Centre Prohibits Sugar Exports Till September 30, Allows Limited Exceptions For EU, USA

The Central Government has prohibited the export of raw, white, and refined sugar with immediate effect, changing the export policy from “restricted” to “prohibited.”

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), through a notification issued on May 13, 2026, said the ban will remain in force until September 30, 2026, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

However, the prohibition will not apply to sugar exports to the European Union and the United States under existing quota arrangements, which will continue under the prescribed procedure.

Exports of sugar under the Advance Authorization Scheme, which allows duty-free imports for export production, will continue under the existing rules.

The Centre has also retained the discretion to permit sugar exports to other countries to meet their food security needs if their governments make such requests.

The notification allows shipments already in the export pipeline to proceed, including consignments where loading had already begun, where the shipping bill had been filed and the vessel had already reached port, or where the goods had been handed over to customs authorities before the notification was published.

The DGFT has clarified that the usual transitional relief for policy changes will not apply in this case.

It further said that if the prohibition is not extended beyond September 30, 2026, the export policy for sugar will revert to the earlier “restricted” status.