3.3 Non-Detriment Findings (NDFs)

Purpose: To provide a professional understanding of Non-Detriment Findings (NDFs), their role in CITES trade, and how they are applied specifically to agarwood and other high-value plant species.

A. Definition of NDF

A Non-Detriment Finding is a science-based assessment conducted by the Scientific Authority of a CITES Party to determine whether the export of a listed species will not be detrimental to the survival of the species in the wild.

Key Points:

  • Required for all Appendix II and certain Appendix I species for export permits
  • Ensures sustainability of trade
  • Supports legal and responsible sourcing

B. Objectives of NDFs

  • Assess population status and regeneration rates
  • Evaluate impact of harvest on long-term species survival
  • Provide a scientific basis for permit issuance
  • Enable legal international trade while preventing overexploitation

C. Components of NDF Assessment

  1. Species Biology: Growth rate, reproductive capacity, age at maturity
  2. Population Status: Size, distribution, and trends
  3. Harvest Impact: Proportion of population harvested, extraction methods
  4. Management Measures: Plantation vs wild, sustainable harvest plans
  5. Trade Data: Historical and current trade volumes, market demand
  6. Monitoring & Adaptive Management: Ongoing assessment and review of sustainability

D. Practical Application for Agarwood

  • Determine whether resin extraction from plantation or wild trees is sustainable
  • Assess induction methods and harvest intensity
  • Provide basis for export permits under CITES Appendix II
  • Supports traceability and compliance with ESG and SDG frameworks

E. NDF Documentation & Reporting

  • Written findings submitted to the Management Authority
  • May be reviewed during permit issuance and border inspection
  • Used to justify quotas and trade limits
  • Reviewed periodically to reflect population or trade changes

F. Professional Considerations

  • NDFs require scientific expertise and data-driven analysis
  • Collaborative process between MA, SA, and sometimes external researchers
  • Integral to sustainable, legal, and high-value plant trade

Learning Outputs

  • Ability to explain what an NDF is and why it is required
  • Understanding of the scientific and trade data needed to produce an NDF
  • Capacity to interpret NDF results for permit compliance and sustainable sourcing