India Extends Rice Export Inspection Exemption for Europe

India has extended the exemption for inspection certificates on rice exports to certain European countries by six months. Initially, rice exports were banned in July 2023 to curb inflation and maintain food security. Export conditions remain for EU states and select European countries.

The central government has prolonged the exemption of specific inspection certificates required for rice exports, both basmati and non-basmati, to certain European nations by six more months. In July 2023, India had banned the export of rice to manage inflation and ensure food security. Nevertheless, some limited exports were later permitted under specific conditions.

Exports to EU Member States and European countries such as the UK, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are allowed, provided they obtain a Certificate of Inspection from the Export Inspection Council/Export Inspection Agency. An official notification dated July 15 from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated, 'The Certificate of Inspection by Export Inspection Council/Export Inspection Agency shall not be mandatory for export to the remaining European countries from the date of this notification for a period of six months.'

Rice exports to other European countries not mentioned above will not require the Certificate of Inspection from the Export Inspection Council/ Export Inspection Agency for six months following the notification date. Initially, the DGFT stipulated that rice exports would only be permitted with governmental approval to meet the food security needs of other nations upon their request.

In late August last year, India imposed additional safeguards, including a minimum floor price for basmati rice exports, reportedly around USD 1,200 per tonne, to prevent non-basmati white rice exports, which have been prohibited since July. The central government also extended the 20 percent export duty on parboiled rice until March 31, 2024. Parboiled rice is partially boiled with its husk.

In September 2022, India banned broken rice exports and imposed a 20 percent duty on non-basmati rice exports, excluding parboiled rice, due to low production concerns from reduced paddy cultivation. The ban was lifted in November. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)