Top Lal Chandan Exporters in India: Compare Prices & Find Genuine Suppliers (2025–26)

Lal Chandan (commonly called Red Sanders, Pterocarpus santalinus) is one of India’s most valuable timber. It commands high prices in international markets for furniture, musical instruments, dyes and traditional medicines — but it’s also a species that’s been heavily poached, tightly regulated and subject to state-wise export controls. If you’re a buyer or B2B trader looking for lal chandan price clarity and genuine suppliers from India, this guide gives you data, compliance steps, price drivers, a short list of sourcing checks and how to use Viatrademart to find vetted exporters.

Legal export of red sanders is allowed only for cultivated/plantation stock and subject to strict DGFT state-wise quotas, Restricted Export Authorisations and traceability documentation. Illegal trade remains a serious risk — do not buy without paperwork. 

1) Quick facts you must know (legal & regulatory snapshot)

• Species & status: Pterocarpus santalinus (red sanders / lal chandan) is listed under CITES Appendix II, meaning international trade is allowed only with appropriate CITES documentation and proof that trade will not harm wild populations. 
• India policy update (Nov 2025): The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) amended the export policy for red sanders: export of logs/roots is restricted and permitted only with a Restricted Export Authorisation, Certificate of Origin from the state PCCF, and within a state-wise quota (recent notifications set quotas and require geo-referenced stock records). Wild-sourced export quota is zero — only cultivated stock from private land or approved plantations can be exported under conditions.
• Enforcement reality: Smuggling and seizures continue — India’s task forces (RSASTF in Andhra Pradesh, police units) frequently seize large consignments and prosecute smugglers. Always insist on paperwork and traceability. 
  
   

2) What determines lal chandan price (practical price drivers)

Pricing for Lal Chandan (per kg or per cubic foot) depends on multiple factors — here’s what buyers should evaluate:

1. Origin & provenance (cultivated vs wild): Legally exported cultivated wood (with PCCF certificate) is a different price-set than illegally harvested stock (illicit markets often command distortive premiums but carry enormous legal risk). 
2. Grade & color intensity: Heartwood with deep red grain (wavy grain pattern) commands higher prices. “A-grade” or “wavy-grain” pieces are premium. Wikipedia
3. Form & dimensions: Logs, slabs or processed heartwood — larger, uniform high-quality slabs cost more. Roots or burls (when illegally harvested) can command very high black-market prices but are illegal to trade.
4. Moisture content & processing: Properly dried and treated wood is priced higher due to shipping and fewer defects.
5. Supply & quota effects: Due to state-wise quotas and export restrictions, legal supply is limited — quotas and auction cycles can push prices up for legal cultivated stock. Recent DGFT quota changes affect available legal volume and pricing expectations. 
6. Destination & freight: Export taxes, freight rates, customs clearance and import restrictions in the buyer’s country add landed cost.
   
    

Typical price ranges (indicative, 2024–2025 market checks):
Market listings and supplier pages show wide price bands (₹1,000/kg to ₹10,000+/kg) depending on grade, form and legality — the variation is large because many online listings mix legally farmed and questionable sources. Always treat online price listings with caution and ask for documentation. (Example supplier listings show ₹1,500–₹8,000 per kg in various offers; official government/forest rates differ). ExportersIndia+1

Practical takeaway: “lal chandan price” search results will return wide ranges — the only trustworthy pricing comes with verified origin + PCCF certificates + sample inspection.

3) Where legal exporters operate (states & typical supply chains)

• Andhra Pradesh (Seshachalam forests/plantations) — the historical native range; state auctions and forest transfers are commonly the legal source and the main origin for red sanders. Enforcement is high here.
• Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat — recent DGFT notifications provide quotas for artificially propagated red sanders from these states (varies by notification period). Cultivation and private land stock from these states are permitted under strict conditions and quotas.
  
   

Supply chain note: Genuine exporters typically source from: state auctions / legally sanctioned transfers → processing yards (with geo-tagged stock records) → export authorisation (DGFT Restricted Export Authorisation) → shipment.

4) How to verify a genuine Lal Chandan supplier — step-by-step due diligence

When you contact a supplier, always verify these documents and steps — if any are missing or the seller is reluctant, consider it a red flag.

1. Proof of origin / PCCF Certificate: A certificate from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) of the exporting state confirming the stock is from cultivated/private land or legally held. This is mandatory for DGFT Restricted Export Authorisation applications. 
2. DGFT Restricted Export Authorisation (REA): Ask for the REA number or copy — now required under Nov 2025 rules for log/root export. Without it you cannot legally export. 
3. CITES documentation (if required by importing country): Because P. santalinus is listed in CITES Appendix II, verify any required CITES permits for international trade; this is especially relevant for destinations that enforce CITES. 
4. Stock & Geo-tagged verification: State notifications require geo-referenced inventories (digital platforms). Request stock verification details and recent inspection reports. 
5. Phytosanitary & export paperwork: Standard phytosanitary certificates, invoice/packing list, Certificate of Origin, fumigation certificates (if applied).
6. Company credentials: Business registration, GST, export/import code (IEC), past export records, bank references.
7. Third-party lab/cupping or wood testing (if needed): For high-value pieces ask for independent lab analysis or third-party inspection before payment.
8. Avoid cash & anonymous logistics: Use traceable bank transfers and professional freight forwarders; request container seal numbers and track shipments.
    

Red flags: Pressure for cash-only deals, refusal to show REA or PCCF certificate, offers of “wild origin” stock (illegal), or too-good-to-be-true uniform pricing without samples.

5) How to compare Lal Chandan Price properly — a buyer’s checklist

To compare quotes from exporters, request a standard quote template and compare apples-to-apples:

• Price basis: FOB vs CIF vs EXW (always compare on same Incoterm).
• Unit of measure: price per kg or per cubic metre (confirm conversion).
• Form: logs / sawn timber / slabs / polished pieces.
• Grade: A/B/C — confirm heartwood %, grain.
• Moisture & defects: maximum allowed.
• Documentation included: PCCF certificate, REA, CITES (if applicable), phytosanitary, packing list.
• Packaging & palletization: how goods are secured and labelled.
• Lead time & shipment window: when the goods will be loaded and ETA.
• Payment terms: LC, bank transfer, escrow.
• Inspection clause: Right to pre-shipment inspection by approved 3rd party inspector (SGS, Intertek).

Only accept a price after these variables are confirmed — different forms/grades change lal chandan prices drastically.

6) Sample price comparison table (illustrative ranges — always verify with supplier)

*(Numbers are indicative, derived from supplier listings and market reports; actual quotes will vary and should include verified documents).) 

7) Top channels to find genuine Lal Chandan exporters (and why Viatrademart helps)

Where buyers look (and pros/cons):

• State auctions / forest department tenders: Most reliable legal source for state-owned stock — but volumes are limited and sold by auction.
• Established timber exporters / processing mills (with PCCF certificates): Good option if they can show traceable cultivated origin.
• B2B portals & trade platforms: Fast discovery, but vetting is needed — some listings may have incomplete documentation.
• Trade fairs & in-person inspections: Best for high-value, repeat business.
  
   

Why use Viatrademart:
Viatrademart is a B2B portal focused on connecting Indian manufacturers and exporters with verified international buyers. For sourcing lal chandan (or any regulated timber), Viatrademart adds value by:

• Offering verified supplier profiles and product listings with document attachments (IEC, GST, inspection certificates).
• Enabling RFQ management so you can request samples and documentation before committing.
• Providing a platform for sellers to attach proof of legal origin (PCCF certificates, DGFT REA copies) — you can filter suppliers by documents shown.
• Speeding initial screening so you only contact sellers who display the required legal paperwork.
  
   

How to use Viatrademart effectively:

1. Search for “red sandalwood / red sanders / lal chandan” with filters for export-ready and documents attached.
2. Shortlist 5 suppliers and request: PCCF certificate copy, DGFT/REA number, sample photos, third-party inspection report.
3. Ask for an escrow or LC payment mechanism and third-party pre-shipment inspection (SGS/Intertek).
4. Use Viatrademart messaging to maintain audit trail of communication.
   
    

8) Export documentation checklist (for buyers/importers)

If you are importing legally, expect the exporter to provide:

• Invoice & Packing List
• Certificate of Origin (State PCCF attested)
• DGFT Restricted Export Authorisation (REA) — as per 2025 policy for red sanders.
• CITES permit (where applicable/required by the importing country). 
• Phytosanitary certificate (if required)
• Third-party inspection certificate (SGS/Intertek) — strongly recommended for high-value orders
• Fumigation certificate (if applied)
• Digital stock registration / geo-tag evidence (state-mandated for cultivated stocks) 
   

9) Safety & ethics: do not buy illegal wood

• Buying wild-sourced red sanders or accepting incomplete paperwork makes you complicit in a wildlife crime and risks seizure, fines and reputational damage. TRAFFIC and WWF have repeatedly documented illegal trade risks — and Indian authorities actively pursue smugglers. Always demand traceability and stay away from vendors who cannot prove legal origin. 
   

10) Practical procurement step-by-step (how to buy safely)

1. Use Viatrademart to shortlist 5 suppliers who display legal documents.
2. Request sample (photo + small physical sample) and independent lab/wood-test results.
3. Verify documents with issuing authorities (PCCF, DGFT REA number). Contact the state forest department if necessary.
4. Insist on pre-shipment inspection by SGS/Intertek and only release payment against clean inspection report and shipping documents.
5. Use secure payment terms — Letter of Credit or escrow service. Avoid advance-only wire transfers unless you've done long-term business.
6. Track shipment via container seals and ask for digital copies of Bill of Lading, packing list and CITES permits (if required).
   
    

Final checklist: quick due-diligence before you place an order

• Supplier shows PCCF Certificate and DGFT REA (REA number visible).
   
• Geo-referenced stock records or state digital registry proof.
   
• Third-party pre-shipment inspection clause included.
   
• Clear Incoterms and payment terms (LC preferred).
   
• CITES permits for importing countries (if applicable).
   
• Avoid wild-sourced or “no paperwork” offers.
  
   

Conclusion — lal chandan price with responsibility

The market for Lal Chandan is high-value but complex. When you look up lal chandan prices, remember the price number alone is only one piece of the story. Legal origin, documented traceability, export authorisations and third-party inspections are the essential trust signals that separate legitimate trade from illegal trafficking. Use reputable channels — state auctions, verified exporters, and a vetted B2B portal like Viatrademart — to find suppliers who can provide both the product and the paperwork you need to import safely and legally.