APEDA resumes non-Basmati rice exports to the Philippines and Senegal after lifting import restrictions.

By BL New Delhi Bureau

After the Philippines and Senegal lifted curbs on rice imports, India’s agri export promotion body Apeda has resumed registering export contracts for non-Basmati rice to both countries with immediate effect.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda) said in a notice on Wednesday that it has resumed the issuance of Registration-Cum-Allocation Certificates (RCAC) for the export of non-Basmati rice to Senegal.

The move follows confirmation from the Indian Embassy in Dakar that Senegal has withdrawn its month-long restriction on rice imports. In November last year, Apeda had paused RCAC registrations after Senegal suspended the issuance of its rice import declarations (DIPA).

“However, stakeholders are also requested to watch the latest developments in Senegal for any change in policy conditions related to rice,” Apeda said.

In a separate notice dated January 13, Apeda said the Philippines’ Department of Agriculture has informed that its Bureau of Plant Industry will begin processing applications for Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances (SPICs) for about 500,000 tonnes of non-Basmati rice, including 50,000 tonnes reserved for government agencies.

Tighter timelines

The Philippines has stipulated that all shipments must arrive by mid-February to prevent imported rice from depressing domestic prices at the start of the summer harvest. It has also raised import duty on rice to 20 per cent from 15 per cent.

Apeda said rice imports during the January–February window will be allowed through 17 ports, including Manila, Batangas, Tacloban, Bacolod, Iligan, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Zamboanga, Cebu, Iloilo, Capiz, Tagbilaran, Dumaguete, Subic, Calbayog, General Santos and Tabaco.

Export performance

According to Apeda data, India exported 40,447.72 tonnes of rice (including 1,496 tonnes of Basmati) worth $49.29 million to the Philippines during April–October 2025-26, compared with 42,621.48 tonnes worth $37.15 million in the entire FY25.

Rice exports to Senegal stood at 412,612 tonnes worth $141.50 million during April–October FY26, against 662,064 tonnes valued at $276.84 million in FY25.

Published Date: January 15, 2026