DGFT Temporarily Relaxes Inspection Certificate Requirement for Rice Exports to Non-EU European Countries [Read Notification]
DGFT relaxed inspection requirements for Basmati and Non-Basmati rice exports to non-EU European countries for six months, while retaining them for EU nations and select others.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), issued Notification No. 39/2025-26 dated October 3, 2025, announcing an important change in the export policy for Basmati and Non-Basmati rice under HSN code 1006 of the ITC(HS) 2022 schedule. This amendment modifies the requirement for inspection certificates for rice exports to different European destinations.
According to the new notification, exporters sending Basmati or Non-Basmati rice to European Union (EU) member states, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland must continue to obtain a Certificate of Inspection from the Export Inspection Council (EIC) or an Export Inspection Agency (EIA).
This requirement ensures that the rice meets the quality and safety standards set by these countries. However, for exports to other European countries outside these listed nations, the government has provided a temporary relaxation.
From October 3, 2025, exporters shipping rice to other European destinations are exempted from the mandatory inspection certificate for a period of six months, until April 2, 2026. This move aims to simplify the export process, reduce compliance burdens, and support Indian rice exporters in exploring wider European markets.
This decision was taken after consultations with stakeholders and trade bodies who sought relief from strict inspection requirements in non-EU European markets. The temporary exemption is expected to boost exports and help Indian traders meet international demand more efficiently.
India is one of the world’s largest exporters of rice, with Basmati rice being a major foreign exchange earner. The European market is an important destination for Indian rice, accounting for a huge share of annual exports. By easing certification rules for certain countries, the government hopes to improve competitiveness and address logistic challenges faced by exporters.
The DGFT has clarified that the policy change takes immediate effect, and exporters must comply with the revised conditions. After the six-month period, the ministry may review the policy based on trade feedback and global requirements.
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