Purpose: To explain the specific CITES annotations applied to agarwood species, clarifying which plant parts and derivatives are regulated, and how these affect trade compliance.
A. Definition of CITES Annotations
Annotations provide additional specification to a species listing, detailing:
- Which parts and derivatives of the species are regulated
- Exceptions for artificially propagated material
- Notes on product forms eligible for trade
Professional Insight: Annotations ensure clarity for both regulators and traders, preventing misinterpretation of the scope of protection.
B. Agarwood Species under CITES
Primary Species:
- Aquilaria spp. (various species)
- Gyrinops spp.
Appendix Listing:
- Typically listed in Appendix II
- Permits required for export, with NDFs supporting sustainable trade
C. Key Annotations for Agarwood
- Whole plants and seeds:
- Fully regulated, require standard export/re-export permits
- Wood, chips, powder, resin, and oil:
- All commercial forms are regulated under Appendix II
- Must be sourced from approved plantations or legally wild-harvested specimens
- Artificially propagated material:
- May qualify for simplified permit procedures
- Traceability and documentation must clearly indicate propagation status
Example Annotation Wording:
- “All parts and derivatives, including chips, powder, resin, and oil; artificially propagated specimens may be exported under simplified procedures.”
D. Implications for Trade Compliance
- Traders must identify the exact part or derivative being exported
- Permits must correspond to the annotation in the CITES Appendices
- Mislabeling can lead to seizure, fines, or suspension of permits
- Plantation verification supports eligibility under simplified procedures
E. Practical Recommendations
- Maintain detailed documentation of source, propagation status, and product type
- Train staff and customs officers on annotation meanings
- Incorporate annotation checks into internal compliance audits
- Align traceability systems with CITES requirements for each product form
Learning Outputs
- Understanding of what CITES annotations are and why they matter
- Ability to identify which agarwood parts and derivatives are regulated
- Awareness of simplified procedures for artificially propagated material
- Capacity to integrate annotations into compliance and traceability systems