The timber is being imported from Malaysia, Burma and other African countries into six key ports: Tuticorin, Kandla, Chennai, Vizag, Mangalore and Kolkata.
However, Kolkata is likely to account for a 10% share of the total value of timber imports in India, owing to its higher port charges, vessel-related expenses and open storage rental.
Kandla, meanwhile, is serving Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa and even Jharkand, which Kolkata is supposed to serve, because of the higher charges levied by the port.
The imported timber cargo consists of Burma teak, Gurjan, meranti, kapur and Malaysian saal.
Kolkata officials are in the process of reviewing the charges for timber cargo.
