CITES Eases Export Norms for Agarwood

Source- This post on the CITES Eases Export Norms for Agarwood has been created based on the article “CITES eases norms for agarwood export; move to benefit lakhs of farmers from the Northeast” published in “The Hindu” on 29 July 2024.

India has successfully avoided the inclusion of agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis) in the CITES Review of Significant Trade (RST).

CITES Eases Export Norms for Agarwood

1. CITES has set a new export quota for agarwood and its derivatives from India starting April 2024. The new regulations are expected to benefit lakhs of farmers, especially in Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura, where agarwood is cultivated.

2. Historical Context: Agarwood was first listed in CITES Appendix II in 1995, following India’s proposal at CoP9 in 1994, to regulate trade of the species.

3. Impact of Past Restrictions: Previous export bans and restrictions led to increased informal trade, higher global prices, and illegal trade activities. Between 2017 and 2021, over 1.25 tonnes of agarwood chips and six liters of oil/derivatives were seized in India.

4. Push for Easing Trade restrictions- The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) conducted a study, leading to the decision to ease trade restrictions. The Export Quota for 2024–2027 has been fixed at Agarwood chips (151,080 kg per year) and powder/sawdust (7,050 kg per year).

About Agarwood

1. It is often referred to as the “wood of the gods,” agarwood is celebrated for its religious and cultural significance due to its aromatic properties.

2. Agarwood is derived from a fast-growing evergreen tree species native to Northeast India, known for its economic importance.

3. Beyond India, agarwood trees are found from the foothills of the Himalayas to Papua New Guinea.

4. Following Assam’s lead, Tripura is actively promoting the commercial cultivation of agarwood among farmers.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment