TDS Desk:

India has introduced new regulations for rice exports to Bangladesh, raising concerns that imports may slow and prices could rise in the domestic market.

The Foreign Trade Wing of India issued the directive on Wednesday, which came into effect on Thursday. Under the new rules, exporters of non-Basmati rice must register their agreements with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

Traders said the regulation will apply to all newly opened Letters of Credit (LCs) except those already tendered. Importers warned that the approval process will delay shipments, increase costs, and cause trucks to wait at ports, adding demurrage charges.

“Previously, rice would arrive immediately after opening the LC, but now Indian exporters must obtain APEDA approval from Delhi. This will delay imports and raise costs,” said Dinesh Poddar, an importer at Hili Land Port.

Abdus Samad, owner of Haji Musa & Sons in Benapole, said that while the rice market has remained stable in recent months, the new regulations could disrupt supply. He urged the government to engage India in talks to resolve the issue.

From 12 August to 20 September, a total of 2,323 trucks carrying 120,000 tonnes of duty-free rice entered Bangladesh via Hili Land Port, bringing prices down by Tk3–4 per kg. Currently, prices remain stable.

Hili Customs Revenue Officer Mohammad Nizam Uddin said the issue has been reported to higher authorities.