Dubai: The United Arab Emirates has decided to stop exporting wheat of Indian origin for a period of four months.
As per a media report, all varieties of buckwheat will be affected ― hard, regular, and fine ― as well as wheat and spelt flour, commencing retroactively from May 13.
The Gulf nation's economy ministry cited interruptions to global trade flows as the reason for its move but added that India had approved exports of wheat to the UAE for domestic consumption.
According to Emirates news agency WAM, companies wishing to export or re-export Indian wheat that was imported to the UAE before May 13, when the suspension began, must first apply to the ministry.
The companies need to submit all documents and files that help verify the shipment's data regarding its origin, date of transaction, and any other documents that the ministry may require in this regard.
The resolution applies to all wheat varieties: hard, ordinary, soft wheat, and flour.
The report said that the export permit issued to companies is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance and must be submitted to the relevant customs department to complete the procedures for exporting the shipment out of the UAE.
On May 14, New Delhi banned wheat exports in a surprise move but said it would allow overseas shipments backed by already issued letters of credit (LCs) and to countries that request supplies "to meet their food security needs".