Illegal Logging Reforms
As of 3 March 2025, Australia’s reformed Illegal Logging Prohibition Amendment (Strengthening Measures to Prevent Illegal Timber Trade) Act 2024 (Amendment Act) and the Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules (the Rules) are in effect.
The Amendment Act amends the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 (the Act) and the Illegal Logging Prohibition Regulation 2012 (the Regulation).
Key changes to the legislation in the Amendment Act will allow the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to:
- use timber identification technologies to verify species and origin claims on timber products
- address non-compliance in more ways
- publish information such as anonymous timber testing results and details of contraventions of the laws
- perform more efficient and effective compliance audits.
The Rules introduce changes to due diligence requirements. Details are provided in ‘Australia’s reformed Illegal Logging Laws: What Importers and Processors Need to Know’ factsheet.
Further information and updated guidance materials can be found on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s website.