Extension of Minimum Export Price for Natural Honey Until December 2026

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Dated: 11.04.2026

Extension of Minimum Export Price for Natural Honey Until December 2026

The Government of India has recently issued Notification No. 09/2026-27, dated April 10, 2026, announcing an important amendment to the export policy for natural honey. This notification, published in the Gazette of India, extends the validity of the Minimum Export Price (MEP) requirement for natural honey exports under the ITC(HS) code 04090000. Below, we provide a detailed overview of the notification and its implications for exporters and stakeholders in the honey industry.

Key Details of the Notification

Issuing Authority:

Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Department of Commerce, Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Government of India.

Notification Number:

Notification No. 09/2026-27

Date of Issue:

April 10, 2026

Subject:

Amendment for extension of validity of Minimum Export Price (MEP) on export of Natural Honey.

Legal Basis:

The notification is issued under the powers conferred by Section 3 and Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, along with provisions from the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023.

Amendment Details

The notification amends the earlier Notification No. 52/2025-26 dated December 31, 2025, by extending the validity of the Minimum Export Price (MEP) condition for natural honey exports. Below are the specific changes:

Tariff Item HS Code	Item Description	Export Policy	Existing Policy Condition	Revised Policy Condition
04090000	Natural Honey	Free	Subject to a Minimum Export Price (MEP) of US Dollar 1400 FOB per Metric Ton, till March 31, 2026.	Subject to a Minimum Export Price (MEP) of US Dollar 1400 FOB per Metric Ton, till December 31, 2026.

Effect of the Notification

The key impact of this notification is the extension of the Minimum Export Price (MEP) requirement for natural honey exports. The MEP of USD 1400 Free on Board (FOB) per metric ton, which was previously valid until March 31, 2026, has now been extended until December 31, 2026. This ensures that exporters of natural honey must adhere to this pricing condition for the extended period.

Implications for Stakeholders

Exporters:
- Exporters of natural honey must continue to comply with the MEP of USD 1400 FOB per metric ton until the end of 2026.
- This extension provides clarity and stability for businesses planning their export strategies for the next few years.
International Trade:
- The extension of the MEP ensures that Indian natural honey maintains its competitive pricing in the global market while safeguarding the interests of domestic producers.
Government Oversight:
- The notification reflects the government’s commitment to regulating the export of natural honey to ensure fair trade practices and protect the interests of Indian exporters.

Conclusion

The extension of the Minimum Export Price (MEP) for natural honey until December 31, 2026, is a significant step by the Government of India to ensure stability and fairness in the export market. This move is expected to benefit both exporters and domestic producers by maintaining a competitive yet fair pricing structure for Indian natural honey in the international market.

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Source: DGFT

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