Exemption from inspection certificate for export of rice to European countries

11-Mar-2025 12:53 PM

The Indian government has announced that, effective March 10, 2025, the requirement for a certificate of inspection from the Export Inspection Council (EIC) or Export Inspection Agency (EIA) for exporting both basmati and non-basmati rice will be waived for all European countries except the United Kingdom, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

This exemption is valid for six months, until September 9, 2025. Typically, a certificate of inspection from the EIC or EIA is mandatory to ensure the quality and safety of agricultural products exported from India.

However, with this exemption, rice exports to European nations such as France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Denmark, and Belgium can proceed without this certification during the specified period. 

This policy adjustment is part of India's broader strategy to enhance its rice export competitiveness in international markets. In September 2024, India lifted the