**Summary:**
This Trade Notice, No. 26/2024-25, issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, dated December 30, 2024, outlines a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for obtaining export authorizations for restricted seeds and planting materials. The SOP aims to facilitate trade, reduce turnaround times, and streamline the export process.
The SOP distinguishes between the export of seeds for sowing purposes and planting materials (Section A) and the export of seeds for non-sowing purposes (Section B).
**A. Export of Seeds for Sowing Purposes and Planting Materials:**
Applicants must provide detailed product specifications, including the source and raw materials used in production. Specific affidavit requirements include confirmation that no Indian germplasm has been used and that the exported material is proprietary and compliant with the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. For seed quality exports, compliance with Notification No. 23/2015-2020 dated October 7, 2015, is required, including possessing a license to deal in seeds under Section 3 of the Seed Control Order 1983, a declaration that the seeds are chemically treated and unfit for human consumption, and appropriate labeling of export packets. Examples of exportable items include Onion Seed (HS Code: 12099130) and Rice in Husk (Paddy or Rough of Seed Quality, HS Code 10061010).
**B. Export of Seeds for Non-Sowing Purposes:**
For non-sowing purposes, such as Rice Paddy or Husk, Non-Basmati Rice under HS Code 10061090, an affidavit must be submitted stating that the exported material is not intended for sowing or planting, is not breeder, foundation, or certified seed, and is meant solely for consumption.
The Trade Notice is issued with the approval of the Competent Authority. Further inquiries can be directed to Pratibha Kumari, Deputy Director General of Foreign Trade. The file number for this notice is 01/91/180/14/AM25/EC/40625. The DGFT's address is Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi 110001.
Key Entities Referenced
Directorate General of Foreign Trade: The issuing authority for the trade notice, responsible for foreign trade regulation.
Standard Operating Procedure: A set of guidelines formulated to facilitate and streamline the export authorization process for restricted seeds and planting materials.
Export Promotion Councils: Organizations that promote exports from India.
Biological Diversity Act, 2002: An Indian law related to the conservation of biological diversity and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources.
Seed Control Order 1983: Order issued by the Government of India for regulating the quality and distribution of seeds.
Onion Seed: Specific example of an exportable item mentioned with HS Code 12099130
Rice in Husk Paddy: Specific example of an exportable item mentioned with HS Code 10061010
Notification No. 2320152020 dated October 7, 2015: A notification that outlines conditions for exporting seed quality, including licensing and labeling requirements.
Government of India
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Department of Commerce
Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Dated: 30th December 2024
Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi- 110001
Trade Notice No. 26/2024-25
To,
1. All Exporters Concerned
2. Export Promotion Councils (EPCs)
3. All Regional Authorities of DGFT
Subject: Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Export Authorisations for Restricted
Seeds and Planting Materials – reg.
To facilitate trade, reduce turnaround time for obtaining export authorizations, and
streamline the process for export of seeds and planting materials categorised as ‘Restricted’,
the following Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been formulated.
Manufacturers/exporters are required to adhere to the SOP while filing applications with
DGFT for Export Authorization:
(A) Export of Seeds (for Sowing Purposes) and Planting Materials
1. Product Specifications:
Applicants must submit detailed specifications of the seed/planting material intended for
export, along with its source.
2. Raw Materials:
Details of raw materials used in the production of the seed must be provided.
3. Specific Affidavit Requirements:
• An affidavit on stamp paper from the firm confirming that no Indian germplasm has
been used in developing the seed. Examples of exportable items include: Onion Seed
(HS Code: 12099130), Rice in Husk (Paddy or Rough) of Seed Quality (HS Code
10061010).
• A conditional affidavit confirming that the exported material is proprietary and
complies with the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
4. For Export of Seed Quality:
An affidavit is required to confirm compliance with conditions outlined in Notification No.
23/2015-2020 dated October 7, 2015. The key conditions are as follows:a. A license to carry on the business of a dealer in seeds issued under Section 3 of the
Seed Control Order (1983) from the State Government.
b. Declaration that the exported seed consignment has been chemically treated and is not
fit for human consumption.
c. Export packets must be labelled to indicate that the seeds are treated with chemical
insecticides and are not for food or feed purposes.
(B) Export of Seeds (for Non-Sowing Purposes):
For non-sowing purposes (e.g., Rice Paddy or Husk, Non-Basmati Rice under HS Code
10061090), the applicant must submit an affidavit stating:
• The exported material is not intended for sowing or planting and is neither breeder seed/
foundation seed nor certified seed.
• The material is meant solely for consumption purposes.
This Trade Notice is issued with the approval of the Competent Authority.
(Pratibha Kumari)
Deputy Director General of Foreign Trade
[Issued from File No.: 01/91/180/14/AM-25/EC-40625]