6.3 CITES and National Regulations for Agarwood Research and Trade

Here’s a structured guide on CITES and national regulations for Agarwood (Aquilaria spp.) research and trade, suitable for researchers, plantation managers, and exporters:

Context:
Agarwood-producing species of Aquilaria are CITES-listed due to overexploitation and habitat loss. Compliance with international and national laws is essential for legal research, cultivation, and trade.

1. CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)

A. Listing

  • Appendix II: Most Aquilaria species (e.g., A. malaccensis, A. crassna)
    • Trade is controlled to prevent unsustainable exploitation
    • Requires permits for import/export
  • Appendix I: Rare cases or critically endangered species (trade generally prohibited)

B. Permit Requirements

  1. CITES Export Permit: Issued by the Management Authority of the exporting country
  2. CITES Import Permit (if required by the importing country)
  3. Non-Detriment Finding (NDF): Certification that trade will not harm wild populations

C. Documentation

  • Accurate records of:
    • Species name and quantity
    • Origin (wild, plantation, or cultured resin)
    • Purpose of trade (commercial, research, or exhibition)
  • Maintain traceability from plantation to market

2. National Regulations in the Philippines

A. DENR – Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB)

  • Responsible for protection, management, and sustainable use of CITES-listed species.
  • Requires permits for:
    • Collection of wild plants or seeds
    • Propagation and plantation establishment
    • Export of resin, chips, or oil

B. Environmental Compliance

  • Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) for plantation or large-scale cultivation projects
  • Biosafety and containment protocols for microbial inoculation or tissue culture

C. Export Regulations

  • Must comply with:
    • CITES permits for international trade
    • Customs and Department of Agriculture requirements for plant products
    • Documentation verifying sustainable origin (plantation-grown preferred over wild-harvested)

3. Research and Laboratory Compliance

  • Obtain permit to collect, propagate, and study Aquilaria spp. from DENR-BMB.
  • Maintain biosafety practices in tissue culture and microbial inoculation (BSL-1/2 as appropriate).
  • Document all experimental trees, inoculation methods, and outcomes for audit and compliance.
  • Follow ethical and sustainable practices to prevent illegal trade.

4. Trade Considerations

  1. Plantation-grown resin and oil: Easier to certify and export.
  2. Wild-harvested resin: Requires stringent documentation and often restricted.
  3. Traceability systems: Barcode, QR code, or blockchain systems help verify legality.
  4. CITES labeling: Ensure packaging clearly indicates species, origin, and permit number.

5. Best Practices for Compliance

  1. Register plantations and labs with national authorities.
  2. Keep detailed records of all trees, inoculations, and harvests.
  3. Use sustainable inoculation and harvesting methods.
  4. Apply for CITES permits well in advance for international trade.
  5. Train staff on biosafety, documentation, and legal requirements.

Summary

Compliance with CITES and national regulations ensures:

  • Legal international and domestic trade
  • Sustainable use of Aquilaria species
  • Conservation of biodiversity
  • Traceable and ethically produced agarwood resin and oil