Cumin buyers in the UAE: how much they buy and how to sell to them

Key takeaways

• The UAE was the largest buyer by volume in 2025-26. India exported 29,752 tonnes of cumin to the UAE [1].
• The volume doubled in two years. In 2023-24, it was 14,196 tonnes [1].
• The average value for each kg was low: approximately $2.43, against $3.23 for the USA [1].
• Buyers that supply Europe ask about pesticide residues and ethylene oxide [4].

How much cumin does the UAE buy?

The UAE is now the largest market for Indian cumin by volume. The table gives the figures of Spices Board, from DGCI&S data [1]:

The lead over Bangladesh is small. In 2025-26, India exported 29,579 tonnes of cumin to Bangladesh and 15,458 tonnes to the USA [1]. Total cumin exports fell from 229,881 tonnes to 196,800 tonnes. The largest decrease was to China, from 38,721 tonnes to 9,271 tonnes [1].

What is the average price of cumin to the UAE?

Divide the export value by the volume to get an approximate average. In 2025-26, the average for the UAE was approximately $2.43 for each kg, or approximately Rs 214 for each kg [1]. The table compares other markets:

Use these averages as signals, not as prices. Each figure includes whole seed and powder, all grades and all months of the year. The figures show that the UAE buys large volumes at the low end of the price range. The UK and the Netherlands pay more for smaller volumes.

Who buys cumin in the UAE?

There are three types of buyer. Each type asks a different first question:

What do UAE buyers check?

Start with the figures that set the price. The FSSAI standard for whole cumin sets a minimum of 1.5 ml/100 g of volatile oil and a maximum of 10.0% moisture [2]. It also sets limits for extraneous matter, foreign matter, broken seeds and damaged seeds [2]. Put your laboratory values for these parameters on your spec sheet. Our cumin spec sheet page gives all the limits.

Use the correct HS code. The list of Spices Board gives 0909 31 29 for cumin other than black, not of seed quality [3]. It gives 0909 32 00 for powder. Check the code with your CHA.

Buyers that supply Europe ask more questions. After the June 2026 EU update, the EU checks 50% of Indian cumin consignments for pesticide residues [4]. Each consignment also needs an official certificate for ethylene oxide, and the EU checks 20% of consignments [4]. Our guide to pesticide residues on cumin for the EU explains the two rules.

How do you find and check buyers?

Use routes that let you check the identity of the buyer:

• Meet buyers at Gulfood.
• Ask your current buyers for introductions.
• Use trade data only as a source of names.

Before you send a sample, check the company. Use the official UAE licence checks [5]. Also check the email domain of the company.

What must your first message say?

Subject: Cumin seeds, [grade], [purity]%: spec sheet and lot report attached

Dear [Name],

We export cumin seeds from [State], India. Our spec sheet and a recent lot report are attached. The report gives volatile oil, moisture, purity and pesticide results.

Which grade do you buy? Is the cumin for the UAE market or for re-export?

Regards,
[Your name], [Role], [Company]

Write only facts about your company. When the buyer replies, send a quotation that the buyer can compare.

Next step. Before a buyer replies, the buyer usually checks your company online. Our free Buyer Check is a 1-page report on your Google listing, website and spec gaps. It gives the 3 most important fixes within 24 hours.