India bans export of raw human hair below $65/kg

The government on Monday prohibited the export of raw human hair valued below USD 65 per kilogram, according to a notification issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

The export policy for raw human hair has been amended from "restricted" to "prohibited."

However, shipments with a Free on Board (FOB) value of USD 65 or more per kilogram will be allowed without restrictions.

"The export policy of raw human hair is amended from 'restricted' to 'prohibited'. However, export shall be 'free' if FOB value is USD 65 or above per kilogram," the DGFT said in the notification.

The notification, issued under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992, and the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, comes into effect immediately.

The government had earlier imposed restrictions on these exports in January 2022.

The decision was taken in response to reports of smuggling of raw human hair to countries like Myanmar and China, which has been adversely impacting local industries and exports.

In India, West Bengal is the major hub for the raw human hair industry, along with Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu. The country faces stiff competition from China, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar in the global market.

Raw human hair is mainly collected from households and temples in these states to cater to the global beauty market.

Two types of hair are collected in India — remy and non-remy hair. Remy hair, considered the best grade, is collected from temples where pilgrims donate their hair as part of a religious vow. This high-quality hair is primarily used to make hairpieces and wigs. Non-remy hair, on the other hand, is household waste collected by small groups in villages and cities, which is then segregated and sold to dealers.

During April-November of the current fiscal, exports stood at USD 123.96 million, compared to USD 124 million in 2023-24. Myanmar remains the primary export destination for Indian raw human hair.

The move is expected to curb under-invoicing, prevent illegal trade, and ensure better price realisation for Indian exporters in the global beauty and wig-making industries.