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DGFT invites applications for export of pharma grade sugar under restricted quota to regulate & boost pharma exports
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Shardul Nautiyal, Mumbai
June 19 , 2025
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In a policy decision aimed at striking a balance between domestic supply control and promoting pharmaceutical exports, the Government of India, through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), has invited applications from eligible exporters of pharma grade sugar under a newly sanctioned restricted category quota.
This announcement follows the issuance of a notification which permits the export of pharma grade sugar under a Restricted Export Authorization. The government has imposed stringent regulatory safeguards, including a ceiling on total annual exports at 25,000 metric tonnes (MT). This specific pharma grade sugar requires tight quality control, which the DGFT has built into the application process.
Under the current initiative, a one-time export quota of 25,000 MT is being allocated for the ongoing sugar season, ending on September 30, 2025. The DGFT has clarified that this initiative is aimed exclusively at bona fide pharmaceutical exporters marking a shift toward a more regulated and sector-specific export strategy.
Exporters seeking to take advantage of this quota must submit online applications between June 20 and July 20, 2025. Applications are to be submitted only through the DGFT’s e-Commerce system, under the category of “Non-SCOMET Restricted Items”.
Importantly, applicants are instructed not to send physical copies of their applications by mail or post, as only digital submissions through the official portal will be entertained. Each IEC (Importer Exporter Code) holder will be allowed to submit only one application, ensuring an equitable allocation process.
The quota distribution will be conducted on a pro-rata basis, determined by the production capacity of each eligible applicant.
For exporters to qualify at the time of application, they must hold a valid drug manufacturing license issued by the concerned State Licensing Authority (SLA). Additionally, the manufacturer or exporter must be a registered member of Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) and possess a valid Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC) issued by the same body. These prerequisites underline the DGFT’s intention to restrict the quota strictly to stakeholders in the pharmaceutical supply chain, thus safeguarding the intended use of the exported sugar.
Another critical compliance requirement involves the submission of lab test reports and certifications from National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accredited laboratories. These reports must confirm that the exported sugar meets the specifications laid out for pharma grade quality.
Export authorizations granted under this quota will remain valid for a full year, irrespective of the end of the financial year. However, the DGFT has made it clear that any applications submitted late, via email or post, or found deficient in required documents will be rejected outright. Moreover, the Central government reserves the right to modify the allocation process or eligibility conditions depending on the volume and nature of applications received.
“This special export allowance reflects the government’s commitment to supporting the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in high-value, quality-sensitive exports such as pharma grade sugar. He emphasized that the move would not only bolster India's position in global pharmaceutical supply chains but also ensure strict quality control and regulatory oversight,” according to an industry expert.
“All applicants seeking export authorization under quota may apply online by navigating to the DGFT website (https://www.dgft.gov.in) -> Services > Export Management Systems > License for Restricted Exports. The trade community is advised to treat this as a time-sensitive and compliance-intensive opportunity,” informed a DGFT official.
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