The Government is considering the export of 15,000 tonnes of specialty sugar annually, which will not come under the purview of any restrictions, even if imposed. Currently, sugar export is allowed through a permit system issued by the Food Ministry, and there is no separate distinction made for specialty sugar, which are essentially valued-added products.
An inter-ministerial panel is said to have deliberated on the proposal in last week of January, mooted by the Commerce Ministry. However, the matter was deferred due to lack of sufficient information. It may be taken up once the commerce ministry compiles all the requisite data/information, sources said.
“After the problem faced with the export of organic sugar (when some traders used the window for normal sugar), there has to be ample precaution taken before giving an approval. There is no issue with quantity sought which is very small, compared to India’s annual production,” a source said.
There are several types of specialty sugar such as brown sugar, icing sugar, demerara-style and golden syrup.
