CBIC Clarifies CITES Exemption for Personal Carriage of Agarwood Products

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Dated: 06.05.2025

CBIC Clarifies CITES Exemption for Personal Carriage of Agarwood Products

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), through Instruction No. 05/2025-Customs dated 25 April 2025, has issued a vital clarification concerning the personal carriage of agarwood products across international borders. The instruction, addressed to all senior customs officials, relays a policy position from the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) in line with international CITES guidelines.

What Is the Instruction About?

Travelers carrying limited quantities of agarwood products for personal or household use will not be required to obtain a CITES export permit or re-export certificate—a relief for those involved in religious, cultural, or cosmetic use of agarwood.

Key Quantities Allowed Without CITES Documentation

As per CITES Resolution Conf. 13.7 (Rev. CoP17), the following quantities are exempt:

Up to 1 kg of agarwood wood chips
Up to 24 ml of agarwood oil
Two sets of beads or prayer beads (or two necklaces or bracelets)

These exemptions apply only to dead specimens, parts, or derivatives of Appendix II species.

Background: What Is CITES?

CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) regulates trade in specimens of wild animals and plants. Agarwood is included in Appendix II of CITES, which typically requires permits for export and re-export to prevent overexploitation.

Customs Action Required

The instruction urges all customs formations to:

Sensitize field officers about the permissible personal carriage limits.
Ensure that eligible travelers are not unnecessarily stopped or penalized when carrying agarwood products within the specified limits.

Importance of This Instruction

Prevents harassment or delays for genuine travelers and pilgrims.
Harmonizes India’s implementation of CITES rules with global standards.
Reinforces the difference between commercial export and personal use of CITES-listed items.

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Source: CBIC, Ministry of Finance, Govt. of India

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