India Lifts Wheat Flour Export Ban Partially

India's government has partially lifted a ban on wheat flour exports, allowing the export of 5 lakh tonnes. This change in policy comes after a three-year period and will enable flour mills, merchant exporters, and special economic zones to apply for export permissions starting in 2026.

India's government is easing its three-year ban on wheat flour exports, allowing the export of up to 5 lakh tonnes, according to a recent directive. This partial relaxation aims to rejuvenate the export industry after the longstanding prohibition enacted in 2022.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) specified that exports would be permissible above the current policy limits. Interested parties must apply for permissions starting January 21 to January 31, 2026, with subsequent application cycles occurring monthly.

The wheat, India's principal rabi crop, has its sowing period from late October to November. Eligible applicants must hold relevant licenses and ties with manufacturing units, while a special committee will determine the exact export quantities allowed.

(With inputs from agencies.)