Impex Section

1. Introduction

 1.1 Impex Section deals with the issue / supply of wheat and non-basmati rice only from Central Pool Stocks available with FCI, under the WTO norms which inter-alia restricts the export of foodgrains from Public Stocks procured for the domestic consumption through welfare schemes. However, the humanitarian assistance/aid, fully in grant form, to the deserving countries, is only allowed through Ministry of External Affairs.

1.2 The wheat and non-basmati rice procured for the Central Pool Stock at MSP (Minimum Support Price) and available with FCI, constitute Public Stock-holding and therefore certain restrictions have been imposed on exports to foreign countries as per the provisions of Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) under the WTO framework.

2. Imports

2.1 Wheat

2.1.1 Policy

The import of wheat is not restricted.

2.1.2 Duty Structure

As per Govt. of India’s Gazette Notification No. 13/2019 dated 26th April, 2019, the import duty on wheat is 40%.

2.1.3 Quantity of Import

In Order to meet the shortfall in the Central Pool stocks, a quantity of 54.54 lakh tons of wheat imported in 2006-07 and 17.69 lakh tons in 2007-08. No import of wheat has been made for the Central Pool since 2008-09.

2.2 Rice

2.2.1 Policy

Import of Genetically modified (GM) Rice is restricted. Import of Rice into India is permitted only if the importer is able to furnish a certificate from competent Government authority of the country of export that the rice exported is non-GM.

 2.2.2 Duty Structure

Import duty on non-basmati rice is at basic tariff of 70%.

2.2.3 Quantity of Import

Since 2000-2001, no rice has been imported for the Central Pool stock.

3. Exports

3.1 The wheat and non-basmati rice procured for the Central Pool Stock at MSP (Minimum Support Price) and available with FCI, constitute Public Stock-holding and certain restrictions have been imposed on exports to foreign countries as per the provisions of Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) under the WTO framework.

4. Wheat and Rice issued from Central Pool Stocks to foreign countries as Humanitarian Assistance / Aid

4.1  Wheat

The  country-wise and year-wise quantity of Wheat issued / supplied  from Central Pool Stocks as Humanitarian Food Assistance / Aid :-

4.2 Rice

The country-wise and year-wise quantity of Rice (non-basmati) issued / supplied  from Central Pool Stocks under Government of India’s Aid/ Donation Programme to other Countries as Humanitarian Food Assistance / Aid :-