Is Sandalwood Illegal in India? 

Sandalwood, especially the Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album), holds a prestigious position as one of the world’s most expensive woods. Prized for its unique fragrance, medicinal properties, and therapeutic value, it has significant demand both domestically and internationally, particularly in the cosmetics, perfumes, and pharmaceutical industries. 

However, this valuable resource is surrounded by layers of regulatory restrictions and legal complexities, which raise an important question: Is sandalwood illegal in India? Here, we will explore the history, regulations, cultivation practices, and economic impact of sandalwood in India to answer this question.

Historical Restrictions on Sandalwood in India

Historically, Indian sandalwood was tightly controlled by the government due to its high value and risk of exploitation. Before 2002, growing sandalwood on private property was prohibited, and sandalwood was largely state-owned. This was intended to prevent over-harvesting, ensure sustainability, and protect this valuable resource from illegal trade and smuggling. 

The government-controlled sandalwood cultivation, cutting, and sale through the state forest departments, making sandalwood trees primarily state property. This control extended to harvest rights as well, which meant individuals could neither cut nor sell sandalwood wood independently.

Over time, these restrictions caused unintentional consequences. Scarcity due to overregulation meant that sandalwood trees became a target for illegal activities, including smuggling and theft. In response, various state governments amended these policies to allow individuals to grow sandalwood trees legally on private land, aiming to meet the rising demand, provide incentives for cultivation, and curb illegal trade.

Current Legal Status of Sandalwood Cultivation and Harvesting in India

While individuals can now cultivate sandalwood on private land, strict regulations on harvesting, transportation, and sale still apply. The following aspects clarify the current legal framework for sandalwood in India:

Cultivation on Private Property

Today, individuals can legally cultivate sandalwood on private land. However, sandalwood farming remains a regulated activity. Farmers must follow specific guidelines regarding planting methods, maintenance, and security. 

The semi-parasitic nature of sandalwood requires knowledge of its ecological needs, but from a legal perspective, no restrictions exist on simply planting sandalwood.

Harvesting Regulations

Although cultivating sandalwood is legal, individuals cannot independently harvest or sell the wood. To legally cut down a sandalwood tree, permission must be obtained from the state forest department. 

Once approved, the forest department officials oversee the harvesting process to prevent unauthorised removal or misreporting. After the wood is cut, it is purchased by the forest department, and not sold in the open market, which limits a farmer’s control over distribution.

Sale and Transportation

Selling sandalwood without government authorisation is prohibited. The forest department purchases the wood from private cultivators and ensures that only certified, legally acquired sandalwood reaches the market. 

Transporting sandalwood without the required permissions is illegal and punishable under Indian law, adding another layer of restriction for those looking to engage in sandalwood commerce.

Market and Open Sales

Open-market sales of sandalwood are strictly prohibited to reduce the risk of illegal trade and smuggling. This regulation is in place because sandalwood is a high-value product, vulnerable to black-market exploitation. Therefore, only government bodies can facilitate its sale, making it difficult for private farmers to capitalise on their cultivation directly.

Legal Complexities and Challenges in Sandalwood Cultivation

Despite the shift towards allowing private cultivation, these legal complexities discourage some from planting sandalwood trees. The intense demand and high value have also led to a scarcity of naturally occurring sandalwood trees in India, and restrictions on cutting or selling the trees independently contribute to their limited availability. As of now, about 90% of India’s native sandalwood trees have been lost due to over-regulation, unauthorised felling, and poaching.

Furthermore, due to strict laws governing sandalwood, cultivators face security concerns. Growing sandalwood on private property can attract unwanted attention, including the risk of theft, given the wood’s high market value. The fear of smuggling and illegal activities associated with sandalwood can deter private landowners from venturing into sandalwood cultivation.

International Sandalwood Cultivation: A Missed Opportunity?

In stark contrast to India’s strict regulations, other countries such as Australia and Indonesia are now extensively cultivating and exporting sandalwood. This liberal approach has allowed these countries to meet global demand and reap economic benefits, putting India in a less competitive position. 

Many experts suggest that easing restrictions on harvesting and sale could encourage widespread cultivation within India, helping meet both domestic and international demand. This approach could also mitigate security risks for private growers by reducing the demand-supply gap and minimising the temptation for illegal harvesting.

Practical Guide to Cultivating Sandalwood on Private Land

For those considering sandalwood farming, it is essential to understand the biological and environmental needs of the tree. Sandalwood is semi-parasitic, requiring nearby host plants from which it draws nutrients, and therefore should not be grown in isolation. Here’s a basic guide to growing sandalwood:

1. Sunlight and Space: Sandalwood requires plenty of sunlight and can grow up to 30 feet tall with a diameter of 7-12 inches. Its vertical growth makes it suitable even for limited space.
2. Watering and Soil Requirements: Sandalwood thrives in well-drained soil and needs only a moderate amount of water. Initial watering should be done on alternate days, with reduced frequency as the tree matures.
3. Manure and Care: Organic manure applied every 45 days supports growth, but chemical fertilisers should be avoided. Sandalwood trees also benefit from surrounding grasses and shrubs, which their roots can draw nutrients from.
4. Growth Timeline: Sandalwood trees begin flowering after about 7 years, and by 10 years, the trunk develops fragrant heartwood. At this stage, the tree’s economic value significantly increases, making it ready for the controlled harvesting process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while sandalwood cultivation is now legal on private property in India, regulations on harvesting, selling, and transporting make it one of the most controlled resources. This complex regulatory landscape, coupled with high-security risks, discourages widespread sandalwood farming, even though the tree has high economic potential. Easing restrictions on harvesting and sale could enable India to better meet the demand for sandalwood, thereby creating new economic opportunities and curbing illegal trade.

To answer the question: Is sandalwood illegal in India? – No, growing sandalwood is not illegal, but significant restrictions apply to its harvesting, sale, and transport. For sandalwood to become a mainstream economic asset for India, regulatory reforms are needed to promote a balance between conservation and economic gain, ultimately enabling India to regain its place as a leading supplier of this highly valued wood.