Step by Step Guide to Import Dates from Gulf Countries

Key Highlights

• As per dates import data, India imported 6,520 shipments of wet dates between March 2023 and February 2024 (TTM).
• The top  dates HSN Codes are 0804.10, 0804.10.20.00, 0804.10.40.00, and 0804.10.60.00
• The biggest dates importer is India, with an import value of  490,589 metric tonnes. 
• The top dates importing countries are India, Morocco, Turkey, Pakistan, France, Kazakhstan, China, and Germany. 

The desert's golden gems and dates are a nutritional powerhouse in addition to being delicious. Due to the health benefits and rich sweetness of dates, they are now a highly sought-after import commodity globally. The Gulf nations, which are well known for producing dates, provide a wide range of high-quality dates types to suit a variety of palates. 

However, to import dates from Gulf countries, dates buyers need to do proper market research and obtain key insights such as dates import data, dry dates HSN codes, and importer lists. In this blog, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide to import dates from Gulf countries. 

How Big is the Dates Industry?

The global date market is projected to develop at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.91% to reach $49.14 billion by 2032, from an estimated $29.48 billion in 2023.

The dates market in 2023 was dominated by the Middle East and Africa, with a market share of 85.21%.

The date market is expected to grow faster for a number of reasons, including:

• In addition to being a wonderful source of vitamins and minerals, dates are high in fibre, which can improve digestive health and prevent stomach cancer.
• Bakery products, cookies, pastries, and nutritious snacks are becoming more and more popular among consumers.
• The demand for date-based products is fuelled by the growing popularity of plant-based diets.
• Saudi Arabia created a digital portal in 2022 to encourage the import and consumption of dates from Gulf nations globally. 

Import Dates From Gulf Countries: 2023-24

In 2023, India imported wet and dry dates worth $267 million.

• India imported 6,520 shipments of wet dates between March 2023 and February 2024 (TTM), based on dates import data.
• 1,170 foreign exporters provided these imports to 415 Indian buyers, representing a 13% increase over the previous 12 months.
• During this time, Indian dates buyers imported 859 shipments of wet dates in February 2024 alone. This represents an 18% year-over-year increase over February 2023 and a 15% sequential increase over January 2024.
• The majority of India's wet dates are imported from the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Iraq. 

Types of Dates Majorly Imported Are 

There are several types of dares imported in India. Some of them are: 

• Ajwa dates: These are small, soft dates with a particularly sweet taste that are frequently imported from Saudi Arabia. They are believed to provide many health benefits.
• Deglet Noor dates: "Known as the "Queen of dates," these semi-dry dates are commonly imported from Tunisia and Algeria.
• Medjool dates: The "king of dates," medjool dates are big, tender, and delicious. They are commonly imported from the US and Israel. They are a common snack in India and can be used in desserts.
• Sukkari dates:  Often imported from Saudi Arabia, these soft, golden dates are popular throughout the Middle East.
• Khudri dates:  These dates are widely accessible in Bangladesh and are imported from Saudi Arabia. 

Top Dates Hsn Codes

The Harmonised System (HS) code for fresh and dried dates is 0804. The more dates HSN codes are listed below: 

The supply chain, admissibility, and compliance that facilitate the importation of dates from Gulf nations are partially determined by these dry dates HSN codes. Additionally, to see the full list of dates buyers, suppliers, import data, and dry dates HSN codes, go to Eximpedia.app.

Top 10 Dates Importing Countries

Here is the list of top global dates importers: 

India is the largest dates importer in the world. Other dates importing countries, such as Morocco and Turkey, also import dates in considerable amounts. 

Furthermore, dates import data is a valuable tool if you are in the dates import business and trade internationally. We recommend you visit the Eximpedia.app to discover the authentic and latest list of dates importers in India, dates import from gulf countries, dates HSN codes, and much more. 

Dates Importers in India

Here are the leading importers of dates in India: 

1. Pisum Food Services
2. Fast Track CFS Private Limited
3. Bait Al Tamur Co.
4. Faaris International
5. Barkaat Packaging
6. Samta Speciality Foods
7. Aayat Overseas
8. Dateskingdom
9. Sarah International
10. Barkaat Dates

Thus, Pisum Food Services is India's largest dates importer. All these above-mentioned companies are just a few of the top dates importers in India. Dates import in India is very high, which is made possible collectively by many Indian dates buyers. To get a detailed list of all the wet and dry dates importers in India with import value and logistics, explore Dates import data on Eximpedia.app

Major Steps to Import Dates From Gulf Countries

Let's look at the top Gulf nations that are important for import dates before moving on to import dates from these nations.

Here is a list of Gulf nations along with their dates export value based on import data: 

• Saudi Arabia: $331 million
• United Arab Emirates: $284 million
• Tunisia: $271 million. 
• Israel: $225 million. 
• Iran: $153 million

Documents to Import Dates From Gulf Countries

• A business invoice (from the exporter to the importer) that lists each item's total quantity, description, and total value
• A certificate of origin confirming the source of goods authorised by the chamber of commerce in the nation of origin
• Dates import data at Eximpedia.app offers a comprehensive packing list that includes each item's weight, packing technique, and HS code for the shipping.
• Importing restricted or duty-exempted items requires import permits from permitted authorities.

Furthermore, it's time to review the considerations that must be made while importing dates from Gulf nations: 

• Regulations

To avoid legal issues and win over customers, it is essential to adhere to import and export regulations, labelling requirements, and food safety compliance while importing dates from Gulf nations.

• Eximpedia.app 

With just one subscription, importers can use this platform to connect with reliable foreign suppliers of dates and other food items. 

• Import Duty

Depending on the nation, it may vary. Developing a business plan requires determining the tariff valuation and duty rate for import dates from Gulf countries.

The Final Remarks!

In conclusion, the sector of importing dates from the Gulf countries into India is likely to increase significantly in the upcoming years due to several factors, including the rising demand for both fresh and dry dates. The objective is to use the learnt information to create well-informed judgements, with a particular emphasis on dates import data.

As a top supplier of import export data, Eximpedia.app may use this priceless knowledge to find new suppliers, buyers, and prospects, as well as to profit from India's expanding market for healthy food imports. So let's contact our team of professionals and arrange a free live demo right now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Which countries import the most dates?

The top countries that import the most dates are India, Morocco, Turkey, Pakistan, France, and Kazakhstan.

Q2. Where does India import dates from?

As per dates import data, India imports most of its wet dates from Iran, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates.

Q3. Which country is the largest supplier of dates?

As per dates export data, Israel is the largest supplier of dates. The nation exported dates worth  $331,552,000 In 2022-23.

Q4. Who is the largest importer of dates?

India is the largest importer of dates. In 2023-24, India imported 490,589 thousand metric tonnes of dates from various countries.

Q5. Who are the largest exporters of dates?

Here are the top dates exporting countries:

- Israel

- Saudi Arabia

- United Arab Emirates

- Tunisia

- Iran

Q6. What are the top 10 dates exporting countries?

The top 10 dates exporting countries are Saudi Arabia, Israel, United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Iran, the United States, Egypt, Oman and Algeria.

Dates Trade Data

Dates Import Data

Dates Export Data

Import of Dates From Gulf Countries

Top import dates from Gulf countries: Ajwa dates

Top import dates from Gulf countries: Sukkari dates