Based on a case study on agarwood and Aquilaria spp. in Lao P.D.R., NTFP commercialisation is analyzed through its effect on income distribution, and with a specific objective to trace out mechanisms by which different economic agents along the commodity chain, that is in harvesting, trade, wholesalers and export, get access to income flows, and mechanisms by which they control and maintain their access. Various de jure and de facto mechanisms are identified, of which technical skills, market access, relations and credentials with state officials, political and administrative networks, social and family relations and carte blanche harvesting permits stand out.