How to ship marketing materials and promotional items from India to Dubai

June 19, 2025
Chaitanya
Guide to Ship marketing materials from India to Dubai

Businesses in India are increasingly looking to Dubai, a busy center for trade and business, as a way to make money in today's global economy.

Send marketing materials India to Dubai and ship promotional products to Dubai to get your brand out there and connect with customers in the UAE.

However, shipping goods internationally needs meticulous planning to make sure they arrive on time, follow the rules, and are cost-effective.

We, Atlantic International Express, are a top logistics company, and we have put together this complete guide to help you easily send your marketing materials and promotional items from India to Dubai.


Dubai: Limitless Opportunities for Limitless Growth

Dubai is a great place for Indian firms to set up shop since its economy is always changing, it's in a good position, and it has a wide range of customers. So you can take the first step in the right direction to courier promotional items Dubai.

Brochures, banners, and branded products are all important marketing tools that help make a lasting impression, whether at trade exhibits or when giving gifts to employees. Custom pens, tote bags, and tech gadgets are some of the most popular promotional items for keeping customers coming back.

However, sending these things to other countries is more than just putting them in a box and mailing them. Let's go over the process one step at a time.


Step 1: Know the rules for customs in India and Dubai.

Get to know the customs rules of both nations before you ship so you don't have to wait or pay fines. India has rules for exporting commercial goods, such as marketing materials and promotional items. Dubai's customs officials also make sure that everyone follows the laws by being quite tough.

Make sure that your shipment follows the rules set by the Indian Customs Service and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). Most of the time, marketing materials and promotional products are considered commercial samples or gifts. If the value of the things is less than INR 5,000 per consignment, they may not have to pay export customs. You will need to give an invoice, packing list, and shipping bill for shipments worth more.

Under certain conditions, as for exhibitions or non-commercial use, the UAE lets you bring in promotional materials without paying taxes. But to avoid paying customs fees, everything must be properly marked as "Promotional Material—No Commercial Value."

You can glance through the UAE's list of things that are not allowed, which includes things like alcohol-based products and things that are sensitive to other cultures.

Also keep important papers, such as an Airway Bill, a Commercial Invoice, a Packing List, and a Certificate of Origin ready. If you are sending a lot of things or things that are worth a lot of money, you could need an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) from India.

Pro Tip : Work with a logistics company that knows customs clearance for marketing products in Dubai to make sure your paperwork is correct for both countries.


Step 2: Pick the Right Box

Proper packing is very important to keep marketing materials and promotional items safe while they are being shipped because they come in different sizes, weights, and levels of fragility. Here are some tips for packing well:

  • Use strong envelopes or cardboard mailers to keep brochures and flyers from bending or tearing.
  • Roll up your banners and posters and put them in strong tubes to keep their shape.
  • For things like mugs, pencils, or USB devices, use bubble wrap or foam padding inside robust corrugated boxes. Make sure that fragile things are clearly marked.
  • For a professional look, put your logo or business name on the package. Do not overdo the promotional text, though, as customs may look into it.

Pro Tip : Always take into account the weight and size of the packaging, as these affect delivery costs. Lightweight, compact packaging can save a lot of money.


Step 3: Choose a shipping method that you can trust

The size of your shipment, your budget, and how long you have to wait will all affect how you ship it. Here are the best ways to deliver marketing materials from India to Dubai:

Air freight is the fastest way to send packages, with delivery periods of 2 to 5 days. It's best for packages that need to get there quickly. It's good for marketing materials that aren't too heavy or promotional things that are worth a lot. Experienced logistics companies such as Atlantic International Express offer trustworthy air freight services.

Sea freight is a cheap way to transport a lot of things, like a lot of promotional items, but it takes 10 to 20 days. Use this for deliveries that aren't urgent.

International couriers are great for sending little to medium-sized packages. They help with customs processing, tracking, and delivery from door to door.

Pro Tip : If you need anything delivered quickly, like goods for a trade fair in Dubai, choose rapid air freight or courier services to make sure it gets there on time.


Step 4: Figure out how much it will cost and make the most use of your budget.

Shipping rates vary based on things like weight, size, shipping method, and customs charges. To get the most out of your budget:

  • Combine Shipments: By putting several things in one shipment, you can lower the cost per unit.
  • Negotiate Rates: Work with a logistics company to get good prices on shipments that happen often.
  • Leverage Free Trade Agreements: The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) came into existence to facilitate trade between the two countries. This agreement allows reduced or no duties on several goods, potentially lowering your costs. So you can check into that as well.
  • Track Hidden Fees: Choose a logistics [partner with transparent pricing. Check for any additional charges like fuel surcharges, handling fees, or customs clearance costs.

Step 5: Partner with a Trusted Logistics Provider

Navigating international shipping can be an overwhelming experience, especially for businesses that are just entering this world of exporting. Hence, having a trusted logistics partner can make things simple, as it will offer end-to-end solutions, including customs clearance, doorstep delivery, and timely advice.


Step 6: Plan for Timely Delivery

Dubai’s fast-paced business environment seeks punctuality. So when you are shipping products to Dubai, ensure that you provide at atleast 1 or 2 days for customs clearance and provide some buffer time for unexpected delays such as weather issues.


Choose Atlantic International Express for Shipping Marketing Materials To Dubai

Sending marketing materials and promotional products from India to Dubai is a strategic move. It has the potential to expand your brand’s reach in one of the world’s most vibrant markets.

Hence, it is pivotal to have a solid logistics partner that can help you to navigate the maze of customs and regulations.

At Atlantic International Express, we specialize in India-UAE logistics and offer tailored solutions to help your business succeed.

Ready to ship your marketing materials to Dubai? Contact us today for a seamless experience!

FAQs

Dubai’s thriving economy, strategic location, and diverse customer base make it ideal for Indian businesses to promote their brand through marketing materials.

You’ll need an Airway Bill, Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Certificate of Origin, and possibly an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) for high-value shipments.

Use sturdy envelopes for brochures, tubes for banners, and bubble wrap with corrugated boxes for fragile items like mugs or USB drives.

Air freight, with delivery in 2-5 days, is the fastest option for urgent marketing materials or high-value promotional items.

Consolidate shipments, negotiate rates with logistics providers, leverage India-UAE CEPA for duty reductions, and avoid hidden fees with transparent pricing.