According to reports, the commerce ministry has recently issued notifications regarding the export of red sanders wood and the regularisation of RoDTEP (Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Products) benefits for certain textile products.

As per the first notification, an annual export quota of 900 tonnes has been set for artificially propagated red sanders wood specifically for Tamil Nadu. This quota will be applicable from April to March each year, as mentioned by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in their statement.

Furthermore, the notification states that the export quota for wild specimens of red sanders has been set to zero, subject to certain conditions. This move aims to control the trade of red sanders and ensure its sustainable propagation. The DGFT emphasized that only artificially propagated red sanders wood will be eligible for export under the fixed quota.

The conditions specified in the notification include a requirement for the state government of Tamil Nadu to develop a digital platform. This platform must provide geo-referenced sites and maintain an MIS (Management Information System) with detailed information about the red sanders trees. The data should encompass the number of trees, their age, and diameter, ensuring effective monitoring and management of the export process.

Meanwhile, in a separate notification, the DGFT has made an announcement regarding the regularization of RoDTEP benefits for specific textile products. According to this notification, 18 textile items, including saris and lungis, will be eligible for RoDTEP benefits with effect from January 1, 2021. The RoDTEP scheme, which stands for Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Products, aims to incentivize exports and support the textile industry in the country.

These recent notifications reflect the government's efforts to regulate and promote the export of red sanders wood from Tamil Nadu while also providing support to the textile sector through the RoDTEP scheme. The measures taken are geared towards sustainable trade practices and boosting the growth of relevant industries.

Image source: TOI