Government Extends Sugar Import Deadline to 2 Months, Removing October 31, 2026, Deadline

As per a PTI report, the government has given sugar importers more time to process imported raw sugar for sale in India. Instead of meeting a fixed October 31, 2026, deadline, importers will now have up to two months from the date of filing the Bill of Entry. 

The October 31 deadline for importing sugar remains unchanged. The revised timeline applies to the processing of raw sugar into white or refined sugar and its subsequent sale in the domestic market. 

Earlier Deadline Raised Industry Concerns 

The change follows concerns raised by the sugar industry over the time taken to bring consignments into India. Mills and refiners had said the earlier deadline was difficult to meet because of delays in shipping and port handling. 

Shipments from Brazil, one of the potential sources of imports, can take around 40-45 days to reach India after quantities are approved. Port congestion and the time required for customs clearance and transport add to the process. 

Once the sugar reaches a refinery, further time is needed to process the raw material and release the finished product for domestic sale. 

DGFT Amends August Notification 

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a corrigendum on August 24, 2026, changing the conditions set out in its August 20 notification on duty-free raw sugar imports under the tariff-rate quota. 

The amended rule requires importers to convert the raw sugar into white or refined sugar and sell it within two months from the date of filing the Bill of Entry, which is submitted to customs for an incoming consignment. 

Mills have started applying online for import allocations. The DGFT may take two to three days to process applications, with contracts expected to be signed by mid-September. 

One Million Tonnes Cleared for Import 

The government has allowed duty-free imports of 1 million tonnes of raw sugar after domestic prices rose and production estimates for the 2025-26 sugar marketing year were revised downwards. 

It was the first decision to allow such imports in nearly a decade. Stock limits have also been imposed on bulk consumers, while states have been asked to increase checks against hoarding and speculation. 

Prices Fall from Recent Highs 

Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra said ex-mill sugar prices had fallen 18% to ₹55 per kg from ₹67 per kg last week. 

Average wholesale prices stood at ₹58.29 per kg on August 24, while average retail prices were ₹63.05 per kg, showing that the decline at the mill level had not yet fully reached consumers. 

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Conclusion 

The DGFT's revised condition links the processing and sale timeline to the date of entry of each consignment. Imports under the quota must still be completed by October 31, 2026. 

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