DRI seizes 364 MT of Pakistan-origin dates allegedly routed via Dubai at Kandla
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized 13 containers of dry dates at Kandla Port, alleging Pakistan-origin goods were misdeclared as UAE imports. The action signals tighter scrutiny of food consignments amid India’s ban on direct and indirect imports from Pakistan.
What happened
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) · DRI seized 364 MT of Pakistan-origin dry dates at Kandla Port that were allegedly routed through Dubai and falsely
Key facts
- 364 metric tonnes
- ₹3 crore
- 13 containers
- 14 metric tonnes
- ₹1.4 crore
- May 2, 2025
Why this matters
Acquirers and strategic buyers should intensify trade-compliance diligence on targets with Gulf-based sourcing networks, including origin traceability, vendor records and customs exposure.
What to watch
- Further DRI seizures, show-cause notices or arrests involving UAE-routed food cargoes.
- CBIC advisories, risk-management-system alerts or port-level instructions on enhanced country-of-origin verification.
- Abnormal increases in Kandla, Nhava Sheva or Mundra examination rates and food-consignment dwell times.
- Wholesale price movement in dates and dry fruits, particularly ahead of Ramadan and major festive periods.
- Retailer or importer disclosures of delayed shipments, supplier changes, inventory buffers or higher landed costs.
- Evidence that enforcement extends beyond dates to other Pakistan-origin products allegedly routed through third countries.
- Importers will seek enhanced certificates of origin, manufacturer declarations, shipment-level traceability and evidence of substantial transformation where goods are routed through UAE.
- Customs brokers and freight forwarders may flag UAE-origin food consignments with Pakistan-linked supplier, packaging, payment or transshipment indicators for pre-clearance review.
- Retailers and dry-fruit brands are likely to audit suppliers, diversify procurement origins and build extra inventory ahead of Ramadan, festive and wedding-season demand.
- Trade bodies may seek clarification on acceptable proof of UAE origin versus simple re-export documentation, especially for goods processed or repacked in free zones.
- Authorities may widen intelligence-based screening to related categories, including nuts, spices, edible seeds and processed foods routed through regional hubs.