Amendments to the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 (Act) and associated Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules (Rules) will come into effect today, 3 March 2025. Source: Timberbiz
Since 2012, Australia’s illegal logging prohibition laws have been in place to combat illegal logging and promote the trade of legal timber products.
These laws are set out in the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 and the Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules 2024.
If you import wood, pulp or paper products into Australia, or process Australian grown raw logs, these laws affect you. You have legal responsibilities and need to know your obligations.
Under Australian law, illegal logging means ‘the harvesting of timber in contravention of the laws of the country where the timber is harvested’.
This includes a wide range of illegal activities, such as:
- logging of protected species
- logging in protected areas
- logging with fake or illegal permits
- using illegal harvest methods.
By complying with the laws, you are doing your part to combat the destructive impacts of trade of illegally logging and trade in illegally logged timber. You will also be supporting local investment, profitability and jobs.
In January 2025 the first of two digital kits (‘digikit’) was released which included a factsheet with resources and information for representative groups to distribute amongst their networks were released.
The second digikit will be distributed ahead on 3 March 2025. If you didn’t receive any of the digikits and would like to be added to the mailing list please email [email protected]
Further guidance material will be available to assist in meeting due diligence requirements. There will be an opportunity to provide feedback on guidance material during the first six months of the updated legislation, to ensure our guidance is fit-for-purpose while remaining aligned with legislation.
Further information coming into effect under the Amendment Act and Rules is available in E-update 49 and E-update 50.
- See the department’s illegal logging website for information and resources
- Email the department’s compliance branch
- Call the department during business hours (8.30 am to 5.30 pm) on 1800 657 313 or +61 2 6272 3933 outside Australia.
More information is available in the following factsheets available on the website:
- Your responsibilities as an importer
- Your responsibilities as a processor
- Navigating New Rules: Transitioning to new arrangements (as provided in E-Update 50).
For more information visit:
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/forestry/policies/illegal-logging
