The DGFT amends rice export policy for European nations. EIA pesticide certificate for Basmati rice export to EU deferred till Jan 1, 2021.
The Requirement of Certificate from EIC to Export to EU Deferred
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade notified on 10th August to defer the requirement of EIA certificate. Now, the export of rice to European Union (EU) member states and other European countries namely Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland will require a Certificate of Inspection from Export Inspection Council (EIC) or Export Inspection Agency (EIA). Also, exports to remaining European countries will require a Certificate of Inspection by the EIC or EIA for shipping from 1st January 2021.
The trade authority had earlier mandated the requirement for a certificate of inspection by export inspection agencies. The said exporting norm to remaining European countries was effective from July 1, 2020. India exported rice worth $278.68 million in FY20 to Europe, 13.7% lower than the $323.09 million in FY19.
Export Inspection Council
Export Inspection Council (EIC) is the official authority in India which provides safety and quality certifications for products exported from India. Also, it offers compulsory certifications for different kinds of food items like fish and seafood, honey, dairy products, and meat products. In contrast, certification of other non-food products can be done voluntarily. Its Export Inspection Agencies are located in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi. Apart from these, it has a network of 30 sub-offices with NABL authorized labs.
In all, the ECI ensures that the exporting product complies with the importing country’s requirements.