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Requirements for Export of Rice

 

India’s Production of Rice:  As per  the data of FAO-2024, India is the largest producer of Rice in the world. In the year 2024–25, rice production in India was estimated at 150.18 million tonnes. The leading rice-producing states include Uttar Pradesh (13.82%), Telangana (11.62%), West Bengal (10.67%), Punjab (9.56%), Chhattisgarh (6.9%), Odisha (6.34%), Madhya Pradesh (6.07%), Bihar (5.53%), Andhra Pradesh (5.43%), and Tamil Nadu (4.72%). 
India’s Rice Exports: India has been the world’s largest exporter of Rice since 2012 and has been commanding a share between 30-35% in the last 5 years. Total  value of rice exports increased from USD 8.82 billion in 2020-21 to USD 12.47 billion in 2024-25, reflecting a CAGR of 7.18%. Export quantity also increased from 17.73 to 20.19 million metric tons. The Major Export Destinations for Indian rice in the year 2024-25 are Saudi Arabia, Benin, Iraq, Iran, Guinea, Cote D Ivoire, United Arab Emirates and Togo. 

A: General requirements for Rice exports from India:

  1. 1. Import Export Code (IEC) issued by DGFT.
  2. 2. APEDA e-Registration Cum Membership Certificate (e-RCMC) (Applicant can apply for APEDA’s e-RCMC at DGFT portal: https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=e-rcmc )
  3. 3. Phytosanitary Certificate issued by Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage (DPPQS).
  4. 4. Registration-cum-Allocation Certificate (RCAC) for Basmati Rice and non-Basmati rice issued by APEDA upon registration of export contacts. The detailed requirements and procedure for applying for RCAC are outlined in the trade notices issued by APEDA time-to time.

B: Importing Country specific norms and requirements for Rice exports from India:

B.1. Indonesia:

  1. 1. For export of rice to Indonesia pre-shipment testing is required from one of the laboratories approved by the Indonesia Agriculture Quarantine Agency. Details on laboratories approved by IAQA can be accessed at     https://itrack.apeda.gov.in/MasterReport/ModuleVsProductForWeb.aspx?RequestID=66355182&PageID=5&moduleid=161
  2. 2. As per the communication received from Indian Mission, Rice is subjected to strict quota-based controls as per President Regulation No. 59 of 2020, which is determined by the National Food Agency (BAPANAS) based on the supply-demand condition. Only importers who hold this recommendation may apply for an import approval. There are two types of import permits in Indonesia: one for industrial importers like rice flour mills and other for merchant importers (for household consumption/retail).

B.2.  For Bangladesh and Nepal through non-EDI Land Custom Stations: 
Export is permitted through Custom EDI ports. Export is also permitted through non EDI Land Custom Stations (LCS) on Indo-Bangladesh and Indo-Nepal border subject to registration of quantity with DGFT Regional Authorities (RAs) Kolkata and Patna and such other RAs as notified by DGFT from time to time will be the designated RAs for the purpose of such registration of quantity.

B.3. Russian Federation 
Exports to Russian Federation are permitted subject to pre-shipment quality certification issued by APEDA authorized laboratories. The list of APEDA authorized laboratories can access at                       https://itrack.apeda.gov.in/MasterReport/ModuleVsProductForWeb.aspx?RequestID=66355182&PageID=5&moduleid=161

B.4. USA and China 
Export to USA and China will be allowed only from the rice mills/ processing units registered with Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India in accordance with OM F.no. 119-36/2010-POD(Vol V) dt 04.02.2016. Merchant exporters can export Rice to USA and China in compliance to the procedures outlined in the SOPs.

The Standard Operating Procedures for Rice Export to USA and  China  can be accessed at “Standards” section and the lists of Registered Rice Mills / Processing Units for Rice Exports  to  USA and  China can be accessed “Export” section under the “Guidelines” head of Plant Quarantine Management System portal of Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage. The weblink for the same is as follows: https://pqms.cgg.gov.in/pqms-angular/homeGuidelines

 GACC for China: As per the regulation of GACC Order No. 248, effective 1 January 2022, imported food products are categorized into 19 'high-risk' categories and others outside this classification. While all products must be registered via GACC's China International Trade Single Window (CIFER)

B.5. EU Member States and other European Countries 
As per DGFT notification No. 29/2015-20 dated 4th November, 2019, the export of Basmati rice and non-Basmati Rice to EU Member States and other European Countries is permitted subject to issuance of Certificate of Inspection(CoI) by Export Inspection Council (EIC)/ Export Inspection Agency (EIA). Any change in export policy condition shall  be applicable as and when announced by the Government.

B.6. Saudi Arabia 
Export to Saudi Arabia will be permitted from rice establishments which have adopted international standards for food safety management such as ISO 22000 and / or HACCP w.e.f November 1, 2019. Merchant exporters can export Rice to Saudi Arabia subject to submission of a certificate from SFDA accredited rice establishment from where the rice has been purchased. List of registered rice establishment in SFDA for export of rice to Saudi Arabia will be hosted at APEDA website from time to time.

B.7. Quota System for rice imports in Japan: 
The quota is administered by Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) through two mechanisms- Open market Access and Simultaneous Buy and Sell. Rice imported under this system is exempt from the prohibitive tariff of ¥341 per Kg that applies to imports outside the quota. 
a. Simultaneous Buy and Sell (SBS) Mechanism: The SBS mechanism represents the more market-oriented portion of Japan's rice import system, designed primarily for rice intended for direct table consumption. Under this system, MAFF allocates up to 100,000 MT of the overall MA quota. The SBS process operates through a unique bidding system where Importers and buyers form pairs and jointly submit bids. 
b. Ordinary Market Access (OMA) Tenders: The OMA system accounts for the majority of Japan's rice imports under the MA quota. MAFF imports the remaining quota volume (-667,000 MT) through OMA tenders. Under the OMA system, MAFF announces the volume, type, and origin of rice it intends to import. Importers submit bids to import this rice. MAFF purchases the imported rice directly from the importer and then sells this rice primarily for processing, feed use and for external relief assistance but not for table rice.

B.8. Iran 
For export to Iran, pre shipment inspection is required in accordance with APEDA Trade Notice dated June 17, 2014.

B.9. The details of country-specific Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) for rice are available under the “Quality” section of the APEDA website at https://apeda.gov.in/Residue-Levels-Rice.

Disclaimer:

  1. 1. The information produced above is only indicative in nature and is not to be construed as legal advice. All information is subject to the prevailing export policies of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade(DGFT).
  2. 2. APEDA also does not warrant that the above information is necessarily current as on date since the importing countries may change their requirements at any time, at short notice, or without giving notice to the Government of India.
  3. 3. While the APEDA has exercised due care and diligence in collating and reproducing the above information, the APEDA does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, currency or suitability for any purpose. The APEDA also will not take any liability for any consequences arising from any information found to be incorrect.
  4. 4. Users of this information, including and particularly exporters from India, are advised to verify the same from lawyers/legal consultants/other reliable and verifiable sources in the country of intended export.
  5. 5. The primary responsibility to comply with the regulatory requirements applicable in the importing country rests with the concerned exporter. The exporter is requested to promptly inform the APEDA regarding any difference in the requirements reproduced above and the actual requirements prescribed in the importing country, with the relevant source.