UAE Ministry of Economy prohibits Indian wheat exports for four months

A cabinet resolution has been issued by the UAE Ministry of Economy imposing a four-month moratorium on the export and re-export of wheat and wheat flour originating in India, including free zones, beginning 13th May 2022. The resolution applies to all wheat varieties (spelt), namely hard, ordinary, and soft wheat, as well as wheat flour (spelt flour).

According to the Ministry of Economy, this decision is based on recent international developments and the strong and strategic ties that bind the UAE and India. This is especially after the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the two nations and the Indian government’s approval for wheat exports to the UAE.

According to the Ministry, companies wishing to export/re-export wheat and wheat flour varieties of Indian origin, which had been imported before 13 May, must obtain permission from the Ministry to export outside of the UAE. It is mandatory for them to submit all documents and files that verify the data regarding the shipment in terms of its origin, the date of the transaction, and any other documents that the Ministry may require in this regard.

In addition, the Ministry noted that companies wishing to export/reexport wheat and wheat flour products of non-Indian origin may do so after obtaining export permits from the Ministry. Moreover, all documents and files necessary to verify the origin of a shipment to be exported or reexported must be attached to this application.

Export permits issued to companies are valid for 30 days after issuance. They must be submitted to the relevant customs department to complete the procedures for exporting the shipment out of the UAE. Applicants must submit their applications by email or directly to the Ministry’s headquarters.