India opened applications on Tuesday for the remaining 202,550 metric tons of raw sugar available under a duty-free import quota of 1 million tons that the government approved last month.
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said it is taking applications from eligible sugar millers and refiners for the leftover allocation. Earlier guidance from the government shows applications amounting to 797,450 tons had already been received and allocated under a prior notice.
New Delhi initially sought submissions last month for duty-free imports of up to 1 million tons of raw sugar, with the import window running until October 31. Authorities said the measure was approved ahead of the country’s festival season, a period when sugar consumption typically rises because of stronger demand for traditional sweets.
This latest application round covers the unallocated portion of the quota. Eligible participants in the sugar trade - specifically millers and refiners identified by the DGFT - may now apply to secure a share of the remaining allocation under the duty-free terms announced previously.
The government’s earlier allocation of 797,450 tons was communicated under an existing notice, leaving the 202,550-ton balance now open for application. The current notice repeats the October 31 deadline attached to the overall 1 million-ton duty-free import permission.
The timing of the quota approval - ahead of a season of elevated sugar use for traditional sweet-making - was highlighted in the government’s announcement. The DGFT’s acceptance of applications for the remaining allocation is the operational step to distribute the leftover portion of the approved duty-free volume to qualified domestic entities.
Process snapshot
- Quota size: 1,000,000 metric tons duty-free (approved last month).
- Already allocated: 797,450 metric tons under an earlier notice.
- Remaining now open for application: 202,550 metric tons.
- Eligible applicants: sugar millers and refiners as specified by the DGFT.
- Import window/deadline: through October 31.
The DGFT’s announcement formalizes the opportunity for participants in the domestic sugar sector to apply for the remaining share of the duty-free quota. The notice reiterates eligibility and the October 31 time limit for imports under the approved quota.