Disposal Guidelines for Red Sanders Seized by DRI & Customs.

🪵 Streamlining the Disposal of Red Sanders: Clarification on Role of Customs Field Formations

In an effort to resolve longstanding delays and procedural ambiguities surrounding the disposal of Red Sanders wood seized under Customs and DRI operations, a fresh clarification has been issued, reiterating the responsibilities and procedures to be followed by the Customs field formations. This move is aimed at ensuring efficient, lawful, and environment-conscious disposal of Red Sanders, particularly those seized by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).

Background

The Disposal Manual 2019 clearly outlines the roles of Custodians, Warehouse In-Charges, and Disposal Units within Customs formations. These stakeholders are entrusted with the safe custody and timely disposal of confiscated goods, including those seized by DRI. However, in practice, multiple cases of Red Sanders pending disposal have been reported from various ICDs, CFSs, and Port Trusts, causing logistical and administrative strain.

The Issue

A key concern has been the ambiguity over disposal responsibility for Red Sanders seized by DRI. Given that DRI has, in some instances, managed disposal operations directly, field formations were unsure whether they were still required to dispose of such goods.

Key Clarification

To eliminate this confusion, it is now clarified that:

• Disposal of Red Sanders seized by DRI is to be carried out by the Disposal Units of the jurisdictional Customs field formations, just like any other seized goods.

This clarification standardizes the procedure and ensures a uniform approach across field units and agencies.

Procedure & Authorization

To guide field units, a standard operating procedure (SOP) was earlier communicated via letter dated 17th April 2025 (Annexure A). A few highlights include:

• Field formations must obtain a specific authorization from DRI in the prescribed format (Annexure B) prior to filing a Shipping Bill for export of the Red Sanders.
• The authorization ensures that export under the DGFT’s quota system is properly accounted for and tracked.

Compliance with Environmental Guidelines

Before initiating the disposal/export process, strict adherence is required to the environmental protocols laid out by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) as per OM No. F.No 3-1/2019 WL (Part-2) dated 12.09.2022 (refer to page 17 of Annexure A). These guidelines are essential to ensure:

• Environmentally responsible export practices
• Legal compliance with conservation norms
• Transparency in the use of endangered wood species

Summary of Responsibilities

 Enclosures

• Annexure A – Disposal Procedure for Red Sanders
• Annexure B – Format for DRI Authorization for Export

Conclusion

This clarification brings much-needed uniformity and accountability to the disposal process of Red Sanders, particularly in complex, inter-agency cases. Customs field formations must act promptly using the updated guidance and ensure compliance with both export control and environmental mandates.

 Notification Reference: Customs
 Instruction No.12/2025-Customs
 22/05/2025