Ban on Export of Rice Bran Extracts Lifted

03-Oct-2025 04:54 PM

Mumbai. After a long wait and persistent demand from the domestic industry, the Central Government has finally lifted the ban on the export of rice bran extracts or de-oiled rice bran (DORB).

A notification to this effect was issued today, October 3, 2025, stating that the decision to lift the export ban on DORB will be effective immediately.

This government decision will provide relief to the rice milling and solvent extraction industry, particularly benefiting millers/exporters in Eastern India. This will provide a significant opportunity to increase the export of rice bran extracts from the country.

Rice producers and processors will also benefit from better prices. Furthermore, millers/processors will now be encouraged to mill/process greater quantities of rice bran, which will also increase the production of rice bran oil. The industry has long awaited this government move.

It is noteworthy that the ban on DORB exports was first imposed in July 2023, and then the deadline was repeatedly extended. The last extension was until September 30, 2025, and the Solvent Extractors Association of India was pressuring the government not to extend it further. Finally, the government, yielding to the industry organization's strong plea, announced the withdrawal of the export ban.

It is worth noting that before the ban was imposed in July 2023, India was exporting approximately 500,000-600,000 tons of rice bran extract annually to several countries in Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, and Taiwan, providing relief to the rice milling industry and generating valuable foreign exchange for the country.

The government's new decision will now revive this trend. Foreign exchange earnings from rice bran extract exports had increased to over ₹1,000 crore. Millers in Bengal will benefit significantly from this.