Results of the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s (DAFF’s) testing trial on timber species and harvest origins has clearly demonstrated the need for the Albanese Government’s tougher illegal logging laws with some alarming results from the study, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Forest Products Association, Diana Hallam said today.
The recently completed DAFF trial tested 146 timber products and 39 distinct species using different scientific methods including DNA, stable isotope, trace element, wood fibre and wood anatomy analysis. A quarter of the tested products were found to be inconsistent with declared species, origin, or both.
Diana Hallam said, “We welcome DAFF’s trial but unfortunately the results show there’s plenty of work to do on supply chain custody and ensuring Australia is free of illegally logged timber and fibre products. These results are something we have suspected and feared.
“Earlier this year, AFPA strongly supported updated Commonwealth legislation aimed at cracking down on illegal imports and these results show just how important a stronger legislative and regulatory framework is to combat this issue. We know many importers are doing the right thing, but those that aren’t, are undermining Australia’s biosecurity and deceiving consumers.
“For example, we’ve been made aware of some private product testing which showed the breakup of some laminated veneer lumber (LVL) product, 80 per cent originating in China and 20 per cent from Russia, with the Russia component not declared.
“Importers and certifiers need to be on notice, so we are pleased the Albanese Government and DAFF is taking the issue of illegal timber very seriously. Obviously the best way to avoid illegal timber and fibre is to buy Australian grown and manufactured which also supports our economies and communities, but we must work to a future where all imported product is above board,” Diana Hallam concluded.
