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Instructions No. 02/2025-Customs
F. No.401/09/2025-Cus.Ill
Government of India
Ministry of Finance,
Department of Revenue
(Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs)
******
Dated 1st April, 2025
Instructions No. 02/2025-Customs Export of Basmati and Non-Basmati Rice without compliance of Export Policy notified by DGFT
To
All Principal Chief Commissioners/ Chief Commissioners of Customs/
Customs (Preventive)/Customs & Central Taxes.
All Principal Commissioners/Commissioners of Customs /Customs (Preventive).
All Pr. Director General/Director Generals under CBIC.
Subject: Export of Basmati and Non-Basmati Rice without compliance of Export Policy notified by DGFT – reg.
Madam/Sir,
References have been received in the Board indicating lack of uniformity by the field formations in the matter of compliance of export policy in respect of export of Basmati and Non-Basmati Rice.
In this context, kind attention is drawn to DGFT Notification No. 62/2024-25 dated 10.03.2025 (copy enclosed) notifying export policy conditions for Basmati and non-basmati rice. As per existing export policy, Basmati and non-basmatirice is permitted for export to EU member states and European Countries namely United Kingdom, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland subject to issuance of certificate of Inspection by Export Inspection Council/Export Inspection
Agency. However, exports to other European countries are exempt from this requirement till 09.09.2025.
3 . In view of the above, it is requested that necessary action may be taken to sensitize officers under your jurisdiction for strict compliance of the aforesaid export policy conditions.
The difficulties, if any, may be brought to the notice of the Board.
Hindi version follows.
Encls: as above.
Yours faithfully,
(Neeraj Goyal)
OSD (Cus-III)
Email: uscus.3-dor@gov.in
Tele: 011 2309401
Copy to: – (for information and necessary action)
1. The Webmaster, CBIC.
📘 FAQs on Instructions No. 02/2025-Customs — Export of Rice Without DGFT Compliance
Q1: What is Instruction No. 02/2025-Customs about?
Answer:
Instruction No. 02/2025-Customs, issued by CBIC in 2025, emphasizes strict customs enforcement for exporters of Basmati and Non-Basmati rice who bypass DGFT’s notified Export Policy. It highlights violations such as misdeclaration of HS codes and ignoring licensing requirements, mandating customs to halt such consignments.
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Q2: What are the DGFT requirements for exporting Basmati and Non-Basmati rice?
Answer:
DGFT mandates:
✔️ Registration with APEDA for Basmati rice exporters
✔️ Valid IEC and license under DGFT for restricted rice items
✔️ Country-specific quotas and certifications
✔️ Export packaging, quality, and labelling conditions
⚠ Exporters must meet these prerequisites before filing shipping bills.
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Q3: Why did CBIC issue this instruction?
Answer:
Several exporters were found exporting rice—especially to sensitive countries—without DGFT compliance. This included:
❌ Misusing HS codes
❌ Skipping quota licensing
❌ Avoiding APEDA registration
The CBIC intervened to safeguard India’s export protocols and ensure fair trade practices.
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Q4: What are the consequences of violating DGFT policies under this instruction?
Answer:
🚫 Customs will:
Detain or confiscate the rice consignment
Reject shipping bills
Recommend cancellation of IEC
Impose fines and initiate penal action under Customs and FTDR Acts
🧾 Ensure proper documentation with expert guidance from Finodha:
https://finodha.in/gst-compliance/
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Q5: What actions must customs officers now take under Instruction No. 02/2025-Customs?
Answer:
CBIC directs field officers to:
🔍 Thoroughly verify rice export declarations
📤 Cross-check with DGFT licensing & registration
🛑 Refuse clearance of non-compliant exports
📨 Report violations for necessary enforcement
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Q6: Does this apply to all customs locations?
Answer:
✅ Yes. This applies across all Indian customs zones — including sea ports, air cargo complexes, Inland Container Depots (ICDs), and Land Customs Stations (LCS). No exceptions are allowed when it comes to rice export policy enforcement.
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Q7: What should exporters do to stay compliant with DGFT rice export norms?
Answer:
📋 Follow these steps:
1️⃣ Obtain IEC and APEDA registration
2️⃣ Apply for DGFT license or quota if applicable
3️⃣ Use correct HS codes
4️⃣ Maintain lab certifications, if required
5️⃣ File complete and accurate shipping bills
💼 Need business setup + export documentation? Finodha makes it easy:
https://finodha.in/setup-business/
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Q9: How can Finodha help with customs and DGFT compliance?
Answer:
Finodha offers:
✅ IEC & APEDA registration
✅ Digital Signature Certificate (DSC): https://finodha.in/online-dsc-digital-signature-certificate/
✅ GST Return Filing: https://finodha.in/gst-return-filing/
✅ ROC, MSME, and Private Limited compliance: https://finodha.in/private-limited-company/
✅ Real-time export documentation support and DGFT query handling
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Q10: How to stay updated on such customs & DGFT instructions?
Answer:
✔ Bookmark Finodha’s GST & Customs Updates: https://finodha.in/gst-compliance/
✔ Follow DGFT & CBIC circulars at www.dgft.gov.in
✔ Subscribe to Finodha’s alerts for export regulations
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✅ Conclusion
Instruction No. 02/2025-Customs underscores the importance of adhering to DGFT norms while exporting Basmati and Non-Basmati rice. Customs clearance without compliance is now strictly prohibited.
📢 For trusted customs and export documentation support, connect with Finodha today.
Download PDF: Instruction No. 02/2025-Customs
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