The government has relaxed norms for exports of red sanders wood in log form through Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.
"Prohibition on export of red sanders wood in log form has been relaxed for export of 383.13 tonne through state governments of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu," the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has said in a notification.
It has also recently revised the total quantity of red sanders wood exports by the Andhra Pradesh Government.
The wood is an endangered species of flora protected under the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna. It is illegal to possess and sell the same.
Red sander is found mainly in the Seshachalam hill ranges spread across Kadapa, Chittoor and Kurnool in the Rayalaseema region and parts of Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh.
The wood has huge demand abroad, especially in China and Japan, where it commands a good price. According to a media report, the wood fetches Rs 25 lakh a tonne in the international market.
It is a valued item in traditional medicines and woodcraft across China, Myanmar, Japan and East Asia.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
