DGFT Calls for Applications to Allocate Pharma Grade Sugar Under Restricted Export Category [Read Notification]

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade ( DGFT ), vide trade notice 06/2025-26 dated 18th June 2025 has released a call for applications to allocate 25,000 metric tonnes (MT) of Pharma Grade Sugar under the Restricted Export Category for the current sugar season ending September 30, 2025, in a step to regulate and facilitate the export of high-purity sugar used in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

According to Central Government Notification No. 17, dated June 17, 2025, the export of Pharma Grade Sugar is now formally allowed under a Restricted Export Authorization, subject to severe compliance measures.

Key Safeguards and Eligibility:

As per the notification, exporters must fulfill the following conditions:

• Total export cap of 25,000 MT in a financial year.
• Mandatory Drug Manufacturing License issued by the relevant State Licensing Authority.
• Submission of test reports and certification from NABL-accredited laboratories confirming compliance with Pharma Grade Sugar specifications at the time of export.
• Exporters must also be registered members of PHARMEXCIL and possess a valid RCMC.
• Application Window: June 20 to July 20, 2025.
• Mode of Application: Only online applications through DGFT’s ECOM System under the category "Export Authorizations (Non-SCOMET Restricted Items)" will be accepted. No hard copy submissions are permitted.
• Quota Allocation: To be done on a pro-rata basis depending on each applicant’s production capacity.
• Only one application per IEC (Importer Exporter Code) will be considered.

Application Process:

• Application Window: June 20 to July 20, 2025.
• Mode of Application: Only online applications through DGFT’s ECOM System under the category "Export Authorizations (Non-SCOMET Restricted Items)" will be accepted. No hard copy submissions are permitted.
• Quota Allocation: To be done on a pro-rata basis depending on each applicant’s production capacity.
• Only one application per IEC (Importer Exporter Code) will be considered.

Export Authorization Validity:

Each export authorization granted under this quota will be valid for one year, irrespective of the financial year-end.

Final Conditions at Export Stage:

The export consignment must be accompanied by:

• Test reports and certifications from NABL labs verifying Pharma Grade standards.
• The authorization will carry a clear stipulation for this compliance.

DGFT has also clarified that:

• Applications sent via email or post, or submitted after the July 20 deadline, will not be entertained.
• The Central Government reserves the right to modify the distribution methodology depending on the volume and nature of applications received.

The export is restricted under ITC (HS) codes 17011490 and 17019990. For more details and procedural guidance, applicants are advised to consult Trade Notice No. 03/2021-22 dated May 10, 2021, and apply through the DGFT website at https://www.dgft.gov.in.

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