Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal praised government officials, ministry staff and other stakeholders for their work on the case.
Pakistan has secured a major victory for its rice industry after an Australian court rejected India’s appeal over exclusive rights to the word “Basmati.”
The Federal Court of Australia dismissed an appeal by India’s Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APDEDA) in a case involving the Basmati name. Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce announced the decision Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, and welcomed the ruling.
The court also ordered APEDA to pay the costs of the case. The amount will either be agreed upon by both sides or determined by the court. The dispute began when APEDA applied to register “Basmati” as a certification trademark for rice in Australia.
An Australian registrar rejected the application on Dec. 22, 2022. The registrar found that the word “Basmati” could not distinguish rice certified by APEDA from Basmati rice legally produced and sold by other traders.
The registrar also recognized that Basmati rice is grown in Pakistan. It said Pakistani traders had a valid right to use the term. Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce said the ruling supports its long standing position that Basmati is linked to a historic growing region covering parts of Pakistan and India.
The ministry said no single country should have exclusive control over the name. Producers and exporters from both countries have a legitimate right to use the term, it said. The ruling is important for Pakistan’s rice industry because Basmati is a major agricultural product and export item.
The decision protects the interests of Pakistani rice growers, millers and exporters operating in Australia, It also allows them to continue marketing authentic Pakistani Basmati rice under the name.
The Commerce Ministry said it has consistently opposed efforts to secure exclusive international rights over the Basmati name. It has also worked with government institutions and industry representatives to protect Pakistan’s interests.
The ministry said it would continue efforts to protect Basmati in foreign markets. It plans to base those efforts on the rice’s historical origin, established reputation and distinctive qualities. Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal praised government officials, ministry staff and other stakeholders for their work on the case.
Kamal described the Australian ruling as an important achievement for Pakistan’s agricultural heritage, commercial interests and export identity. For Pakistani exporters, the decision provides important protection in the Australian market. It also strengthens Pakistan’s position in international efforts to preserve its right to use the Basmati name.
