<h1>India requires APEDA registration for non-basmati rice exports, online contract registration and Rs 8/MT fee under DGFT notification</h1> India now requires prior registration with APEDA for non-basmati rice exports under a DGFT notification, obliging exporters to register contracts online and pay a nominal fee of Rs 8 per metric tonne for issuance of registration certificates. The measure mirrors basmati export rules and is intended to strengthen monitoring of export volumes, enable regulatory control over shipments, support food stock management, and help develop a rice trade promotion fund. Stakeholders say the additional procedural compliance adds minimal cost and should not immediately affect trade. The government has also extended export permission to October 30 amid subdued regional demand.