DGFT Eases Inspection Certificate Mandate for Rice Exports to Certain European Countries

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has introduced a significant relaxation in export compliance for Indian rice shipments destined for specific European markets. Through Notification No. 07/2026-27 dated 10 April 2026, the Central Government has partially modified the earlier export policy conditions under HSN 1006 of Schedule-II (Export Policy), ITC(HS) 2022, thereby reducing the requirement of mandatory inspection certification for exports of Basmati and Non-Basmati rice to certain European countries for a limited period.

This change directly affects exporters dealing in rice falling under various ITC(HS) codes under heading 1006 and is intended to streamline procedures while continuing to maintain regulatory oversight for key destinations.

The notification has been issued by the Central Government acting through DGFT under the following statutory and policy provisions:

  • Section 3 read with Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act 1992
  • Para 1.02 and para 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, as amended periodically

These provisions empower the Government to regulate exports and to amend policy conditions applicable to items listed in the ITC(HS) classifications. Notification No. 07/2026-27 specifically modifies certain conditions introduced earlier vide Notification No. 39/2025-2026 dated 03 October 2025.

Scope of the Amendment

Coverage Under HSN 1006

The notification targets export policy conditions applicable to rice falling under heading 1006 of Schedule-II (Export Policy), and more particularly the following ITC(HS) codes:

  • 1006 2000
  • 1006 3011
  • 1006 3019
  • 1006 3091
  • 1006 3099
  • 1006 4000 – Non-Basmati Rice
  • 1006 3012
  • 1006 3092 – Basmati Rice

The focus of the amendment is on the Certificate of Inspection requirement issued by the Export Inspection Council (EIC) or Export Inspection Agency (EIA) for rice exports to European destinations.

Earlier Position Under Notification No. 39/2025-2026

Notification No. 39/2025-2026 had introduced stricter export conditions for rice under sub-heading 1006. Among other things, it required that exports of both Basmati and Non-Basmati rice to European destinations be accompanied by a Certificate of Inspection from the EIC/EIA. This requirement was applicable across the European region, thereby increasing procedural steps and compliance costs for all shipments to Europe.

The new Notification No. 07/2026-27 recalibrates this obligation by narrowing the geographic coverage of the mandatory inspection requirement.

Key Change Introduced by Notification No. 07/2026-27

Distinction Between Specified and Other European Countries

The Central Government has now created a clear distinction between:

  1. EU Member States and certain named European countries, and
  2. Other European countries not falling in the above group.

The requirement of mandatory Certificate of Inspection is retained for the first category, while relaxed for the second category for a specified period.

Countries Where EIC/EIA Certificate Remains Mandatory

For exports of both Basmati and Non-Basmati rice under the specified ITC(HS) codes, a Certificate of Inspection issued by the Export Inspection Council/Export Inspection Agency will continue to be compulsory in case of exports to:

  • All EU Member States, and
  • The following non-EU European countries:
    • United Kingdom
    • Iceland
    • Liechtenstein
    • Norway
    • Switzerland