Notification No. 51/2025-26, Dated 29-12-2025
1. Regulatory Background
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has permitted the export of Organic Sugar with immediate effect, marking a policy relaxation under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2023.
The permission aims to facilitate niche agricultural exports while ensuring controlled and monitored outflow of Organic Sugar from India.
2. Products Covered
The export permission applies to Organic Sugar falling under the following HS Codes:
- 17011490
- 17019990
Only Organic Sugar classifiable under the above tariff lines is eligible under this permission.
3. Annual Quantitative Ceiling
Exports of Organic Sugar are subject to an overall quantitative ceiling of 50,000 metric tonnes (MT) per financial year.
Key Implications
- The ceiling applies cumulatively across all exporters
- Once the annual limit of 50,000 MT is reached, no further exports of Organic Sugar will be permitted in that financial year
- Export authorisations will be monitored to ensure adherence to the prescribed cap
4. Applicable Export Policy and Procedures
Exports must be carried out strictly in accordance with:
- Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2023
- Handbook of Procedures issued under the FTP
- Any specific DGFT notifications or public notices issued from time to time
Exporters are required to follow all procedural requirements, including filing of shipping bills and declarations.
5. Role of APEDA
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) will govern the implementation modalities, including:
- Certification of Organic Sugar
- Monitoring of export quantities
- Verification of compliance with organic standards
- Any additional documentation or reporting requirements
Exports must conform to APEDA guidelines applicable to organic agricultural and processed food products.
6. Compliance Requirements for Exporters
Exporters of Organic Sugar must ensure:
- Compliance with DGFT export permission and annual cap
- Adherence to APEDA certification and traceability requirements
- Proper classification under the permitted HS codes
- Fulfilment of all conditions under FTP 2023 and APEDA guidelines
Non-compliance may lead to denial of export benefits, rejection of shipments, or regulatory action.
7. Policy Intent
The decision reflects the Government’s intent to:
- Promote value-added and organic agricultural exports
- Balance export promotion with domestic availability considerations
- Ensure traceable, certified, and regulated exports of organic products
- Support Indian exporters in accessing premium international markets
8. Key Takeaway
DGFT has allowed the export of Organic Sugar under HS Codes 17011490 and 17019990, subject to an annual cap of 50,000 MT, with immediate effect. Exports must comply with FTP 2023 procedures and APEDA certification and monitoring guidelines, making strict compliance essential for eligible exporters.
