India’s recent move to mandate prior registration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) for non-basmati rice exports has been welcomed by exporters, who say the step will enhance transparency and allow better regulatory oversight, with minimal impact on trade. APEDA, which facilitates the export of agricultural products such as rice, fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy, will now oversee the registration of non-basmati rice export contracts—similar to the existing framework for basmati rice. The Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF) applauded the government’s decision, stating it would bring uniformity and greater transparency to India’s rice export policy. According to the government’s notification issued on Wednesday, exports of non-basmati rice will be allowed only after contracts are registered with APEDA. The process includes a nominal fee of ₹8 per metric tonne, with registration certificates issued online. As the world’s largest rice exporter, India’s move is seen as a step toward more calibrated and strategic management of both basmati and non-basmati rice exports.