New Delhi, May 14 -- India, on Wednesday, banned sugar exports with immediate effect until September 30, 2026, or until further orders.

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry announced the decision through a formal notification that shifts the export status for various sugar categories from the "restricted" list to the "prohibited" category.

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) confirmed that the amendment affects raw sugar, white sugar, and refined sugar classified under ITC (HS) codes. This regulatory change comes as a measure to manage domestic supply and ensure food security over the next two years.

"The export policy of Sugar (Raw Sugar, White Sugar and Refined Sugar) under ITC (HS) Codes 1701 14 90 and 1701 99 90 is amend...