Centre revises quantity of red sanders wood exports by Andhra

Commerce ministry on Monday revised the total quantity of red sanders wood exports by the Andhra Pradesh Government.

"The total quantity of red sanders wood in any form, bulk or value added, permitted to the government of Andhra Pradesh for exports stands revised to 8,498.05 tonnes...," Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification.

It also said that Andhra Pradesh has got the permit up to April 30, 2017, and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence to finalise the modalities and complete the process.

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.