CBIC Clarifies CITES Requirements for Agarwood Products
By Author / April 26, 2025
CBIC Instructions – 2025
New Guidelines for Agarwood Exports
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) issued Instruction No. 05/2025-Customs on April 26, 2025. It addresses the requirement for a CITES Export Permit or CITES Reexport Certificate for travelers carrying agarwood products.
Ministry’s Clarification on Permissible Quantities
The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change clarified the limits based on CITES Resolution Conf.13.7 (Rev.CoP17) concerning personal and household effects.
Travelers can carry the following agarwood items without needing CITES documentation:
- Up to 1 kg of wood chips
- Up to 24 ml of agarwood oil
- Two sets of beads or prayer beads (or two necklaces or bracelets)
These limits apply to dead specimens, parts, or derivatives of species listed in Appendix II of CITES.
Action Points for Customs Officers
CBIC directed all Customs zones to sensitize their officers about the new guidelines. Officers must ensure smooth facilitation for travelers carrying allowed quantities of agarwood products.
