New Delhi: The central government has revised the Minimum Export Price (MEP) for natural honey, slashing it from USD 2,000 per metric ton to USD 1,400 per metric ton (FOB).
In a notification issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on August 22, the revised MEP for honey (HS Code 04090000) will remain in effect until December 31, 2025.
The export policy for natural honey remains classified as “Free”, though subject to adherence to the updated price condition.
India ranks among the world’s major honey exporters, with key markets including the United States, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bangladesh, and Canada. The country exports several varieties such as mustard, eucalyptus, lychee, sunflower, pongamia, Himalayan multi-flora, acacia, and wild flora honey.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) continues to extend incentives and financial support to exporters of honey and other agri-food products.
According to trade analysts, lowering the MEP is expected to make Indian honey more competitive in international markets, while ensuring quality control and regulatory oversight.
This amendment supersedes DGFT Notification No. 45/2024-25 dated December 30, 2024.
