1. CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
- Scope: All Aquilaria species are listed under Appendix II, meaning trade is controlled to avoid exploitation that threatens their survival.
- Requirements:
- Export Permit: Issued by the CITES Management Authority (Philippine DENR).
- Import Permit: May be required by the importing country.
- Non-Detriment Finding (NDF): Confirms that trade will not harm wild populations.
- Impact on Trade:
- Regulates both chips and oil in international commerce.
- Prevents illegal harvest of wild Aquilaria; encourages plantation-grown resin.
- Reference: CITES Aquilaria spp. listing
2. Philippine Regulations (DENR / BMB / EMB)
a. DENR-BMB (Biodiversity Management Bureau)
- Governs: Harvesting, collection, and trade of threatened species.
- Key Permits:
- Planting Permit: For establishing Aquilaria plantations.
- Harvesting Permit: Required for extraction of resin or felling plantation trees.
- Transport Permit: Moving materials across regions.
- Compliance: Must follow Philippine Wildlife Resources Conservation Act (RA 9147).
b. DENR-EMB (Environmental Management Bureau)
- Governs: Environmental compliance.
- Key Permits:
- CNC (Certificate of Non-Coverage): Confirms project is not environmentally critical.
- ECC (Environmental Compliance Certificate): For larger commercial plantations.
- Purpose: Ensures environmental impact is assessed and mitigated.
3. Licensing & Permits Overview
| Activity | Permit/License | Issuing Authority | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plantation establishment | Planting Permit | DENR-BMB | Required for legal plantation operations |
| Resin induction & harvesting | Harvesting Permit | DENR-BMB | Needed for commercial extraction |
| Movement/transport of products | Transport Permit | DENR-BMB | Ensures traceability |
| Export of chips/oil | CITES Export Permit | DENR-BMB (Management Authority) | Must meet NDF & documentation requirements |
| Large-scale commercial plantation | ECC | DENR-EMB | Required for >5–10 ha commercial projects |
4. Ethical Trade Principles
- Sustainable Sourcing:
- Prefer plantation-grown or cultivated resin over wild-harvested material.
- Avoid illegal logging; adhere to traceability standards.
- Community Engagement:
- Involve local communities in plantation management.
- Ensure fair labor practices and benefit-sharing.
- Certification & Standards:
- FSC (Forest Stewardship Council): Sustainable forest management.
- ISO / GACP (Good Agricultural & Collection Practices): For product quality and safety.
- CITES compliance: Mandatory for international credibility.
- Transparency & Traceability:
- Maintain records of planting, inoculation, harvesting, processing, and export.
- Use labeling and documentation to certify legal and ethical sourcing.
5. Key Takeaways
- CITES regulates all international trade of Aquilaria; non-compliance can result in seizure, fines, or trade bans.
- Philippine laws (RA 9147, DENR regulations) ensure both environmental protection and sustainable commercial use.
- Ethical trade aligns with global market expectations and commands higher prices and market access, especially in the Middle East, Europe, and Japan.
- Plantation cultivation and proper certification are the safest ways to legally and sustainably supply high-value agarwood products.