The exporters whose rice shipments were stuck at ports following export bans may finally move their consignments. The Customs department will be allowing shipments of non-basmati rice for export where the shipment has commenced, shipping bills were filed and vessels had arrived and anchored at Indian ports before the ban notification was issued. The Customs has instructed its field formations to allow exports till August 31, in such cases.
“The approval of loading in such vessels will be issued only after confirmation by the concerned Port Authorities,” the instruction said. About 2 lakh tonnes of rice cargoes were stranded at the port. Non-basmati white rice constituted about 25% of total rice exported from the country.