DGFT Notifies Sugar Export Quota for EU Under TRQ for FY 2025-26 [Read Notification]

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued Public Notice No. 18/2025-26 on August 1, 2025, announcing the allocation of 5,841 metric tonnes (MT) of sugar for export to the European Union (EU) under the Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) system for the financial year 2025–26 (October 2025 to September 2026).

This export quota is part of an international trade agreement where the EU allows a fixed quantity of sugar to be imported from India at preferential (lower or zero) customs duty rates. Any exports beyond this quota would attract higher tariffs.

What the Notice States

According to the public notice:

• 5,841 MT of sugar (HS Code 17010000) can be exported to the EU from India under the TRQ scheme.
• This quota is "Free" for export, meaning no restriction under India’s foreign trade policy, but is subject to specific conditions.
• This quota allocation has been made under Paragraph 2.04 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023.

Certificate of Origin & Eligibility

To export under this scheme:

• Exporters must obtain a Certificate of Origin (proof that the sugar is from India).
• This certificate will be issued by the Additional DGFT, Mumbai, based on a recommendation from APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority).
• The recommendation will include the eligible entity and the approved quantity.

If there are any additional requirements for certification specific to sugar exports to the EU, those must also be followed.

The entire operation of this TRQ quota will be managed by APEDA, New Delhi. They are responsible for implementing and monitoring the sugar exports to the EU under this scheme.

The notification also reminds exporters that the reporting requirements and procedures mentioned in earlier DGFT notifications No. 03/2015-2020 (dated April 20, 2015) and No. 20/2015-2020 (dated September 7, 2015) will continue to apply.

This allocation helps Indian sugar exporters access the EU market more competitively, as the lower tariffs make Indian sugar more affordable in Europe. It also helps boost India’s agricultural exports and supports farmers and sugar producers.

The quota is valid for the export year 2025-26, which starts from October 1, 2025, and ends on September 30, 2026.

Support our journalism by subscribing to Taxscan premium. Follow us on Telegram for quick updates