The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has extended the validity of the Minimum Export Price (MEP) on the export of Natural Honey up to March 31, 2026, according to a notification issued on December 31, 2025.
The decision has been notified through Notification No. 52/2025-26, which amends an earlier notification dated August 22, 2025. The extension comes into effect immediately and continues the existing price restriction aimed at regulating exports of natural honey from India.
Key Details of the Notification
Under the revised policy condition, exports of Natural Honey classified under ITC (HS) Code 04090000 will continue to be subject to a Minimum Export Price of USD 1,400 FOB per Metric Ton. Earlier, this condition was valid only up to December 31, 2025. The latest amendment extends this timeline by three months, till March 31, 2026.
Despite the extension of the MEP condition, the export policy status of natural honey remains “Free”, meaning no quantitative restriction or licensing requirement has been imposed. However, exporters must ensure compliance with the prescribed minimum export price while entering into export contracts.
Legal Basis and Authority
The notification has been issued in exercise of powers conferred under Section 3 read with Section 5 of the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, along with relevant provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, as amended from time to time.
The extension modifies the earlier Notification No. 27/2025-26, reinforcing the government’s regulatory oversight on honey exports amid concerns relating to price stability, quality control, and domestic availability.
Impact on Exporters and Industry
The continuation of the MEP is likely to have mixed implications for exporters. While it helps prevent under-invoicing and protects the value of Indian honey in international markets, smaller exporters may find it challenging to compete in price-sensitive destinations. At the same time, the measure is expected to support beekeepers and domestic producers by discouraging distress exports at low prices.
Industry stakeholders have noted that the government has been closely monitoring honey exports in recent years due to concerns over quality, adulteration, and reputational risks in global markets. The MEP mechanism has been one of the tools used to address these concerns.
Notification Details
Notification No. 52/2025-26
Date: December 31, 2025
