India permits export of 500,000 tonnes of wheat flour
The DGFT has clarified that the permitted exports will be over and above the existing policy conditions.
India has allowed the export of 500,000 tonnes of wheat flour and related products as supplies of wheat have improved in the world's second-biggest producer of the grain.
India had banned wheat exports in May 2022 after a scorching heat wave curtailed output and pushed domestic prices to record highs.
Under the amended policy, exports of wheat or meslin flour — including ataa, maida, semolina, wholemeal ataa and resultant ataa up to a cumulative quantity of 500,000 tonnes will be permitted under export authorisations issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), subject to conditions and procedures notified separately. However, they will continue to remain in the "prohibited" category.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The easing of the curbs was notified by DGFT on Friday (16 January) through an amendment to the export policy, followed by a detailed public notice laying down eligibility, application and allocation modalities.
The DGFT has clarified that the permitted exports will be over and above the existing policy conditions and will be closely monitored.
As per DGFT's order, applications for export authorisation will be accepted online through its portal, with the first application window open from 21 January to 31 January 2026. Thereafter, applications will be invited during the last ten days of each month until the permitted export quantity is exhausted.
Each export authorisation will be valid for six months from the date of issuance, with extensions to be considered on a case-by-case basis by a special committee.
