Govt eases rules for rice export to Europe

The government has introduced a significant relaxation in rice export regulations, aimed at streamlining trade to Europe. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Department of Commerce, announced an amendment to the export policy for both basmati and non-basmati rice, effective immediately.

Under the revised norms, exporters shipping rice to EU member states and European countries, namely the United Kingdom, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, are permitted subject to issuance of certificate of inspection by the Export Inspection Council or Export Inspection Agency. However, for other European countries, the mandatory inspection certificate requirement has been temporarily waived for six months, until April 2, 2026.

This policy change applies to rice under ITC (HS) Code 1006, covering basmati rice (HS Codes 1006 3012 and 1006 3092) and non-basmati rice (HS Codes 1006 2000, 1006 3011, 1006 3019, 1006 3091, 1006 3099, and 1006 4000). The decision addresses concerns raised by exporters about procedural delays and logistical hurdles in obtaining inspection certificates, which have impacted rice shipments to Europe in recent months. The government stated that the relaxation aims to simplify trade processes, reduce transaction costs and enhance efficiency for exporters.