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Title: Directions for the Issuance of Rice Export and Import Approval  Documents Ch
Date: 2026.09.16
Legislative: 1.Promulgated by Order Nong-Liang-Zi No. 0961120774 on August 8
  , 2007.
2.Amended by Order Nong-Liang-Zi No. 0981093377 on August 28, 
  2009.
3.Amended by Order Nong-Liang-Zi No. 1021093408B on July 24, 
  2013.
4.Amended by Order Nong-Liang-Zi No. 1031093195A on November 25
  , 2014; the title was amended to “Directions for the Issuance
  of Rice Export and Import Approval Documents,” effective on 
  the same date.
5.Point 3 amended by Order Nong-Liang-Zi No. 1041093703A on 
  January 19, 2016.
6.Point 3 amended by Order Nong-Liang-Zi No. 1071092008A on 
  January 24, 2018.
7.Points 3 and 5 amended by Order Nong-Shou-Liang-Zi No. 
  1081092909A on December 2, 2019.
8.Points 3, 5, and 8 amended by Order Nong-Shou-Liang-Zi No. 
  1121090378 on May 15, 2023.
9.Amended by Order Nong-Shou-Liang-Zi No. 1151186199 on 
  September 16, 2026.
Content: 1. The Ministry of Agriculture (hereinafter referred to as the 
  “Ministry”) has established these Directions for the purpose 
   of implementing Article 7, Paragraph 2 of the Food 
   Administration Act and administering the issuance of 
   approval documents for the export and import of rice.


2. These Directions apply to the following rice products under 
   the corresponding Commodity Classification of the Republic 
   of China (CCC) Codes:
   (1) Rice in the husk (paddy or rough): CCC Code 1006.10.00.
       00-0.
   (2) Husked (brown) rice: CCC Code 1006.20.00.00-8.
   (3) Other wholly milled or semi-milled rice, whether or not 
       polished: CCC Code 1006.30.00.90-7.
   (4) Glutinous rice: CCC Code 1006.30.00.10-4.
   (5) Broken rice: CCC Code 1006.40.00.00-4.


3. An applicant for a rice export approval document shall 
   complete and submit an application form (as set forth in 
   Appendix 1). Where paddy rice or brown rice is to be 
   exported, the intended use shall also be specified. Upon 
   review and approval by the Ministry, an export approval 
   document shall be issued. Under any of the following 
   circumstances, the applicant shall additionally submit the 
   relevant documents:
   (1) Exports of paddy or brown rice for experimental or 
       research purposes shall be accompanied by relevant 
       supporting documents.
   (2) Exports of paddy or brown rice protected by a plant 
       variety right shall be accompanied by documentary proof 
       of the right holder’s authorization or consent.
   (3) Farmers exporting their own produce, or individuals or 
       organizations making charitable donations, shall submit
       relevant supporting documents.
   Exports of up to six kilograms of milled rice, glutinous
   rice, or both are exempt from the approval-document
   requirement under the preceding paragraph if the exporter
   enters the customs clearance code “AGG99999999990” in
   the Export Permit Number field of the export declaration,
   and shall be deemed approved by the Ministry.


4. Paddy or brown rice of a variety bred by a domestic 
   agricultural research or improvement institution shall not 
   be exported until five years after its official naming and 
   release. This restriction does not apply to first-generation
   hybrids or exports specifically approved by the Ministry.


5. An applicant for a rice import approval document shall 
   complete and submit an application form (as set forth in 
   Appendix 2). Where paddy rice or brown rice is to be
   imported, the intended use shall also be specified. Upon 
   review and approval by the Ministry, an import approval 
   document shall be issued. Under any of the following 
   circumstances, the applicant shall additionally submit the 
   relevant documents:
   (1) Where paddy rice or brown rice is imported as seed for 
       field cultivation and production, the following 
       documents shall be submitted:
       1. A seed and seedling enterprise registration
          certificate.
       2. A certificate stating that the seed is not 
          genetically modified.
       3. For a variety subject to a plant variety right, 
          documentary proof of the variety right holder’s 
          authorization or consent to domestic cultivation.
       4. A description of the varietal characteristics.
       5. A cultivation plan, which shall include: the 
          cultivation period, location, area, cultivation 
          management methods, measures to prevent the 
          unauthorized distribution of seeds, marketing plan, 
          and other relevant matters.
   (2) Where paddy rice or brown rice is imported for academic 
       exchange, experimental, or research purposes, relevant 
       supporting documents shall be submitted.
   Where the total weight of imported milled rice, glutinous
   rice, or both does not exceed six kilograms, the importer
   shall be exempt from applying for a rice import approval
   document under the preceding paragraph if the customs
   clearance code “AGG98888888880” is entered in the Import
   Permit Number field of the import declaration; the Ministry
   shall deem the import approved.


6. An importer bringing in paddy or brown rice for use as seed,
   or importing at least ten metric tons of rice in a single 
   shipment, shall, within two weeks after customs clearance, 
   take an approximately 1,000-gram sample from each lot listed
   in the import declaration and divide it into two portions: 
   one to be retained for six months and the other submitted to
   the local branch of the Ministry’s Agriculture and Food 
   Agency. Failure to submit a sample may result in an on-site 
   inspection by the Agency.
   When submitting a sample under the preceding paragraph, the
   importer shall provide the declaration number, importer’s
   name, country of origin, import date, type of rice, total
   quantity, and other relevant information.


7. Unless otherwise provided by law, the Ministry shall approve
   or reject an application based on national food security and
   interests, variety development, the domestic rice industry, 
   farmers’ rights and interests, and policy needs.


8. Upon receipt, each application shall undergo documentary 
   review as either an expedited or regular case. The Ministry 
   shall decide whether to approve the application within three
   working days for an expedited case or six working days for a
   regular case. Fees paid shall be refunded without interest 
   if the applicant fails to provide requested supplementary 
   information or if the application is denied.


9. An export approval document shall be valid for two months 
   beginning on the day following its issuance; an import 
   approval document shall be valid for one month beginning on 
   the day following its issuance.

 
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