The commerce ministry has issued registration certificates for export of 3,30,000 tonnes of sugar since early last month when the government decided to free sugar shipments, according to industry body Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA).

On May 2, the government decided to allow unrestricted sugar exports by bringing it under the open general licence. However, exporters were allowed to ship only after taking registration certificate (export permits) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the commerce ministry.

"Till June 3, the DGFT has issued registration certificate for 332,000 tonnes of sugar. Of which, 1,77,000 tonnes has already been exported," a senior official of the ISMA said. He also said mills have also shipped the entire 200,000 tonnes of sugar that were allowed before May.

According to DGFT, an exporter can apply for registration certificate for a maximum quantity of 25,000 tonnes.

The application for second and subsequent RC can be made after exporting at least 50 per cent of the allotted quantity. Exports were permitted as the country's sugar output is expected to touch 26 million tonnes in 2011-12, higher than the annual demand of 21.5-22 million tonnes.