The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, has announced the resumption of onion exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with Notification No. 65/2023-DGFT dated March 1, 2024. This notification comes after a temporary ban on onion exports implemented in 2023 to control domestic onion prices.
Key Points of the Notification:
- Export Quota: The notification allows the export of 14,400 Metric Tonnes (MT) of onions to the UAE.
- Quarterly Distribution: The quota is divided into four equal installments of 3,600 MT each, allowing for controlled release throughout the year.
- Authorized Channel: The exports will be channeled exclusively through the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), a government-owned organization facilitating agricultural exports.
- HS Code: The notification specifies that only onions falling under HS code 0703 10 19 are eligible for export. This code identifies specific types of onions based on their size and preparation.
Impact on the UAE Market:
The UAE heavily relies on India for its onion supply. The temporary export ban in 2023 led to a significant price increase in the UAE market. This resumption of exports is expected to stabilize onion prices and ensure consistent supply for UAE consumers.
Eligibility for Exporting Onions:
While the notification outlines the overall framework, specific eligibility criteria and application details are likely to be released by the NCEL. Exporters are advised to directly contact the NCEL for further information on:
- Eligibility requirements for participation in the program.
- Application process for obtaining export permits.
- Specific product specifications and quality standards.
- Logistics and shipment procedures through the NCEL.
Expected Benefits:
The resumption of onion exports is expected to benefit both India and the UAE:
- For India: This allows Indian onion growers to access the lucrative UAE market and generate income. It also promotes agricultural exports and contributes to India’s foreign exchange reserves.
- For the UAE: This ensures a stable and cost-effective supply of onions for UAE consumers and businesses.
Conclusion:
The resumption of onion exports to the UAE with specific quotas and channeling through the NCEL demonstrates the government’s commitment to balancing domestic market needs with facilitating agricultural exports and supporting Indian farmers.
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Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Department of Commerce
Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi
Notification No. 65/2023-DGFT | Dated: 1st March, 2024
Subject: Export of Onions (under HS code 0703 10 19) to UAE.
S.O. 1113(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 3 of Notification No. 49/2023 dated 07.12.2023, the Central Government permits export of 14,400 MT of onions (under HS code 0703 10 19), with a quantity ceiling of 3600 MT quarterly, to UAE through National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL).
2. Effect of the Notification:
Export of 14,400 MT of onions (under HS code 0703 10 19), with a quantity ceiling of 3600 MT quarterly, to UAE through National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) is notified.
(Santosh umar Sarangi)
Director General of Foreign Trade Ex-Officio
Additional Secretary, Government of India
E-mail: dgligmic.in
(Issued from F.No. 01/91/191/060/AM-24/EC (e- 38291)
