After reports of large-scale human hair trafficking to countries like Myanmar and China, the government has decided to take action towards this issue. As This illegal trade was causing major losses to local industries and exports. In India, the human hair industry is mainly based in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and West Bengal. These regions are key suppliers of Human Hair or Wigs, but smuggling has been affecting their businesses and exports. The government’s move aims to protect the industry and prevent further economic damage.
The central government has taken a major step by banning the export of raw human hair priced below $65 per kg. A notification was issued to announce this decision. Earlier, in January 2022, the government had also imposed a similar export ban on raw human hair.
According to a circular from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), the export policy for raw human hair has been changed from “restricted” to “prohibited.” However, exports are still allowed if the price is $65 per kg or higher. So as of now the government has taken a major decision to control this human hair trafficking.
This move aims to control illegal trafficking and protect the domestic human hair industry, which has been affected by large-scale smuggling to countries like Myanmar and China. Indian states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal are major hubs for human hair collection and export. The ban is expected to prevent economic losses faced by local traders and ensure better regulation of the trade. The government’s decision is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding this industry from further disruptions.
Human Hair Smuggling to Myanmar and China Leads to Government Action
Reports of large-scale smuggling of raw human hair to Myanmar and China have prompted the government to impose stricter regulations. This illegal trade was causing heavy losses to local industries and exports. India is one of the largest suppliers of human hair, with Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal serving as major hubs for the human hair. The country faces competition from China, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar in the global hair trade.
Two Types of Hair Collected in India
India collects two main types of human hair: Remy and Non-Remy. Remy hair, considered the highest quality, is collected from temples, where thousands of Hindu devotees donate their hair as part of religious traditions. This type of hair is highly valued and primarily used for making wigs. On the other hand, Non-Remy hair is gathered from villages and cities, often from comb waste or salon floors.
