The Government of Kerala, on February 17, 2026, issued the Kerala Forest (Regulation of Sawmills and Other Wood-based Industrial Units) Rules, 2026
The following has been stated:-
• Categories of sawmills and other wood-based industrial units.- Sawmills and other wood-based industrial units shall, for the grant of licence under these rules, be classified into the categories as specified in Schedule A of these rules.
• Procedure for obtaining licence:- Any person operating a sawmill or woodbased industrial unit under a licence issued by the Local Self Government Institution or Copy of D and O Register maintained under the Kerala Panchayat Raj (Issue of License to Dangerous and Offensive Trades and Factories Rules, 1996 attested by the Secretary Local Self Government Institution which is treated as equivalent to a licence issued by the Local Self Government Institution or the licence issued by the Department of Factories and Boilers or Small Scale Industries Registration Certificate issued by the Industries Department, on or before 30th October, 2002, but who have not obtained a forest licence till date, shall apply within the time specified under sub-rule (3) of rule 3 along with notarized copies of the above mentioned licences to the Authorized Officer concerned in Form No. IA for obtaining a licence under sub-rule (1) of rule 7 of these rules.
[Notification No. S. R. O. No. 195/2026]
