Government puts in place new approval framework for wheat flour exports

India Thursday imposed restrictions on outbound shipments of wheat flour (atta), refined flour (maida) and semolina (rava/sirgi), in a move aimed at containing price rise.

New Delhi had banned wheat exports in May. Exporters of these commodities would now need approval of the inter-ministerial committee on export of wheat for shipments from July 12.

"Export policy of wheat flour (atta) remains free but export shall be subject to recommendation of the inter-ministerial committee on export of wheat," the Directorate General of Foreign Trade said in a notification. The new approval framework will be applicable for wheat flour, refined flour, semolina, wholemeal atta and resultant atta.


According to the notification, the necessary modalities with regard to quality of wheat flour will be notified separately. The provisions under the Foreign Trade Policy regarding transitional arrangement would not be applicable under this notification.

In 2021-22, India exported wheat flour worth $246.57 million. In May, India banned wheat exports in a bid to check high prices in the domestic market amid concerns of wheat output being hit by a scorching heat wave.