India bans sugar export till 30 September:Decision to control domestic supply and prices, notification issued

The central government has imposed a ban on the export of sugar. This ban has been imposed to maintain the availability of sugar in the country and to keep prices under control. This ban, imposed from May 13, will remain in effect until September 30, 2026, or until further orders. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued a notification in this regard. Sugar will now be in ‘Prohibited’ category instead of ‘Restricted’ According to the notification issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), changes have been made to the export policy of raw sugar, white sugar, and refined sugar. Previously, these were in the ‘Restricted’ category, which have now been placed in the ‘Prohibited’ category. This means that sugar cannot be exported now without government permission. 7.75 million tons of sugar was exported in the financial year 2024-25 Exports to these two countries will continue Although the government has imposed a ban on global exports, some special international agreements have been kept out of it. India will continue to export sugar to the European Union (EU) and America under the CXL and TRQ quota. Shipments will be sent according to the process that has already been determined. Apart from this, this restriction will not apply to shipments under the Advance Authorization Scheme (AAS). Relief for ships where loading has already started The government has provided relief to those traders whose goods are already at the port. According to the notification: Exemption may be granted for food security of neighboring countries The notification has also clarified that if the government of another country demands sugar from India and there is a food security crisis there, the government can grant special permission. In such a situation, the central government can approve exports in limited quantities considering the needs of other countries. What will happen after September 2026? The government has imposed this ban for two years for now. If the duration of this ban is not extended by September 30, 2026, then the export status of sugar will automatically revert to the ‘Restricted’ category. This decision of the government is being considered important to keep sugar prices stable in the domestic market and to meet the needs of the festive season as well as future requirements.