The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) issued Instruction No. 05/2025-Customs on 25 April 2025, clarifying the requirements regarding CITES permits for agarwood products transported by individuals during international travel. The directive responds to queries about the permissible limits of agarwood that can be carried without needing a CITES export or re-export certificate.
Referring to a clarification from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the instruction outlines that, in accordance with CITES Resolution Conf.13.7 (Rev. CoP17), travelers are allowed to carry specific quantities of agarwood for personal or household use without requiring documentation. The exempted limits include up to 1 kg of agarwood wood chips, 24 ml of agarwood oil, and two sets of beads or prayer beads (or two necklaces or bracelets) per person. These are considered dead specimens, parts, or derivatives of Appendix II species and are excluded from permit requirements under CITES.
CBIC has requested customs authorities and field officers to be informed of this clarification to ensure appropriate implementation at points of entry and exit. This measure aims to ease the movement of personal items while maintaining compliance with international wildlife trade regulations. Officers are encouraged to report any operational issues to the Board.
F. No.401/14/2025-Cus.Ill
Government of India
Ministry of Finance,
Department of Revenue
(Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs)
229A, North Block, New Delhi
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Instruction No. 05/2025-Customs Date: 25.04.2025
To
All Principal Chief Commissioners/ Chief Commissioners of Customs/ Customs (Preventive)/Customs & Central Taxes.
All Principal Commissioners/Commissioners of Customs /Customs (Preventive).
All Pr. Director General/Director Generals under CBIC.
Subject: Requirement of CITES Export permit or CITES Reexport certificate for agarwood products -regarding.
Madam/Sir,
Reference has been received in the Board on the aspect of allowable limits of quantity of agarwood product that can be taken by people traveling internationally without the need for CITES export permit or CITES re-export certificate.
2. In this regard, the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change has clarified that as per CITES Resolution Conf.13.7 (Rev.CoP17) regarding ‘Control of trade in personal and household effects’, “specimens of agarwood- up to 1 kg of wood chips, 24 ml of oil and two sets of beads or prayer beads (or two necklaces or bracelets) per person” for personal or household effects which are dead specimens, parts or derivatives of Appendix II species, do not require CITES Export permits or CITES Re-export certificates.
3. In view of the above, it is requested that necessary action may be taken to sensitize officers under your jurisdiction regarding the said matter.
4. The difficulties, if any, may be brought to the notice of the Board.
Hindi version follows.
Yours faithfully,
(Neeraj Goyal)
OSD (Cus-III)
Email: uscus.3-dor@gov.in
Tele: 011 23094012
