It is strictly regulated.
Collecting feathers in India is legal only under strict wildlife protection laws, primarily the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, which prohibits possession of feathers from protected bird species. Non-protected feathers may be collected with state-specific permits, but enforcement by the National Biodiversity Authority and State Forest Departments has tightened since 2024. Violations risk fines up to ₹25,000 and imprisonment under Section 51 of the Act.
Key Regulations for Collecting Feathers in India
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Prohibits collection, possession, or trade of feathers from Schedule I–IV species without prior approval from the Chief Wildlife Warden. Schedule V birds (e.g., house crow, common myna) are exempt but require state permits.
- State Forest Department Permits: Mandatory for non-scheduled feathers; applications must specify purpose (e.g., cultural, scientific) and quantity. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu enforce digital permit systems post-2025 amendments.
- Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992: Export of feathers, even from non-protected species, requires an export permit from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and a no-objection certificate from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
Local bodies like the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) conduct periodic inspections to curb illegal trade, particularly in peacock and vulture feathers. Compliance with the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, is also critical for commercial collectors, as unauthorized bioprospecting attracts penalties under Section 12.