What permission do I need to cut and transport sandalwood from my own farm?

Even when sandalwood grows on your own private land, you usually cannot cut and move it freely. Rules differ by state and have changed over the years, but in general you must register the trees, apply to the forest department for permission to fell, and obtain a transit pass to move the wood. In several states the forest department or a notified agency handles or supervises the sale and may take a share. This is exactly why you must verify your own state position before planting and again before harvest. Walk into your range forest office, ask in writing what registration, felling permission and transit pass are needed for sandalwood on private land, and keep the reply. Treat any buyer who says do not worry about permits as a warning sign.