Overview
- The Directorate General of Foreign Trade notified that exports of second‑generation ethanol are permitted with immediate effect as of September 24, 2025.
- Shipments are allowed for fuel and non‑fuel uses only with a valid export authorisation and feedstock certification from the competent authority.
- Consignments will undergo compliance checks by relevant authorities, and the policy applies to ITC(HS) 22072000 covering ethyl alcohol and denatured spirits.
- Eligible feedstocks are defined as cellulosic materials such as bagasse, wood waste, agricultural and forestry residues, woody biomass, grasses, algae, industrial residue streams, and other non‑food sources with high GHG reduction.
- The move follows the easing of cane‑based ethanol production rules for 2025–26 and India’s 20% petrol blending milestone, with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi urging producers to scale output for export opportunities.