Amendment in Export Policy of Wheat Flour (atta).

## Report on Amendment to Export Policy of Wheat Flour (Atta) **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to the export policy of wheat flour (atta) as outlined in Notification No. 18 (2015-2020), dated July 6, 2022. The amendment, effective from July 12, 2022, maintains a "Free" export policy for wheat flour but makes exports subject to the recommendation of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on wheat exports. This change is likely driven by concerns about global supply disruptions and the need to maintain the quality of wheat flour exports from India. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an informative analysis of the amendment to the export policy of wheat flour (atta) based on the provided government notification. The purpose is to elucidate the changes introduced by the amendment, their rationale, and potential implications for relevant stakeholders. **3. Policy Overview:** This report concerns an *amendment* to an existing export policy. The original policy being amended is the Export Policy of wheat flour (atta) under S.No.64 against ITC HS code 1101 of Chapter 11 of Schedule 2 of the ITC HS Export Policy. The core objective of the *amendment*, as inferred from the text, is to manage and regulate the export of wheat flour (atta) to ensure quality and potentially stabilize domestic supplies in the face of global disruptions. **4. Background and Rationale:** The provided text states that "global supply disruptions in wheat and wheat flour have created many new players and has led to price fluctuations and potential quality-related issues." This clearly indicates that the amendment is a response to instability in the global market. The amendment seems designed to address potential quality concerns related to wheat flour exports and to allow for governmental oversight in managing the export volume of wheat flour. This oversight allows the government to respond to market fluctuations and potential domestic shortages. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** The amendment introduces the following key change: * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** The export policy for wheat flour (atta), previously "Free," remains "Free" in name. However, it is now explicitly subject to the recommendation of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on the export of wheat. * **New Rule/Provision:** Export of wheat flour (atta, Maida, Samolina Rava Sirgi, Wholemeal atta and resultant atta) is subject to the recommendation of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on export of wheat. * **Difference/Effect of Change:** While the export policy remains nominally "Free," the amendment grants the IMC significant control over wheat flour exports. Exporters are now *de facto* required to obtain approval or comply with the recommendations of the IMC before exporting wheat flour. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders are: * Exporters of wheat flour (atta), maida, samolina, rava, sirgi and wholemeal atta from India. * Wheat millers and producers. * The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on wheat exports. * Customs officials involved in export clearance. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) is responsible for providing recommendations on wheat exports. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is responsible for implementing the policy. Customs officials are responsible for enforcing the policy at the point of export. * **Timelines and Procedures:** The amendment came into effect on July 12, 2022. The procedures for obtaining IMC recommendations are not detailed in the provided text, implying a separate notification or operational guideline will be needed. There is a transitional arrangement allowing exports between July 6 and July 12 for shipments where loading has commenced or goods have been handed over to customs. * **Specific to the changes:** The new requirement of IMC recommendation needs to be integrated into the export process starting July 12, 2022. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of the amendment is to: * Enable the government to better regulate the volume of wheat flour exports from India. * Maintain the quality of exported wheat flour. * Potentially stabilize domestic wheat and wheat flour prices. * Provide the government with a mechanism to respond to global market fluctuations and ensure domestic food security. The potential impact of the amendment is: * Increased administrative burden for wheat flour exporters. * Potential delays in export shipments due to the requirement for IMC approval. * Greater government oversight and control over the wheat flour export market. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the export policy of wheat flour (atta) represents a significant shift towards greater government oversight of the sector. While the policy remains nominally "Free," the requirement for IMC recommendation introduces a regulatory mechanism that will likely impact exporters and the overall dynamics of the wheat flour export market. The amendment reflects the government's concern about global supply disruptions and the need to maintain the quality and stability of wheat flour exports from India. Further clarification regarding the procedures for obtaining IMC recommendations is warranted for smooth implementation.

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