The government has relaxed regulations regarding rice exports to Europe.

The government has implemented a notable easing of rice export regulations, with the objective of facilitating trade to Europe. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), part of the Department of Commerce, has declared an amendment to the export policy concerning both basmati and non-basmati rice, which is effective immediately.

According to the updated regulations, exporters sending rice to EU member states and European nations, including the United Kingdom, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, are allowed to proceed provided they obtain a certificate of inspection from the Export Inspection Council or Export Inspection Agency. However, for other European nations, the requirement for a mandatory inspection certificate has been temporarily suspended for a period of six months, until April 2, 2026.

This policy modification pertains to rice classified under ITC (HS) Code 1006, which includes basmati rice (HS Codes 1006 3012 and 1006 3092) and non-basmati rice (HS Codes 1006 2000, 1006 3011, 1006 3019, 1006 3091, 1006 3099, and 1006 4000). This decision responds to concerns expressed by exporters regarding procedural delays and logistical challenges in acquiring inspection certificates, which have adversely affected rice shipments to Europe in recent months. The government has indicated that this relaxation is intended to streamline trade processes, lower transaction costs, and improve efficiency for exporters.