Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued Notification No. 25/2023, dated 3rd August, 2023, introducing amendments to the export policy of Red Sanders wood, specifically sourced from cultivation on private land and confiscated sources.
Analysis: The amendment modifies the policy conditions regarding Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santulinus) outlined in Chapter 44 of ITC (HS), 2018, Schedule – 2 (Export Policy). The updated export policy conditions introduce new restrictions on Red Sanders wood export, enforcing documentation and certain conditions for export licenses.
The policy also sets an annual export quota of 900 MT for Tamil Nadu for artificially propagated Red Sanders and prohibits the export of wild specimens of Red Sanders. This move reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable forestry practices and preservation of natural resources.
Moreover, the State Government is required to develop a digital platform for Red Sanders management, suggesting a more robust, transparent, and accountable system for tracking and regulating the trade of this valuable resource.
Conclusion: The policy amendments issued by the DGFT represent a significant step in the regulation of Red Sanders wood export. By introducing strict licensing conditions, annual quotas, and a zero export quota for wild specimens, the policy aligns with sustainable resource management objectives. This not only protects the country’s rich biodiversity but also ensures the sustainable growth of the Red Sanders wood industry.
Government of India
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Department of Commerce
Directorate General of Foreign Trade
Notification No. 25/2023-DGFT | Dated: 3rd August, 2023
Subject: Amendment in Export Policy of Red Sanders wood exclusively sourced from cultivation origin obtained from private land (including Pattaland) and Confiscated source — regarding
S.O. 3494(E).- In exercise of powers conferred by Section 3 read with section 5 of Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act,1992, read with paragraph 1.02 and 2.01 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, as amended from time to time, the Central Government hereby amends the policy condition of Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santulinus) under Chapter 44 of ITC (HS), 2018, Schedule — 2 (Export Policy).
2. Policy condition against SI. No. 188A in Chapter 44 of Schedule 2 of ITC (HS) Classification of Export & Import Items is amended as follows (changes made are in bold letters):
|
S. No. |
HS Code | Unit | Item Descri-ption | Export Policy |
Current Policy Condition | Revised Policy Condition |
| 188A | 44039918 44079990 | Kg | Red Sanders wood in log form and roots, exclusively of cultivation origin obtained from private land (including Pattaland) |
Restricted
|
Export permitted under license subject to the following conditions / documentation:
(i) Applications for export license should be accompanied by attested copies of certificate of origin issued by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (ii) A certificate of the current position of stocks so procured and available with the applicant given after physical verification of the stocks, by the authority nominated for the purpose by the PCCF, should also accompany application for export license. (iii) The applications shall be considered on merits for issue of export license, which shall be subject to any other conditions such as MEP. quantity ceilings requirements under CITES, etc. as may be prescribed from time to time; (iv) As per the recommendation of CITES Management Authority |
Export permitted under license subject to the following conditions/ documentation:
(i) Applications for export (ii) A certificate of the current position of stocks so procured and available with the applicant given after physical verification of the stocks, by the authority nominated for the purpose by the PCCF, should also accompany application for export license. (iii) The applications shall be considered on merits for issue of export license, which shall be subject to any other conditions such as MEP, quantity ceilings requirements under CITES, etc. as may be prescribed from time to time; (iv) As per the recommendation of CITES Management Authority India. the MOEF&CC will fix an yearly quota, which may be reviewed based on NDF study or recommendations of the Government agencies; In accordance with the recommendations of the BSI NDF Report, MoE & CC, the following annual export quotas for red sanders (Pterocarpus santulinus) is allowed: (a) An annual export quota (April to March) of 900 MT for Tamilnadu for artificially Propagated red sanders: and (b) a zero export quota for wild specimens of red sanders Subject to the following condition: (i) State Govt shall develop a digital platform with Geo referenced sites and MIS giving the no of trees, their age and diameter at breast height (ii) The working plan Guidelines of States need to include specific management plans/ harvest Plans with approved rotation periods for sustainable harvest of red sanders wood from plantation s in forest and non-forest areas. |
3. Effect of this Notification:
An annual export quota (April to March) of 900 MT for Tamil Nadu for artificially Propagated red sanders; and a zero export quota for wild specimens of red sanders, subject to conditions as mentioned above is notified.
(Santosh Kumar Sarangi)
Director General of Foreign Trade&
Ex-officio Addl. Secretary to the Government of India
E-mail: dgft(cmtnic.in
[File No. 01/91/180/03/AM-19/EC/E- 33958]
