Registrations and permits you need to grow and sell agarwood
Agarwood is a protected species in international trade, so growing it is legal but selling it comes with paperwork. Getting this right from day one protects the value of your harvest.
Why agarwood is regulated
Wild agarwood trees have been over-harvested across Asia. All Aquilaria species are listed in Appendix II of CITES, the treaty that controls trade in endangered species. That doesn't stop you growing it, but it means governments track where agarwood comes from.
What to do when you plant
- Register your plantation with the forest department and keep the acknowledgement.
- Keep records: sapling invoices, planting date, number of trees, and geotagged photos each year.
Exporters need a certificate of origin that confirms the wood came from a plantation registered with the state government. Even if you plan to sell within India, buyers increasingly ask for proof of origin.
What to expect at harvest
- Check with the forest department whether felling permission is needed for your trees.
- Expect to need a transit pass to move agarwood, as it is not on the list of exempt farm trees.
A note on exports
India allows agarwood exports only under a yearly quota, currently set until March 2027. Most of it goes to Assam, and the share for Maharashtra is very small. For now, plan to sell within India. Be careful of anyone promising guaranteed export sales.
This is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm the current position with your local forest office. Our project clients get help with all of this paperwork.