DGFT Amends Export Policy for Red Sanders

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Dated: 05.11.2025

DGFT Amends Export Policy for Red Sanders

The Government of India has recently issued Notification No. 47/2025-26, dated November 4, 2025, introducing significant amendments to the export policy of Red Sanders (Pterocarpus Santalinus). This notification, published by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, outlines new regulations and conditions for the export of Red Sanders wood, particularly focusing on sustainability and compliance with international guidelines.

What is Red Sanders?

Red Sanders, scientifically known as Pterocarpus Santalinus, is a rare and valuable wood species native to India. It is highly sought after for its use in furniture, musical instruments, and traditional medicine. Due to its high demand and limited availability, Red Sanders is listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates its trade to ensure sustainable use.

Key Highlights of the Notification

The notification introduces the following changes to the export policy of Red Sanders:

Restricted Export Authorisation:
- Export of Red Sanders wood in log form and roots, exclusively from cultivation origin obtained from private land (including Patta land), is now restricted.
- Export is permitted only under a Restricted Export Authorisation, subject to specific conditions.
Mandatory Documentation:
- Applications for export authorisation must include an attested Certificate of Origin issued by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) of the respective state, detailing the date and quantity of legally procured stocks.
- A certificate confirming the current stock position, verified physically by the PCCF-nominated authority, must also accompany the application.
Quota Allocation:
- Export authorisations will be subject to annual quotas fixed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) based on recommendations from the CITES Management Authority of India and National Detrimental Findings (NDF) studies.
- For the financial years 2025-26 and 2026-27, the annual export quotas for artificially propagated Red Sanders are as follows:
  - Andhra Pradesh: 280 MTs
  - Tamil Nadu: 900 MTs
  - Karnataka: 10 MTs
  - Gujarat: 100 MTs
  - Total Quota: 1,290 MTs
Zero Export Quota for Wild Specimens:
- No export quota is allocated for wild specimens of Red Sanders.
- State governments are required to develop digital platforms with geo-referenced sites and management information systems (MIS) to monitor the number, age, and size of trees.
- Sustainable harvest plans must be included in the working plan guidelines of states to ensure the long-term conservation of Red Sanders.

Impact of the Notification

This amendment reflects the government’s commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. By restricting exports to artificially propagated sources and implementing stringent documentation and quota systems, the policy aims to prevent illegal trade and overexploitation of Red Sanders. Additionally, the emphasis on digital monitoring and sustainable harvest plans highlights the importance of preserving this endangered species for future generations.

Conclusion

The revised export policy for Red Sanders is a step forward in promoting responsible trade practices while safeguarding India’s natural resources. Exporters and stakeholders must ensure compliance with the new regulations to contribute to the sustainable management of this valuable species.

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Source: DGFT

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