DGFT Permits Export of Eggs, Rice, Sugar, other Essentials to Maldives under Bilateral Agreement

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce andIndustry, has permitted export of essential commodities such as eggs, rice, sugar and other items to the Republic of Maldives under a bilateral trade agreement for the financial year 2026-27.

The notification allows export of key food and construction-related items in fixed quantities to ensure regular supply to Maldives. These exports are part of a government-to-government arrangement aimed at strengthening trade ties between India and Maldives.

The items permitted for export along with their quotas are:

• Eggs: 448,913,750 numbers
• Potatoes: 22,589 MT
• Onions: 37,537 MT
• Rice: 230,429 MT
• Wheat flour: 114,621 MT
• Sugar: 67,719 MT
• Dal: 350 MT
• Stone aggregate: 1,300,000 MT
• River sand: 1,300,000 MT

A key feature of the notification is that these exports will remain exempt from any existing or future export restrictions or prohibitions during FY 2026-27. The DGFT has also laid down certain conditions:

• Exports of restricted items will be allowed only through six designated ports including Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Tuticorin, Kandla, Visakhapatnam and ICD Tughlakabad
• Export of river sand and stone aggregate will require environmental clearances and compliance with Coastal Regulation Zone rules
• Export of eggs must be accompanied by a valid health certificate issued by the Export Inspection Council as per international standards

The notification highlights India’s continued support to Maldives and reinforces bilateral trade cooperation, especially in essential commodities critical for food and infrastructure needs.

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