Restrictions on biofuel exports removed, if made from imported feedstock

In an announcement made on Wednesday, the government stated that there will be no restrictions on export of biofuel from special economic zones and export-oriented units, whether it is intended for fuel or non-fuel purposes, as long as the biofuel is manufactured using imported feedstock.

It is worth noting that just a few days after implementing restrictions on the import of biofuels, the government also imposed limitations on their export on August 28, 2018.

For both importing and exporting biofuels, a license is mandatory. Biofuels encompass a range of products such as ethyl alcohol, petroleum oil, bituminous mineral oils, bio-diesel, and blends thereof.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has made modifications to the 2018 notification, specifically with regard to the export of biofuels from special economic zones and export-oriented units.

As per the revised notification, “there are no limitations on the export of biofuels for both fuel and non-fuel purposes, provided that they are made solely from imported feedstock.”

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