Amendment in Export Policy for Rice (Basmati and Non-Basmati)

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Dated: 11.04.2026

Amendment in Export Policy for Rice (Basmati and Non-Basmati)

On April 10, 2026, the Government of India, through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), issued Notification No. 07/2026-27, introducing significant amendments to the export policy conditions for rice under specific Harmonized System (HS) codes. This notification, published in the Gazette of India Extraordinary, outlines changes to the export requirements for Basmati and Non-Basmati rice, particularly concerning inspection certificates for exports to European countries.

This article provides a detailed overview of the notification, its implications, and the changes introduced to the export policy.

Key Details of the Notification

Legal Framework

The amendments are made under the authority of:

Section 3 and Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992.
Paragraphs 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, as amended from time to time.

Amendments to Export Policy Conditions

The notification specifically addresses the export policy conditions for rice under the following HS codes:

ITC (HS) Codes	Description	Export Policy Condition
1006 2000	Non-Basmati Rice	i. Export to EU Member States and European countries (United Kingdom, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) is permitted subject to the issuance of a Certificate of Inspection by the Export Inspection Council (EIC) or Export Inspection Agency (EIA). ii. For exports to other European countries, the Certificate of Inspection is not mandatory for six months from the date of this notification (until October 1, 2026).
1006 3011	Non-Basmati Rice	Same as above.
1006 3019	Non-Basmati Rice	Same as above.
1006 3091	Non-Basmati Rice	Same as above.
1006 3099	Non-Basmati Rice	Same as above.
1006 4000	Non-Basmati Rice	Same as above.
1006 3012	Basmati Rice	Same as above.
1006 3092	Basmati Rice	Same as above.

Effect of Notification

The notification introduces the following changes:

Mandatory Inspection Certificates for Specific Countries: Exports of Basmati and Non-Basmati rice to EU member states, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland now require a Certificate of Inspection issued by the Export Inspection Council (EIC) or Export Inspection Agency (EIA).
Temporary Exemption for Other European Countries: For exports to other European countries, the requirement for an inspection certificate is waived for six months, effective from April 10, 2026, until October 1, 2026.

Implications of the Notification

For Exporters

Exporters of Basmati and Non-Basmati rice must ensure compliance with the new inspection certificate requirements for exports to the specified European countries. This may involve additional steps in the export process, such as coordinating with the Export Inspection Council or Export Inspection Agency to obtain the necessary certification.

For exports to other European countries, the temporary exemption from inspection certificates provides a window of opportunity to streamline export operations and reduce compliance costs. However, exporters should prepare for the reintroduction of the certificate requirement after October 1, 2026.

For European Importers

European importers in countries where the inspection certificate is mandatory will need to ensure that their suppliers comply with the new requirements. For other European countries, the temporary exemption may simplify the import process, but importers should remain aware of the upcoming changes after the six-month period.

For Trade Relations

This notification reflects India’s efforts to align its export policies with international standards while providing temporary relief to exporters targeting certain European markets. It may also strengthen trade relations with EU member states and other European countries by ensuring compliance with quality standards.

Conclusion

Notification No. 07/2026-27 marks a significant update to India’s export policy for rice, particularly for exports to European countries. Exporters and importers must familiarize themselves with the new requirements and plan accordingly to ensure smooth trade operations. The temporary exemption for inspection certificates provides a short-term benefit, but stakeholders should prepare for the reinstatement of these requirements in October 2026.

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Source: DGFT

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