Indian import policy
As of 2026-11: timber and logs need a plant-quarantine import permit before shipment and a phytosanitary certificate endorsed with approved treatment (debarking, methyl bromide or alternatives) under the PQ Order 2003, with entry only through notified ports. CITES permits apply to listed species; sandalwood and red sanders are restricted. Plywood and MDF are under BIS QCOs (research file). Sources: https://ppqs.gov.in; research/02-indian-imports.md; https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=itchs-import-export.
Check the current DGFT, BIS and CBIC notifications before contracting.
Importing timber: logs & sawn wood into India: requirements
| Requirement | Authority | Document |
|---|---|---|
| Importer-Exporter Code; GST; ICEGATE | DGFT / GSTN / CBIC | IEC; GSTIN; ICEGATE DSC registration |
| Import policy classification | DGFT | ITC(HS) policy: Free/Restricted/Prohibited/STE; import authorisation if Restricted |
| Customs declaration & duty | CBIC / ICEGATE | Bill of Entry; BCD + AIDC + SWS(10% of BCD) + IGST |
| Import permit before shipment | DPPQS (Plant Quarantine) | Import permit PQ-01/PQ-02; PSC with additional declarations |
| Trusted trader status | CBIC | AEO-T1/T2/T3/LO |
Import trend
DGFT 'Wood & wood products' FY25 6,971 -> FY26 6,778 (-2.8%); Comtrade ch.44 USD 2.48 bn CY2025; wood panels Rs 3,431 cr FY25 (FIPPI)
Where Indian buyers are
Gujarat — Gandhidham/Kandla, Ahmedabad, Morbi. India's largest timber import and sawmill hub
Tamil Nadu — Tuticorin (Thoothukudi), Chennai. South-India timber port and sawmills
Maharashtra — Mumbai, Bhiwandi, Pune. Furniture, construction and timber markets
Kerala / Haryana — Perumbavoor, Yamunanagar. Plywood and panel clusters
West Bengal — Kolkata. East-India timber trade
Frequently asked questions
What permits are needed to import logs into India?
A plant-quarantine import permit issued before shipment and a phytosanitary certificate from the origin endorsed with the required treatment, such as debarking and fumigation, under the PQ Order 2003. Logs must enter through a notified port.
Which ports handle most timber imports in India?
Kandla (Gandhidham) is the largest timber-import hub, followed by Tuticorin, Mumbai/Nhava Sheva and Kolkata.
Can I import teak from Myanmar?
Myanmar has banned log exports since 2014 and its timber trade faces sanctions and legality concerns, so we do not recommend it. Plantation teak and other species from verified sources are safer.
Do plywood and MDF imports need BIS certification?
Yes. Plywood and MDF are under BIS QCOs, so the overseas mill needs a BIS licence. Logs and sawn timber are not under a QCO.
Which countries supply timber to India?
New Zealand (pine), Malaysia (tropical hardwoods), the USA (hardwood lumber), Australia and African countries such as Gabon (sawn timber only).
Import routes
Source timber: logs & sawn wood for India
Tell us specification, volume and delivery city in India.