The government has reduced the approved quota for aromatic rice exports by 50 percent to ensure adequate domestic supply, safeguard food security and contain possible price pressures in the local market.

As per a notification issued by the Export-2 wing of the Ministry of Commerce, the export allocations previously approved for 278 companies have been revised, with each company's quota cut by half.

The revised allocations have taken immediate effect and will remain valid until December 31, 2026.

Large food-processing companies as well as medium and small exporters will not be allowed to export more than half of their previously approved quantities of aromatic rice.

Alongside reducing the quota, the Ministry of Commerce has imposed 10 conditions aimed at strengthening monitoring and accountability and ensuring the repatriation of export earnings.

Under the new conditions, exporters must comply with the provisions of the Export Policy 2024-27, while the revised approvals will remain valid until December 31, 2026.

Customs authorities will verify the quality and authenticity of the rice before each shipment is exported.

Exporters must also submit relevant documents to the Export-2 wing of the Ministry of Commerce after each consignment is shipped.

Those seeking fresh export approval in the future will have to provide complete information and supporting documents showing the actual quantity exported against their previous allocations.

Exporters will not be allowed to ship any quantity exceeding their revised approved quota.

The ministry has also fixed a minimum FOB export price of $1.60 per kilogram to protect the value of the product in the international market.

The export approval will be non-transferable, and exporters will not be allowed to carry out shipments through subcontractors or other companies.

The government may cancel an approval at any time in the public interest without issuing a prior notice or seeking an explanation.

Exporters will also be required to submit Proceeds Realization Certificates (PRCs) as proof that export earnings have been repatriated to the country.

Earlier, the Ministry of Commerce allowed 278 companies to export a total of 45,270 metric tonnes of aromatic rice in two phases.

As of August 30, 2026, 129 companies exported a combined 2,419 metric tonnes of aromatic rice, according to the ministry.