DRI seizes 364 tonnes of Pakistan-origin dry dates misdeclared as UAE imports at Kandla

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized 13 containers of dry dates valued at about Rs 3 crore at Kandla port, alleging the Pakistan-origin cargo was routed through the UAE and falsely declared as UAE goods. The action signals tighter scrutiny of food-import provenance amid India’s ban on direct and indirect imports from Pakistan.

— Source publishedWed, 5 Aug, 2026, 16:27 IST·First seen Wed, 5 Aug, 2026, 16:39 IST·Source Indian Express · Business

What happened

Directorate of Revenue Intelligence · DRI seized 364 tonnes of Pakistan-origin dry dates worth Rs 3 crore at Kandla after they were misdeclared as UAE goods,

Key facts

  • 364 metric tonnes
  • Rs 3 crore
  • 13 containers
  • 14 metric tonnes
  • Rs 1.4 crore
  • $101.24 billion India-UAE trade
  • $258.22 million India-Pakistan trade

Why this matters

Any acquisition, sourcing partnership or distribution deal involving imported foods should include deeper beneficial-origin diligence and contractual safeguards against transshipment-related trade violations.

What to watch

  • Additional DRI seizures involving UAE-routed food, dry fruits or agricultural products.
  • Customs circulars tightening country-of-origin verification or risk profiling at Kandla, Mundra and other ports.
  • Changes in wholesale prices for dry dates and competing dry fruits in major Indian mandis.
  • Reports of container holds, clearance delays or higher testing/documentation costs for UAE food imports.
  • Retailer stock-outs, assortment reductions or price increases in dates before Ramadan or major festive periods.
  • Diplomatic or trade-policy action reinforcing restrictions on direct and indirect Pakistan-origin imports.
  • DRI and Customs issue alerts or conduct targeted examinations of UAE-origin dry fruit and food consignments.
  • Importers request enhanced origin documentation, including producer records, bills of lading, trans-shipment details and certificates of origin.
  • Retailers and distributors review date inventories and supplier exposure ahead of seasonal demand periods.
  • Large grocery chains seek alternate supply contracts with verified Gulf, Iranian, Iraqi or domestic suppliers.
  • Trade bodies seek clarification on acceptable proof of non-Pakistan origin for UAE-routed goods.