The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has issued Notification No. 47/2026-27 dated November 09, 2026, amending the export policy conditions applicable to Basmati and Non-Basmati Rice falling under HSN 1006 of Schedule-II (Export Policy), ITC(HS) 2022.
The amendment, which comes into force with immediate effect, modifies the inspection certification requirements for rice exports to European destinations, providing regulatory relief to exporters shipping rice to certain European countries.
Mandatory Inspection Certificate for EU, UK and Specified European Countries
Under the revised export policy conditions, exports of both Basmati and Non-Basmati Rice to European Union (EU) Member States, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland shall continue to be permitted subject to the issuance of a Certificate of Inspection by the Export Inspection Council (EIC) or Export Inspection Agency (EIA).
Accordingly, exporters shipping rice to these destinations must continue to comply with the prescribed inspection certification requirements.
Inspection Certificate Not Mandatory for Other European Countries till April 1, 2027
In a significant relaxation, the DGFT has provided that the Certificate of Inspection issued by EIC/EIA shall not be mandatory for exports of Basmati and Non-Basmati Rice to the remaining European countries until April 1, 2027.
This relaxation provides temporary relief from inspection certification requirements for rice exporters supplying European destinations other than the EU Member States and the specifically identified countries.
Amendment Covers Both Basmati and Non-Basmati Rice under HSN 1006
The revised export policy conditions apply to the following ITC(HS) classifications:
- Non-Basmati Rice: 1006 2000, 1006 3011, 1006 3019, 1006 3091, 1006 3099 and 1006 4000.
- Basmati Rice: 1006 3012 and 1006 3092.
The amended conditions have been incorporated against the existing entries under the respective ITC(HS) codes in Schedule-II (Export Policy), ITC(HS) 2022.
Amendment to Earlier DGFT Notification
The notification amends DGFT Notification No. 07/2026-2027 dated April 10, 2026, in exercise of powers conferred under Sections 3 and 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, read with paragraphs 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, as amended.
Expected Impact on Rice Exporters
The amendment is expected to facilitate rice exports to eligible European destinations by reducing documentation requirements and inspection-related compliance obligations during the relaxation period.
Exporters dealing with European markets should carefully distinguish between destinations where inspection certification continues to be mandatory and those where the temporary exemption is available.
Key Takeaway: With effect from November 9, 2026, EIC/EIA inspection certification remains mandatory for Basmati and Non-Basmati Rice exports to EU Member States, the UK, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. For exports to other European countries, the certificate requirement has been temporarily relaxed until April 1, 2027.
The Notification can be accessed at: https://a2ztaxcorp.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/Nofication-47-English.pdf
