Introduction: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, issued Notification No. 81/2024-DGFT, amending the export policy of onions. This amendment extends the prohibition on the export of onions until further orders. Let’s delve into the details and implications of this decision.
Detailed Analysis: The notification, dated 22nd March 2024, revises the export policy for onions under HS Code 0703 10 19. Initially prohibited until 31st March 2024, the export of onions under this code is now prohibited until further orders. This amendment aims to regulate the export of onions in response to market dynamics and domestic demand-supply scenarios.
By exercising powers conferred by the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, and in accordance with the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, the Central Government has made this adjustment to ensure stability in onion availability within the country. Onions are a staple food item in India, and fluctuations in their availability and prices can have significant socio-economic ramifications.
The decision to extend the export prohibition reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining adequate onion reserves and stabilizing prices in the domestic market. It also considers factors such as seasonal variations in onion production and potential disruptions in supply chains.
Conclusion: In conclusion, Notification No. 81/2024-DGFT issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry signifies a proactive approach to managing onion exports and safeguarding domestic interests. By extending the prohibition on onion exports until further orders, the government aims to ensure food security and price stability. Stakeholders in the onion industry, including exporters and traders, must adhere to this revised export policy to support the nation’s economic and agricultural objectives.
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MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
(Department of Commerce)
DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF FOREIGN TRADE
Notification No. 81/2024-DGFT | Dated: 22nd March, 2024
Subject: – Amendment in export policy of Onions.
S.O. 1541(E).: — S.O. (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, the Central Government herebyamends Notification No. 49 dt. 07.12.2023 regarding Export Policy of Onions in Chapter 07 of Schedule 2 of the ITC (HS) Export Policy, as under:
| Tariff item HS Code | Unit | Item description | Export Policy | Revised Export Policy |
| 0703 10 19 | KG | Onions: | Prohibited till 31.03.2024 | Prohibited until further orders. |
2. Provisions under Para-3 of Notification No. 49 dt. 07.12.2023 remains unchanged.
3. Effect of this Notification:
Export prohibition on export of onions under HS Code 0703 10 19 valid till 31st March, 2024 is extended until further orders.
[F. No. 01/91/1 71/50/Misc/AM2 1/e-26586]
Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Director General of Foreign Trade,
& Ex-Officio Addl. Secy.
