The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has announced a new notification permitting the export of specific food commodities through the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL). This article provides a clear explanation of the notification, including the allowed items, designated countries, and potential implications for Indian food exporters.
What Does the Notification Permit?
This notification allows exporters to ship two specific food commodities through the NCEL:
- Non-Basmati White Rice: The notification permits the export of 30,000 MT (Metric Tonnes) of non-Basmati white rice specifically to Tanzania (Zanzibar).
- Broken Rice: The notification authorizes the export of broken rice to two countries:
- Djibouti: 30,000 MT
- Guinea-Bissau: 50,000 MT
Legal Basis for the Notification:
The DGFT issued this notification based on the following legal frameworks:
- Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992: This act empowers the Government of India to regulate and promote foreign trade.
- Foreign Trade Policy, 2023: This policy outlines the framework for India’s foreign trade activities, including export promotion initiatives.
- Previous Notifications: The notification references two previous notifications issued in 2023 related to similar export regulations.
Impact on Indian Food Exporters:
This notification offers an opportunity for Indian food exporters to leverage the NCEL’s infrastructure and expertise for exporting the specified food commodities to the designated countries. This can potentially benefit exporters by:
- Simplified Export Process: NCEL may streamline the export process for these specific products, potentially reducing administrative burdens for exporters.
- Market Access: The notification might facilitate access to the designated markets, especially for exporters unfamiliar with these regions.
- Collaboration Opportunities: Exporters may explore potential collaborations with the NCEL for marketing and logistics related to these specific exports.
Important Considerations:
While the notification presents potential advantages, it’s crucial to remember the following:
- Limited Scope: The notification applies only to the two mentioned food commodities and the specific countries and quantities listed. Any exports outside this scope require adherence to standard DGFT regulations.
- NCEL Procedures: Exporters seeking to leverage the NCEL for these exports should familiarize themselves with any specific procedures or requirements set by the NCEL.
- Continuous Monitoring: The DGFT may revise or update this notification in the future. Exporters are advised to stay informed about any changes through official DGFT channels.
Conclusion:
The DGFT’s notification allowing specific food commodity exports through the NCEL offers a potential avenue for Indian food exporters. By understanding the scope of the notification, its implications, and any additional requirements, exporters can assess if this channel aligns with their export strategies. For further information and to explore the full potential of this notification, exporters are encouraged to consult with relevant authorities like the DGFT and the NCEL.
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Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Department of Commerce
Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi
Notification No. 64/2023-DGFT | Dated: 1st March, 2024
Subject: Export of food commodities through National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL).
S.O. 1001(E)- In exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 read with section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992 (No. 22 of 1992), as amended, read with Para 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 and in accordance with the provision contained in Para 2 (iv) of Notification No. 20/2023 dated 20.07.2023 and Notification No. 07/2023 dated 24.05.2023, export of following food commodities are permitted through National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL): –
| S. No. | Commodity name | HS code | Quantity | |
| 1 | Non-Basmati White | 10063090 | Tanzania (Zanzibar) | 30,000 MT |
–
| S. No. | Commodity name | Hs Code | Country Name | Quantity |
| 1 | Broken Rice | 10064000 | Djibouti | 30,000 MT |
| 2 | Guinea Bissau | 50,000 MT |
Effect of the Notification:
Export of above-mentioned food commodities are permitted through National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL).
(Santosh Kumar Sarangi)
Director General of Foreign Trade
Ex-Officio Additional Secretary, Government of India
E-mail: dgft@nic.in
(Issued from F. No. 01/91/191/049/AM-24/EC/E-37225)
