India has partially lifted its three-year ban on exports of wheat products, permitting shipments of up to 5 lakh tonnes (500,000 tonnes) of wheat flour and related items such as semolina under strict authorisation rules, marking a significant shift in trade policy amid a domestic surplus.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a notification on January 16, 2026, allowing exporters to apply for licences to ship limited quantities of wheat-based products—once fully prohibited since the ban was imposed in 2022 to protect domestic supplies and food security.
Under the revised policy, exports beyond the 5 lakh-tonne quota remain officially prohibited , and firms must secure prior authorisation before sending consignments abroad. The DGFT will invite applications in monthly windows, beginning from January 21 to January 31, 2026, with future slots at the end of each month until the entire quota is allocated.
Officials say the shift reflects expectations of a strong wheat harvest and ample stocks, allowing India—one of the world’s largest wheat producers—to cautiously re-engage global markets without jeopardising domestic availability.
The move is likely to benefit flour mills and exporters eager to tap demand in traditional import markets, while maintaining safeguards to ensure local food price stability and supply security.