Update on Export Policy of Red Sanders – DGFT Notification.

The Central Government has issued a notification amending Policy Condition 3 of Chapter 44, Schedule-II (Export Policy), ITC (HS) 2022, relating to the export of Red Sanders (Pterocarpus Santalinus). This amendment, issued under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, takes immediate effect and aims to regulate and streamline the export of this valuable wood species.

Export of Red Sanders – Now Restricted Under Specific Authorisation

Export of Red Sanders wood in log form and roots—sourced exclusively from cultivation origin on private or Patta land—has been restricted. Export is now permitted only under a Restricted Export Authorisation, ensuring strict traceability and sustainability.

Conditions for Export Authorisation

To obtain the Restricted Export Authorisation, applicants must comply with a detailed verification and certification process:

• Certificate of Origin:

Applications must include an attested certificate issued by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) of the respective state, confirming procurement from legal sources and specifying quantity and date of acquisition.

• Stock Verification:

A physical verification certificate from the PCCF or a nominated authority must accompany the application, confirming that the declared stock exists and is available for export.

• Scrutiny on Merits:

Applications will be considered on merits, subject to compliance with CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) regulations and other prescribed ceilings or conditions.

• CITES & MoEF&CC Oversight:

The CITES Management Authority of India will recommend export quotas, while the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) will set the annual quota, which may be revised based on National Detrimental Findings (NDF) studies or other government assessments.

• State-wise Export Quota:

Based on MoEF&CC recommendations, state-wise quotas will be fixed as per an annexure.

• Zero Quota for Wild Specimens:

No export will be permitted for wild Red Sanders, ensuring complete conservation of natural populations.

State Government Responsibilities

To strengthen transparency and traceability, State Governments are required to:

• Develop digital platforms with geo-referenced plantation data, including tree count, age, and diameter.
• Update Working Plan Guidelines to include management and harvest plans with sustainable rotation periods for Red Sanders grown in both forest and non-forest areas.

Effect of the Notification

The Government has announced an annual export quota (April–March) for artificially propagated Red Sanders as follows:

• Karnataka: 10 Metric Tonnes (MTs)
• Gujarat: 100 Metric Tonnes (MTs)

These quotas will be applicable from 1st April 2025 to 31st March 2027, subject to compliance with the stated conditions and authorisation procedures.

State-wise Annual Export Quotas for Red Sanders (Pterocarpus Santalinus) obtained from Artificially Propagated Sources.

Notification Reference:  DGFT
Notification No. 47/2025-26
05 /11 /2025