Bangladesh will export 1,200 tonnes of hilsa to India this year for the coming Durga Puja, and 37 firms have already been given permission to export.

The commerce ministry issued the permission order on 16 September. Earlier, in an order on 8 September, the ministry announced its policy decision to export hilsa.

Bangladesh exports hilsa every year for Durga Puja, and demand for Bangladeshi hilsa is especially high in West Bengal.

The 8 September order asked exporters to apply. After scrutiny, 37 firms have received permission. This year the minimum export price has been set at $12.50 a kg.

Last year, for Durga Puja, the commerce ministry first decided to allow 3,000 tonnes of hilsa exports to India. It later backed away from that decision and finally allowed 2,420 tonnes. This time half that amount has been allowed. Last year permission went to 49 firms in all.

Exporters have been told to follow the rules of the Export Policy 2024-27. The permission is valid from 16 September to 5 October this year.

During this time customs will properly inspect the export goods. For any later application, exporters must submit evidence of the quantity actually exported against the quantity previously approved.

The order also says no more than the approved quantity may be exported. For each consignment, customs will check the ASYCUDA World System to make sure no more than the approved amount is exported.

The permission is not transferable in any way, and an approved exporter may not sub-contract instead of exporting itself. The government may cancel the permission at any time if needed. These conditions, however, are always attached.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.