and logistical details.

Moreover, with familiarity with the legal processes of both countries and experience in importing various food items such as canned goods, beverages, snacks, legumes, and organic products, Marsat Zahabia helps its clients reduce risks, optimize costs, and speed up imports.

In essence, Marsat Zahabia serves as a reliable and professional partner for traders seeking to import food from Dubai in a systematic, legal, and cost-effective way.

Conclusion

Importing food products from Dubai to Iran presents a valuable opportunity for traders and distribution companies to meet domestic consumer demands by accessing a diverse range of high-quality, market-friendly products. As a regional trade hub, Dubai offers a convenient platform for sourcing international brands and hygienically packaged products. Partnering with Marsat Zahabia makes imports smoother by providing consulting, permitting, transport, and clearance services, facilitating the trade process.