DGFT Notifies Annual Export Quota for Artificially Propagated Red Sanders

DGFT Notifies Annual Export Quota for Artificially Propagated Red Sanders

Issue: To regulate and permit the export of Red Sanders wood (a highly valued and CITES-regulated species) in log and root form derived exclusively from cultivation on private land, while ensuring compliance with sustainability norms and international treaties.

Facts:

• Red Sanders (Pterocarpus Santalinus) is a highly valued and restricted commodity, governed by the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act and CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).
• Export of the wood in log form and roots from cultivation origin on private land is otherwise restricted.
• The export policy required amendments to define the specific conditions and quotas for permitting its export under a Restricted Export Authorisation.

Decision:

The DGFT issued a notification (No. 47/2025-26 dated November 04, 2025) setting a State-wise Annual Export Quota for artificially propagated Red Sanders.

Key TakeDowns:

• State-Wise Quota: An Annual Export quota (April to March) is notified for:
  • Karnataka: 10 MTs (Metric Tonnes).
  • Gujarat: 100 MTs (Metric Tonnes).
• Origin and Form: The export permission applies only to Red Sanders wood in log form and roots, exclusively of cultivation origin obtained from private land.
• Authorization and Documentation: Export is permitted only under a Restricted Export Authorisation and requires attested copies of the Certificate of Origin issued by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) of the State.
• Zero Quota for Wild Specimens: A zero export quota is maintained for wild specimens of Red Sanders.
• Quota Review: The annual quota is fixed based on the recommendation of the CITES Management Authority of India (MoEF&CC) and is subject to review based on the National Detrimental Findings (NDF) study.
• Sustainability Mandate: State Governments are required to develop a digital platform with Geo-referenced sites and MIS to ensure sustainable harvest and include specific management/harvest plans in their working plan guidelines.