The Forest and Wildlife Department, Govt. of Kerala on March 07, 2026, issued the Kerala Forest (Restriction on cutting and selling of sandal trees and grant of licence for possession and transport of sandalwood and sandalwood oil) Rules, 2026, further to amend the Kerala Forest (Restriction on cutting and selling of sandal trees and grant of licence for possession and transport of sandalwood and sandalwood oil) Rules, 2012.
The following has been stated:
• The amendments introduce a definition of “bonafide use,” allowing limited personal use of sandalwood for ritualistic or medicinal purposes.
• The procedure for inspection and permission has been streamlined by requiring forest authorities to process applications within specified timelines. Certain sub-rules have been omitted to reduce regulatory hurdles.
• The rules now provide a clearer process for cutting, removal, processing, and accounting of sandalwood obtained from private lands, including maintaining a separate government account for sale proceeds to ensure payment to landowners.
• Additionally, a structured appeal mechanism has been introduced allowing appeals against orders of the Authorised Officer to higher forest authorities and the State Government, thereby improving transparency and administrative efficiency.
[Notification no. - G.O.(P)No.10/2026/F&WLD]
