GUWAHATI: The Union Government has allowed duty-free imports of up to 10 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of raw sugar until October 31, 2026, under the Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) scheme, in a move aimed at easing raw sugar availability.
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The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued the notification on Thursday, August 20, amending the import policy for raw sugar classified under Exim Code 170114.
Under the revised policy, imports of up to 10 lakh MT of raw sugar will be permitted duty-free under the TRQ, subject to the conditions specified by the government.
The notification also provides a one-time option for Advance Authorisations already issued under SION E-52 to be converted into the TRQ scheme. This will apply to the quantity of raw sugar actually imported under such authorisations up to the date of the notification. The conversion will also cover refined sugar that has already been produced or is yet to be produced from the imported raw sugar.
The conversion will be subject to payment of the exempted GST availed at the time of import. Refined sugar manufactured from the imported raw sugar will have to be sold in the domestic market by October 31, 2026, along with compliance with other prescribed conditions.
The DGFT will issue a separate public notice detailing the procedure for administering the TRQ and the one-time conversion from the Advance Authorisation Scheme.
The notification has been issued with the approval of the Minister of Commerce & Industry.