India Relaxes Rice Export Regulation to Europe

India has exempted certificate of inspection requirements for exporting basmati and non-basmati rice to European countries, excluding the UK, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland for six months. This move follows easing of export restrictions to control domestic inflation and maintain competitiveness abroad.

In a strategic move, India has waived the certificate of inspection requirement for exporting basmati and non-basmati rice to most European nations, with the exception of the UK, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, for a period of six months. This development was confirmed by a notification issued on Monday.

The certificate, traditionally required from the Export Inspection Council/ Export Inspection Agency (EIC/EIA), is part of a broader effort by India to streamline rice exports, following a ban imposed in July 2023. At that time, the nation sought to control domestic inflation while prioritizing its own food security.

The relaxed regulation has rejuvenated India's rice export market, allowing exporters to regain competitive footing internationally. Initially, rice exports were only permissible under government supervision to ensure food security for recipient nations. The current policy reflects India's commitment to supporting global food supply chains while addressing internal economic conditions.

(With inputs from agencies.)