DRI seizes ₹3 crore of Pakistan-origin dry dates allegedly routed via UAE
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized 364 tonnes of dry dates in 13 containers at Kandla, alleging the Pakistan-origin cargo was routed through the UAE and misdeclared to bypass India’s import restrictions.
What happened
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence · DRI seized 364 tonnes of Pakistan-origin dry dates valued at Rs 3 crore at Kandla after they were allegedly routed through
Key facts
- 364 metric tonnes of dry dates
- Rs 3 crore value
- 13 containers
- 14 metric tonnes of guggul resin
- Rs 1.4 crore value
- May 2, 2025 DGFT notification
Why this matters
Acquirers and strategic partners should scrutinize target companies’ import-origin controls, intermediary relationships and customs compliance before pursuing food-sourcing deals.
What to watch
- DRI or CBIC notices naming importers, brokers, or additional commodity categories under scrutiny.
- A rise in examination orders, reassessments, or origin-related detention of UAE-origin food consignments at Kandla, Mundra, Nhava Sheva, or Chennai.
- Changes to import data showing lower UAE-origin date arrivals and higher sourcing from alternative countries.
- Wholesale price increases for dry dates, especially before Ramadan and other seasonal demand peaks.
- Diplomatic or trade-policy clarification on enforcement of India’s restrictions on Pakistan-origin goods routed through third countries.
- Importers will audit certificates of origin, bills of lading, supplier ownership, and transshipment records for UAE-routed food cargo.
- Wholesalers and grocery retailers will seek alternative supplies from domestic producers and permitted origins such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, and North Africa.
- Customs brokers will advise clients to build longer clearance buffers and prepare for physical inspections and laboratory or documentation verification.
- Retail buyers may reduce promotional commitments on imported dates until landed-cost and availability visibility improves.