The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), has announced a significant amendment in the export policy for rice under Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) code 1006. The amendment, which comes into effect from March 10, 2025, modifies the conditions for export of Basmati and non-Basmati rice, particularly with regard to the requirements for Certificate of Inspection for certain European countries. This change will impact rice exporters who have DGFT licenses and Import Export Code registrations.
Table of Contents
Important Details of the Notification
This amendment relates to exports of rice falling under HS codes 1006 2000, 1006 3010, 1006 3090, 1006 4000, and 1006 3020, which relate to different varieties of rice (basmati and non-basmati). The amendment is particularly beneficial for exporters with DGFT license and rice export license, as it offers a temporary exemption from the mandatory inspection certificates for exports to most European countries. Certificate of Inspection Requirement for European Countries:
Export to EU member states and specific European countries: For rice exports to the European Union (EU), including member states and non-EU countries such as the United Kingdom, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, exporters will still need to provide a Certificate of Inspection issued by the Export Inspection Council (EGIAIC).
Export to other European countries: For rice exports to other European countries, an inspection certificate from EIC or EIAs will not be mandatory for the next six months. This exemption period will end on September 9, 2025.
Table of Export Policy Conditions
| S.No. | ITC(HS) Codes | Item Description | Export Policy Conditions |
| 1 | 1006 2000 | Non-Basmati Rice | i. Export to EU Member States and European countries namely United Kingdom, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland permitted subject to issuance of Certificate of Inspection by Export Inspection Council/Export Inspection Agency’. ii. Certificate of Inspection by Export Inspection Council/ Export Inspection Agency shall not be mandatory for export to remaining European countries with effect from the date of this notification for a period of six months i.e. till 09.09.2025 |
| 2 | 1006 3010 | ||
| 3 | 1006 3090 | ||
| 4 | 1006 4000 | ||
| 5 | 1006 3020 | Basmati Rice |
Effect of Notification
This notification brings clarity to exporters by modifying the stringent inspection requirements previously applicable for rice exports, thereby helping in further smoothening trade relations with other European countries. However, it is important to note that exporters to the EU and certain countries in Europe will still have to comply with the existing certification requirements, thereby maintaining a level of regulatory oversight. Exporters with DGFT licences and Import Export Code (IEC) registrations should be aware of the updated requirements. They will continue to be responsible for ensuring that their export consignments to the above-mentioned countries are accompanied by the appropriate certificates. However, for exports to other European countries, the process has been made less cumbersome for a temporary period.
This amendment in the rice export policy by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, as informed through DGFT notification, aims to streamline the export procedures for rice exporters, especially those dealing in Basmati and non-Basmati rice. Exporters should ensure that they are complying with the updated conditions, particularly with regard to inspection certificates obtained from the EIC/EIA for specific European countries.
This portion of the site is for informational purposes only. The content is not legal advice. The statements and opinions are the expression of author, not corpseed, and have not been evaluated by corpseed for accuracy, completeness, or changes in the law.
