14 May,2026 09:44 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Representational Image. Pic/Pexels
The Central government on Wednesday imposed an immediate ban on the export of sugar till September 30, 2026, in a move aimed at protecting domestic availability and maintaining food security amid concerns over future supply pressures.
The decision was announced through a notification issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which amended the export policy status of several sugar categories from "restricted" to "prohibited."
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) confirmed that the revised policy applies to raw sugar, white sugar and refined sugar falling under specific ITC (HS) codes.
According to the notification, exports of sugar under ITC (HS) Codes 1701 14 90 and 1701 99 90 have now been placed under the prohibited category with immediate effect.
The government stated that the ban will remain in force until September 30, 2026, or until further orders, whichever comes earlier.
Officials said the measure is intended to ensure adequate sugar availability in the domestic market and help the government manage supply over the next two years.
Despite the broad restriction, the government clarified that some export commitments made under international agreements will continue.
Exports to the European Union and the United States under CXL and tariff-rate quota (TRQ) arrangements have been exempted from the prohibition.
These shipments will continue according to procedures already outlined in existing public notices and trade agreements.
The government also stated that exports under the Advance Authorisation Scheme (AAS) would continue to be governed by the provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023.
The Commerce Ministry also introduced transitional provisions for sugar consignments that were already in the export pipeline before the notification came into effect.
Shipments where loading onto vessels had already begun before the publication of the notification will be allowed to proceed.
Similarly, exports will also be permitted in cases where shipping bills had already been filed and vessels had berthed or anchored at Indian ports with an allotted rotation number before the order was issued.
The ministry said clearance for such shipments would only be granted after verification by the concerned port authorities confirming that berthing or anchoring took place before the notification was announced.
The notification further clarified that consignments already handed over to Customs authorities or custodians and registered in electronic systems with verifiable proof would not be stopped under the immediate export restriction.
The government also kept the door open for special approvals in exceptional circumstances. It stated that sugar exports may still be permitted to certain countries if there are formal requests from foreign governments citing food security concerns.
Officials noted that if the prohibition is not extended beyond September 30, 2026, the export policy for sugar will automatically revert to the earlier "restricted" category.
India is one of the world's largest producers and exporters of sugar, and any major change in its export policy is expected to have an impact on global sugar markets as well as domestic prices.
(With inputs from ANI)
