New Delhi - The exporters whose rice shipments were stuck at ports following export bans may get some relief.

The centre has directed Indian customs to allow shipments of non-basmati rice for export where the shipment has commenced where shipping bills were filed and where vessels arrived and anchored in Indian ports before ban notification.

The Customs has instructed its field formations to allow exports till August 31, in such cases.

India imposed an export curb on non-basmati white rice, including semi-milled, wholly-milled, polished and glazed varieties on July 20 to meet the domestic demand.

'The approval of loading in such vessels will be issued only after confirmation by the concerned Port Authorities,' the instruction said.

Non-basmati white rice constituted about 25% of total rice exported from the Country.

However a large number of cargoes which had already arrived at the port ahead of the notification and according to industry estimates, about 2 lakh tonnes of rice cargoes were stranded at the port.

The Customs officials had sought clarity from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

The DGFT on August 18 issued a clarification that such cargoes arriving at the port ahead of the July 20 order must be cleared for export.