New rules will streamline the due diligence process for timber importers and processors while effectively combatting illegally logged timber from entering the market.
The Federal Government has taken another important step in preventing trans-border environmental crime with a Bill to more effectively combat illegally logged timber from entering the Australian market passing the Parliament. Source: Timberbiz
The Illegal Logging Prohibition Amendment (Strengthening Measures to Prevent Illegal Timber Trade) Bill 2024 implements new timber testing powers, trialled under the Government’s recent $4.4m initiative.
It will help trace illegally logged timber right back to its source, and provide greater control at the border through new notice requirements and stricter penalties for those who do the wrong thing.
The Bill provides for the replacement of the Illegal Logging Prohibition Regulation 2012, set to expire in 2025, with the Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules 2024 under development.
The new rules will streamline the due diligence process for timber importers and processors while effectively combatting illegally logged timber from entering the market.
Around 10 per cent of timber imported to Australia was estimated to be illegally logged before Australia first introduced its illegal logging prohibition laws in 2012.
Illegal imports impact our local forest growers and can undercut the prices of sustainable timber by 7 to 16 per cent.
“The passing of this Bill demonstrates the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to combating illegal logging,” Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said.
“Illegal logging not only has devastating environmental impacts and undercuts legitimate industry – it is the fourth largest illegal trade worldwide after arms, drugs and human trafficking, and it is frequently linked to other criminal activity.
“This is about more than local protections – it’s about discouraging criminal activity and the misery that follows in its wake,” she said.
Australian Forest Products Association Chief Executive Officer Diana Hallam said illegal timber not only undermined the environmental sustainability of the forest products industry, but also undermined our domestic biosecurity protections that safeguard Australia’s environment.
“AFPA supports the strengthening of the illegal logging laws to ensure Australia has a robust regime that requires importing businesses to source timber harvested from legal sources using sustainable practices,” she said.
“We thank the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins, and the Assistant Minister Senator Anthony Chisholm, for the work they have undertaken to give effect to the new laws.
“We also thank Opposition Spokesman Senator Jono Duniam for listening to industry concerns and working with the government in a constructive, bipartisan approach.”
Ms Hallam said the reforms were particularly timely.
She said that off the back of the native forestry industry closures in Victoria and Western Australia, Australia had seen a considerable increase in the volume of imported hardwoods.
“It’s critical the proper enforcement regime and penalties are in place if there’s any doubt as to the source,” Ms Hallam said.
“To further strengthen the laws we believe Country of Origin labelling must be introduced for timber, in line with the Australian Government’s due diligence importing processes. The labelling should indicate the country where the timber was grown so Australian consumers can be better informed and aware when purchasing timber products.”
Applying Country of Origin labelling for timber and timber products would:
- increase transparency of supply,
- strengthen the effectiveness of illegal logging laws,
- halt trade from conflict countries and
- ensure Australian consumers are not supporting deforestation.
“The integrity of our timber and fibre products is paramount,” Ms Hallam said.
“When grown, harvested and processed properly, as we do in Australia, these products represent the height of sustainability, but when corners are cut, it can be environmentally damaging and undermine Australian jobs.”
