Export of essential commodities to the Republic of Maldives
Export of essential commodities to the Republic of Maldives during FY 2026–27 – Notification No. 01/2026–27
In exercise of the powers vested under Section 3 read with Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992, together with paragraphs 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), 2023, as amended from time to time, the Central Government hereby modifies Section (L) under the General Notes to the Export Policy as outlined below.
1. Export under Bilateral Arrangement
Export of the essential commodities listed in Column (2) of Table-1 to the Republic of Maldives during the financial year 2026–27 shall be permitted up to the quantities indicated in Column (4). These exports are allowed under the bilateral trade arrangement between the Government of India and the Government of Maldives.
Table-1: Permitted Export Quantities
| S. No. | Commodity | Unit | Maximum Quantity for FY 2026-27 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eggs | Nos. | 448,913,750 |
| 2 | Potatoes | MT | 22,589 |
| 3 | Onions | MT | 37,537 |
| 4 | Rice | MT | 230,429 |
| 5 | Wheat Flour | MT | 114,621 |
| 6 | Sugar | MT | 67,719 |
| 7 | Dal | MT | 350 |
| 8 | Stone Aggregate | MT | 1,300,000 |
| 9 | River Sand | MT | 1,300,000 |
2. Exemption from Export Restrictions
Exports of the above-mentioned commodities to Maldives during FY 2026–27 shall not be subject to any present or future export restrictions or prohibitions imposed by the Government of India.
3. Designated Customs Points
Where the commodities listed above fall under restricted or prohibited export categories, shipments to Maldives shall be allowed only through the following customs locations:
- Mundra Seaport (INMUN1)
- Tuticorin Seaport (INTUT1)
- Nhava Sheva Seaport (INNSA1)
- ICD Tughlakabad (INTKD6)
- Kandla Seaport (INIXY1)
- Visakhapatnam Seaport (INVTZ1)
4. Conditions for Export of Stone Aggregate and River Sand
For exports of River Sand and Stone Aggregate, the Chemical and Allied Export Promotion Council (CAPEXIL) shall ensure that the suppliers or extractors possess valid environmental approvals. It must also be verified that the mining activities are not undertaken within Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) areas, in accordance with applicable CRZ regulations.
5. Additional Environmental Compliance
Exports of River Sand and Stone Aggregate shall be allowed only after obtaining necessary environmental clearances or No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the relevant State Government authorities where the material is sourced. Such exports must also comply with state laws and any judicial orders governing mining operations.
6. Certification Requirement for Eggs
Export of eggs shall be permitted only if each shipment is accompanied by a valid Export Health Certificate issued by the Export Inspection Council (EIC). The certificate must comply with the Codex Guidelines for the Design, Production, Issuance and Use of Generic Official Certificates (CXG 38-2001), as required by the Maldives Food and Drug Authority.
Effect of the Notification
Under the bilateral arrangement between India and Maldives, export of eggs, potatoes, onions, rice, wheat flour, sugar, dal, stone aggregate, and river sand has been authorized for FY 2026–27 up to the specified limits. These exports will remain exempt from any export bans or restrictions during the period.
However, exports of eggs require an Export Health Certificate from the Export Inspection Council, while exports of river sand and stone aggregate are subject to environmental approvals and compliance with CRZ rules and relevant state regulations. In cases where the commodities fall under restricted or prohibited categories, exports shall be routed only through the six specified customs stations.
Go to DGFT
Read More Updates on DGFT
