HS Code for Basmati Rice Export from India: APEDA RCAC, Policy and Buyer Checks

Basmati is India's best-known food export, and exporters usually know their product better than anyone. What catches people out is the paperwork around it. Over the last few years basmati export rules have moved more than once, and the code you file is one of the things the government watches closely.

Here's how I'd approach it.

The usual HS code: 1006 30 20

Milled basmati, whether raw (steam or white) or sella (parboiled), is usually filed under 1006 30 20. India gives basmati its own tariff item so it can treat basmati and non-basmati differently in export policy.

Why not 1006 30 99 or 1006 20?

The biggest issue here is the basmati / non-basmati line. Non-basmati milled rice has its own codes (1006 30 11, 1006 30 19, 1006 30 91, 1006 30 99). When non-basmati exports were restricted, the government added safeguards because some shipments of non-basmati rice were being declared as basmati. So expect scrutiny of your variety, grain length and test reports.

The other point is processing stage. Husked (brown) basmati is not milled, so it falls under 1006 20, not 1006 30. Broken rice is under 1006 40. If you ship a brown basmati range alongside white, they're separate lines.

What decides the final code

• Basmati or not: the variety must be a notified basmati variety. Blends with non-basmati rice create problems.
• Milling stage: brown/husked (1006 20), milled (1006 30), broken (1006 40).
• Raw or sella: both usually stay under basmati, but describe the process clearly on the invoice and shipping bill.
• Packing: retail packs and bulk bags take the same code, but labelling rules differ by buyer country.

Export policy and incentives

Basmati rice export policy is Free, but subject to registration of each contract with APEDA. APEDA issues a Registration-cum-Allocation Certificate (RCAC) for the contract, and it's valid for a limited period, so plan shipments around it.

The government has used a minimum export price (MEP) for basmati before and later withdrew it. Policy here moves with crop and price conditions, so check the latest DGFT and APEDA notices before you sign a contract.

On incentives, the RoDTEP scheme exists to refund embedded taxes on exports. Whether your item is covered, and at what rate, is set by notification, so check the current schedule for 1006 30 20. You'll also want a Certificate of Origin if your buyer's country gives a tariff benefit to Indian goods.

Compliance checklist for basmati export

🔴 Mandatory · 🟠 Check · 🟢 Not required

Mistakes that cost exporters money

• Shipping on an expired RCAC, or one issued for different terms.
• Not testing residues for the EU and having the container rejected at the other end.
• Loose variety descriptions that make basmati look like non-basmati, or the other way round.
• Ignoring policy notices when MEP or contract rules change mid-season.

My advice

For basmati, the code is fixed but the policy around it isn't. Keep an eye on APEDA trade notices, register contracts early, and test for your buyer's residue limits before you load. If you're starting with a new product line like brown or organic basmati, check its code and conditions with a lookup first.