Changes to the illegal logging regulatory framework have now kicked in, as of 3 March 2025. This includes the new Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules 2024, which replaces the Illegal Logging Prohibition Regulation 2012. The reforms aim to streamline risk assessment pathways and ensure the framework remains fit for purpose and aligns with international best practice. Here’s what businesses need to know.
Illegal logging remains a significant global issue, contributing to deforestation, biodiversity loss, and economic harm to legitimate timber industries. Australia’s illegal logging laws aim to help prevent illegally logged timber from entering the domestic market.
Under the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012, it is a criminal offence to import wood, pulp, and paper products, or to process domestically grown raw logs, if they have been illegally logged. The legislation imposes obligations on businesses to have a written due diligence system for certain regulated timber products and conduct appropriate due diligence to ensure the timber is legally sourced.
What is a regulated timber product?
A regulated timber product (RTP) is any timber product that falls within specified Harmonised System (HS) tariff codes. These include:
- Chapter 44 – Wood and wood articles
- Chapter 47 – Wood pulp
- Chapter 48 – Paper and paperboard
- Chapter 94 – Furniture
For consumer products and retail businesses, product cartons and packaging and in-store cardboard displays and wallpaper may be RTPs.
Not all timber and paper products are RTPs.
Key changes
Revised Risk Assessment Pathways
Previously, businesses relied on three risk assessment methods: Country-Specific Guidelines, Timber Legality Frameworks, and Regulated Risk Factors. These have now been replaced with two distinct pathways:
- Certified Timber Pathway – Applies to products that are certified under the internationally recognised schemes of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).
- Non-Certified Timber Pathway – Applies where no certification exists, requiring a more detailed risk assessment process.
Introduction of the Repeat Due Diligence Exception
Businesses that repeatedly import or process the same timber or timber products from the same supplier within a 12-month period can now rely on a previous risk assessment and the risk mitigation measures completed. This exception applies regardless of the certification status of the timber, reducing the compliance burden for frequent importers.
Processor Exemption for Harvesters
An important change is the exemption for timber processors who are also the entity that harvested the raw logs. If a business is processing timber that it has itself harvested, it is no longer required to undertake due diligence on those logs.
What Happens Next?
The new Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules 2024 have an initial six-month transition period where compliance audits will focus on education rather than enforcement. Businesses should review their due diligence processes to align with the updated requirements.
