Illegal logging regulations on their way

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Illegal logging regulations on their way – Start preparing

Monday, 20 December 2010 00:00

The Australian Government announced on 9th December that under legislation to be introduced in 2011 all companies – i.e. local producers and importers – making wood products available on the Australian market (that is importers and presumably domestic sawmills) will need to meet a due diligence test. This is to ensure that the timber they are sourcing has not been illegally logged (see this announcement from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry).

The legislation will apply to all forest products including sawn timber, wood panels, pulp, paper, wooden furniture and composite products.

While there is plenty of water to flow under the bridge before the actual legislation is introduced, companies should be reviewing their supply chains for risk of illegally harvested timber. This is to identify potentially risky sources of timber and to work with suppliers to ensure that future supply meets coming requirements.

TDA is well placed to help companies prepare for these requirements. TDA wrote a draft code of conduct for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry that meets many of the key elements identified by the Government policy. For more information, contact Andrew Dunn or Stephen Mitchell on 02 8424 3700.

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