DGFT Permits Export of 25 Lakh Metric Tonnes of Wheat while Export Prohibition Continues [Read Notification]

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a number of notifications regarding amendment and modalities of the export policy pertaining to the Wheat grain.

Notification No. 62/2025-26 issued on 24 February 2026 by the DGFT, operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry permits the export of 25 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of wheat while laying down certain specific conditions; however the general export policy status of grain remains “Prohibited.”

The notification has been issued by the Central Government exercising powers under Section 3 read with Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, read with Para 1.02 and Para 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023.

The amendment relates to Chapter 10 of Schedule 2 of the ITC (HS) Export Policy.

As per the amendment, wheat classified under ITC (HS) Codes 10011900 (Durum Wheat - Other) and 10019910 (Wheat - Other) continue to remain under the “Prohibited” category.

The notification clarifies that the existing additional policy condition laid down in DGFT Notification No. 06/2015-2020 dated May 13, 2022 will continue to apply.

However, it has been clarified that export over and above the now permitted limit of 25 LMT shall be permitted on the basis of permission granted by the Government of India to other countries to help meet their food security requirements, on the request of the governments of the respective importer countries.

Why did India prohibit the export of wheat?

India first banned wheat exports on May 13, 2022, with the primary objective of safeguarding its own food security and to control rising prices within the domestic markets. The ban was initially intended to be temporary, however, it has only been relaxed through the present notification issued by the DGFT.

Though the government has now permitted the export of up to 25 Lakh Metric Tonnes of wheat, the same shall be subject to modalities that shall be notified separately through a Public Notice to be issued by the DGFT.

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