Results of the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s (DAFF’s) testing trial on timber species and harvest origins has clearly demonstrated the need for the Albanese Government’s tougher illegal logging laws with some alarming results from the study, according to Australian Forest Products Association CEO Diana Hallam. Source: Timberbiz
The recently completed DAFF trial tested 146 timber products and 39 distinct species using different scientific methods including DNA, stable isotope, trace element, wood fibre and wood anatomy analysis. A quarter of the tested products were found to be inconsistent with declared species, origin, or both.
Illegal logging is a global problem and is the most profitable transborder environmental crime, with wide-reaching and devastating impacts on climate, nature and people.
“We welcome DAFF’s trial but unfortunately the results show there’s plenty of work to do on supply chain custody and ensuring Australia is free of illegally logged timber and fibre products,” Ms Hallam said.
“These results are something we have suspected and feared.
“Earlier this year, AFPA strongly supported updated Commonwealth legislation aimed at cracking down on illegal imports and these results show just how important a stronger legislative and regulatory framework is to combat this issue. We know many importers are doing the right thing, but those that aren’t, are undermining Australia’s biosecurity and deceiving consumers.
“For example, we’ve been made aware of some private product testing which showed the breakup of some laminated veneer lumber (LVL) product, 80 per cent originating in China and 20 per cent from Russia, with the Russia component not declared,” she said
“Importers and certifiers need to be on notice, so we are pleased the Albanese Government and DAFF is taking the issue of illegal timber very seriously. Obviously, the best way to avoid illegal timber and fibre is to buy Australian grown and manufactured which also supports our economies and communities, but we must work to a future where all imported product is above board.”
Deputy Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Policy Matt Lowe said last week that globally it has been estimated that about 15-30 per cent of all wood traded is a product of illegal logging and illicit wood.
“Use of timber testing technologies will strengthen Australia’s ongoing efforts to address this problem by enhancing existing compliance and due diligence efforts under our illegal logging prohibition laws,” Mr Lowe said.
“They offer a means of verifying if claims made about the species and harvest origin of timber are accurate.
“The trial tested 146 products and 39 distinct species. A range of scientific methods were used including DNA, stable isotope, trace element, wood fibre and wood anatomy analyses.
“The results showed approximately 25% of products tested had an inconsistency with declared species, origin, or both.
“While not representative of the entire Australian market, the findings highlight that there is room for improvement for our regulated community to mitigate the risk of illegal logging timber entering our market.
“The department will continue to review the recommendations of the trial and work across the Australian Government and with industry stakeholders to inform future implementation of timber testing technologies under reformed legislation.
“This trial provides great insight into the benefits of introducing timber testing technologies to help mitigate the risk of illegally logged timber entering Australia’s market and better support the forestry sector.
“The Australian Government is committed to playing its part and working with industry stakeholders and the international community to address illegal logging. That is why we passed the Illegal Logging Prohibition Amendment Bill in 2024.”
For more information visit: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/forestry/policies/illegal-logging
