How Companies in the UAE Can Source Pharma Products & CDMO Services from India

The UAE is one of the fastest growing healthcare and pharmaceutical markets in the Gulf region. Many companies in the UAE are sourcing medicines, API's and contract manufacturing services (CDMO) from India. India has great quality, WHO-GMP compliant products, and is price competitive. India is also among the leading exporters of generic medicines around the world.

Through this guide, UAE distributors, hospitals, pharmacies and procurement teams will learn how to source pharma products and contract manufacturing services from India with trust. (Read: Why Global Pharma Companies Prefer India for CDMO Services)

📊 UAE–India Pharmaceutical Trade Snapshot

• The UAE imports over USD 900 million worth of pharmaceutical products from India each year. (UN Comtrade)
• India is a top 3 supplier of generic medicines to the UAE.
• UAE companies rely on India for all pharma products including-

1. APIs
2. Finished formulations
3. OTC & wellness products
4. Injectables & hospital supplies

In fact, Indian companies are already exporting markets in the UAE like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah. The strong trade flow provides trust between the UAE and India for pharma sources.
 

💡 Why UAE Companies Choose Indian Pharma Manufacturers

UAE buyers rely on India because India offers:

• WHO-GMP, USFDA, and EU-approved plants
• High capacity and consistent supply
• Affordable manufacturing costs
• Skilled formulation development teams
• Halal-compliant production options
• Fast delivery to Dubai and Abu Dhabi
• Strong regulatory documentation support

India supplies millions of units of essential medicines to the UAE each year. (Read: How Indian CDMOs Comply with USFDA, EU-GMP, and WHO-GMP Standards)

📦 What UAE Companies Commonly Source From India

🧬 CDMO Services for UAE Companies

Indian CDMOs provide:

• Formula development
• Scale-up
• Clinical batch preparation
• Commercial manufacturing
• Packaging for GCC markets
• Stability studies
• Halal-certified manufacturing (if required)

Indian CDMOs help UAE companies launch their own branded generics and wellness products.

🧭 Step-by-Step: How UAE Companies Can Source From India

1) Finalize your sourcing requirements

• Product type
• Dosage form
• Pack size
• Volume requirement
• MOHAP registration needs

2) Shortlist qualified Indian suppliers

Look for:

• WHO-GMP or USFDA approval
• Previous exports to GCC
• Strong compliance history
• Halal-certified production (if needed)

3) Request technical and quality documentation

Common documents:

• COA
• Stability data
• Batch records
• WHO-GMP certificate
• COPP

4) Confirm regulatory pathway

India → UAE regulatory support often includes:

• CTD dossier
• Labelling as per MOHAP norms
• Arabic/English pack text support

5) Commercial finalization

Discuss:

• MOQ
• Lead time
• CIF/FCA pricing
• Packaging style for UAE market

6) Shipping & delivery

Select mode:

• Air freight → Fast (3–7 days)
• Sea freight → Economic (15–22 days)

📝 Documents Required for Importing Pharma Into the UAE

For UAE (MOHAP), imports usually need:

• COA
• COPP
• Free sale certificate
• GMP certificate
• Invoice
• Packing list
• Certificate of origin
• Airway Bill / Bill of Lading

For registrations:

• CTD/ACTD dossier
• Stability data
• Label artwork (Arabic + English)
• Samples for laboratory testing

India → UAE pharma export documentation checklist

🚚 Shipping From India to the UAE

• Air: 3–7 days (Mumbai → Dubai / Abu Dhabi)
• Sea: 15–22 days (Nhava Sheva → Jebel Ali)
• Cold chain options available for vaccines, injectables, and hormonal products.

UAE has one of the fastest customs clearance systems in the region, making imports smooth.

⚠️ Challenges UAE Buyers Face — and Solutions

✅ Best Practices for UAE Buyers

• Choose suppliers with GCC export experience
• Review GMP and audit records
• Request reference clients in the Middle East
• Share packaging and artwork needs early
• Plan shipment cycles to avoid stockouts
• Use GDP-compliant logistics for sensitive medicines

These steps help build safe, stable partnerships.

India is a leading partner for UAE pharmaceutical sourcing. With strong quality, WHO-GMP certification, high output, and competitive prices, India meets the needs of UAE distributors, hospitals, pharmacies, and private label brands.

By following the steps in this guide, UAE buyers can source medicines and CDMO services from India with confidence.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can UAE companies import medicines from India?
Yes. India is one of the UAE’s top pharma suppliers.

Do Indian suppliers meet MOHAP and GCC standards?
Yes. Many Indian plants follow GCC requirements and WHO-GMP norms.

How long does shipping take?
Air: 3–7 days. Sea: 15–22 days.

Do Indian CDMOs support private label brands?
Yes, many offer formulation, packaging, and brand development.