Centre allows additional 5 LMT exports of wheat flour and related products under limited policy relaxation

In a key policy tweak, DGFT has allowed an additional 5 LMT export of wheat flour and related products, despite the category remaining under ‘prohibited’ status. The Central Government has permitted the export of an additional 5 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of wheat flour and related products in a notification issued on Wednesday.

DGFT notifies additional 5 LMT wheat flour exports

The decision was notified by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under Notification No. 61/2025-26, issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The amendment applies to items falling under HS Code 1101, which includes wheat flour (atta), maida, semolina (rava/suji), wholemeal atta, and related products.

Export still ‘prohibited’ with limited relaxation

According to the notification, exports under this category will continue to be prohibited. However, the government has made a special provision allowing an additional 5 LMT of exports over and above the earlier 5 LMT quota permitted through Notification No. 55/2025-26 dated January 16, 2026.

"The export of wheat flour and related products under HS Code 1101 shall continue to remain “Prohibited”. However, export of an additional 05 LMT of wheat flour and related products is allowed. This is in addition to the quantity allowed under Notification No. 55/2025-26 dated January 16, 2026," the notification read.

Export subject to further guidelines

The government clarified that the additional exports will be subject to procedures and modalities that will be notified separately through a DGFT public notice. Exporters will need to comply with these guidelines once released.

"Export of an additional 5 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT) of wheat flour and related products under HS Code 1101 shall be permitted, over and above the 5 LMT permitted vide Notification No. 55/2025-26 dated January 16, 2026 subject to the modalities to be notified vide Public Notice issued by DGFT."

The government implements this action as a measured method to handle domestic food security needs while meeting export requirements. The government has controlled wheat and wheat product exports since 2022 to maintain domestic price levels and secure a sufficient supply for the nation.

Key highlights:

• Wheat Flour Export Policy continues to be 'prohibited'
• Exporting another 5 LMT above the already sanctioned quota
• Export policy details to be notified later by DGFT

The notification has been issued under the powers conferred by the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, and is aligned with provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023.

Frequently-Asked questions (FAQs): Additional 5 LMT wheat flour export relaxation

1) What has the government made an announcement about?

The government has allowed exports of additional 5 LMT of wheat flour and other products via a DGFT notification.

2) Will this announcement result in lifting of the ban on exporting wheat flour?

No, the export policy for wheat flour and its other products remains in the 'Prohibited' category. This is a one-off relaxation measure only.

3) Which goods have been covered under this relaxation?

The relaxation will cover goods with HS code 1101, including wheat flour (atta), maida, suji/rava, whole meal atta, and many more similar items.

4) By whom is this notification issued?

This notification is issued by the DGFT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

5) Are there any conditions for exporters?

Yes, the additional export will be conditional, and details will be provided separately by the DGFT.