37 firms given go-ahead for hilsa export to India

The commerce ministry has approved 37 companies to export 1,200 tonnes of hilsa to India for the upcoming Durga Puja.

The export window will remain open from September 16 to October 5 this year, according to an order signed by SHM Magfurul Hasan Abbasi, deputy secretary of the commerce ministry.

The development follows the government's decision on September 8 to allow the export of hilsa to the neighbouring country ahead of the Hindu religious festival.

The government has set several conditions for the export, including compliance with the Export Policy 2024-27, mandatory customs inspections of consignments, and a ban on exporting more than the approved quantity.

Exporters have also been asked to provide information on the actual quantity shipped against previous permissions in the case of fresh applications.

Customs authorities will verify the consignments through the ASYCUDA World System to prevent shipments beyond the approved limit.

The permission is non-transferable, meaning exporters cannot subcontract the allocation.

The order also stated that the government reserves the right to cancel the permission at any time if deemed necessary.