Export of all pulses are banned since 27.06.2006. Some exemptions to this ban are (i) kabuli channa (exempted since 07.03.2007) (ii) export of organic pulses with annual limit of 10,000 MTs (exempted since 23.03.2011) and (iii) export to Sri Lanka under specific permission granted by DGFT. In addition to these, exemptions have been given on a few occasions for export of pulses to Mauritius, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives. At present there is no ban on export of onion and is permitted subject to Minimum Export Price notified by DGFT.
In the last one year ban on export of onion was imposed twice i.e. (i) from 22.12.2010 to 18.02.2011 and (ii) from 09.09.2011 to 20.09.2011. Decision to ban exports or modify the export policies of commodities including pulses and onion are taken by the Government from time to time to ensure that there is no scarcity of the items in the country and these are available to the consumers at reasonable prices. Review of export policy is a continuous process undertaken by the Government from time to time. The Government reviews the export policy in consultation with the administrative Ministries and the Departments concerned, keeping in view the various factors such as availability of goods in the domestic market, production, the price situation and various national and international commitments etc.