The American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) has developed guidelines to support members and Australian importers and users of American hardwoods when the Australian Illegal Logging Prohibition Amendment Regulation (AUSILPAR) comes into full effect on 30 November. Source: Timberbiz
The document has been created to explain to American exporters how best to assist Australian importers in complying with the ‘due diligence’ requirements of AUSILPAR, which ask for a thorough risk assessment of the legality of timber imports.
“Through both the Seneca Creek Study and the FSC Risk Register draft risk assessment, we have confirmation that all US hardwood producing regions are low risk in terms of illegal harvest,” said Roderick Wiles, director of AHEC Oceania.
“The US has a history of good forest governance – the strong rule of law and independent sector-wide risk assessment means we are confident that exporters will be able to supply Australian importers with the information they need to meet their AUSILPAR obligations with the utmost accuracy and efficiency.”
“The guidelines are of great assistance to companies like ourselves who import American hardwood into Australia,” said Dominic McNeil, director at Britton Timbers, a major importer of American hardwoods.
“I have used them already as part of our due diligence for AUSILPAR.
“They are also helpful in so far they set out for American suppliers exactly what we as Australian importers require in terms of information which makes for a more efficient and streamlined process.”
