New Delhi | January 19, 2026
In a major relief to wheat farmers, processors, and exporters, the Indian government has eased export restrictions on wheat flour and related products for the first time in more than three years.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a notification permitting the export of 5 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat flour, marking a significant policy shift since the wheat export ban imposed in 2022.
The move is seen as a big boost for India’s wheat processing sector and export industry, which has been seeking market access after prolonged restrictions aimed at controlling domestic prices and ensuring food security.
What the New DGFT Order Says
According to the DGFT notification dated January 16, wheat flour and related products will continue to remain under the restricted export category.
However, as a special exception, the government has allowed a one-time quota of 5 LMT for export.
Exporters wishing to ship wheat flour under this quota must apply to DGFT following a prescribed procedure.
The relaxation comes soon after the sowing of the rabi crop, which runs from late October to November.
Application Timeline and Key Dates
DGFT has also clarified the application process and deadlines for exporters:
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Rolling Window:
If any quota remains unutilized, applications will be invited during the last ten days of every month. -
Validity of Approval:
Export authorization will remain valid for six months from the date of issuance. -
Allocation Process:
A dedicated EXIM Facilitation Committee will decide the allocation of export quantities.
This ensures transparency while preventing misuse of the export relaxation.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
To ensure that only genuine and established players benefit from the limited export window, the government has outlined strict eligibility norms:
1. Manufacturer-Exporters
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Flour mills or processing units engaged in producing wheat flour and related products
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Must hold a valid IEC (Importer-Exporter Code)
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Must possess a valid FSSAI license
2. Merchant Exporters
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Merchant exporters are eligible, except for Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and dedicated export processing units
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Must hold a valid IEC and FSSAI license
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Must have a valid agreement or supply contract with supporting flour mills acting as co-manufacturers
The eligibility standards aim to balance export opportunities while ensuring that domestic wheat supply remains unaffected.
Government officials say this move will help channel surplus processed wheat into global markets, support the milling industry, and prevent stockpile inefficiencies—all while safeguarding India’s food security needs.
