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Publication date: 17 December 2025

• Reflecting on the department’s Live Information Sessions
• International News

Reflecting on recent Live Information Sessions

Thank you to all those who attended our Live Information Sessions on Australia’s illegal logging laws held on 19 November 2025. We were encouraged to see such strong engagement across the sector in better understanding your obligations under Australia’s illegal logging laws (Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 (the Act) and Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules 2024 (the Rules)).

You can now access the recordings below.

For Importers and Processors

View: https://share.viostream.com/dicbhzwrz3m16m
Download: https://play.viostream.com/download/dicbhzwrz3m16m

For Customs Brokers

View: https://share.viostream.com/dicbhzwrz3m19w
Download: https://play.viostream.com/download/dicbhzwrz3m19w

Key takeaways

• Understanding what is a certified timber product/raw log
  • The department provides guidance in the importer and processor toolkits on how to establish that your timber product/raw log is certified for the purposes of the Rules.
  • A supplier FSC or PEFC certification does not equate to timber product/raw log certification.
  • The certified product/log risk assessment pathway can only be utilised when the timber product/raw log is certified and where the importer/processor has determined that it is certified in accordance with section 8(4) or 11(3) of the Rules.
    • If a product carries both a PEFC and a FSC claim – both claims should be verified in accordance with section 8(4) (importers) for or 11(3)(processors) of the Rules.
• Frequency of due diligence
  • Due diligence must be undertaken in relation to each instance regulated timber product you wish to import or process.
  • Depending on the circumstances the exception pathway may apply to the risk assessment and risk mitigation requirements to reduce the due diligence obligations for importers/processors who have imported/processed the same regulated timber product/raw log within the previous 12 months.
  • The department provides guidance on due diligence and use of the exception pathway in the FAQs (import and processing) and in the importer and processor toolkits.
• Information Gathering
  • Importers/processors must obtain as much of the prescribed information as is reasonably practicable before import/processing of the timber product/raw log - there is no prescribed process for how you gather the information.
  • There is no exception for the information gathering obligations of the Rules - information cannot be obtained once or on any other periodic basis and relied upon for subsequent imports of timber products /processing of raw logs. Information gathering must occur before each import or processing.
  • The department provides guidance in the FAQs and in the importer and processor toolkits on the information gathering obligations of the Rules.
• Risk assessments
  • A written risk assessment is required for the timber product/raw log and must demonstrate that all of the applicable prescribed risk factors have been considered and that the identification and assessment of risk was to a reasonable standard.
  • The department provides guidance in the importer and processor toolkits on the risk assessment obligations of the Rules.

Stay informed

Many questions raised during the live information sessions are addressed on the Importing and processing timber products – Australia’s illegal logging laws page, and/or recent e-updates. In particular, E-update 54 lists common contraventions and E-update 56 busts a range of popular myths about compliance with the law.

We’re here to help

If you have any remaining questions, you can email us at illegallogging@aff.gov.au. For compliance-specific matters, please contact illegallogging.complianceassessment@aff.gov.au. 

We’d love your feedback

Please take a moment to complete our short Mentimeter survey to provide your feedback on our live information sessions. Your insights help us better understand stakeholder needs.

Access the survey via the Mentimeter link.

International News – Illegal Logging: a globally significant issue

• In Malaysia – officials continued their crackdown on illegal logging activities in Sarawak - June 2025 – arrests and 350 logs seized, in Sabah – illegally logged timber was seized and in Kelantan timber and equipment were seized at illegal sawmills
• In Georgia (Europe) - the Forestry Department uncovered illegal logging in a state forest in Bakuriani and 123 cases of illegal forest use including illegal logging and illegal sawmills
• In June 2025, Global Voices published an article on corruption and illegal logging concerning timber trafficking from the Congo to Kenya
• India’s forest departments busted an illegal timber mill in the Piazbari area of Gauripur, arrested timber smugglers in Sapdi Bhati and shut down 6 illegal timber sawmills in Meghalaya
• In Kenya – official intercepted 5 tonnes of suspected illegally logged sandalwood
• Belgian officials detected 20 cases of illegal timber imports – seizing illegal timber products from India, UAE and Cameroon
• In Indonesia, suspicious activity reported by a member of the public resulted in authorities were able to halt an illegal shipment of Meranti and mixed hardwood logs at a port in the city of Batam (Riau Islands, Indonesia)

Season’s Greetings!

Our offices will be closed for the holidays from 25 December and will reopen on 2 January 2026. The department wishes you all a safe and happy Christmas and New Year!

Publication date: 14 November 2025

• Join the department’s Live Information Sessions
• International news

Join the department’s Live Information Sessions

A reminder that the department is hosting live information sessions reflecting on the implementation of our illegal logging reforms. The sessions will provide an overview of the legislation, share key insights and answer your questions to support ongoing compliance. We invite you to join the sessions via the link below: 

• Navigating Australia's illegal logging laws - For Customs Brokers
  • Date and time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm, 19 November 2025 (AEDT)
• Navigating Australia's illegal logging laws - For Importers and Processors
  • Date and Time: 1:30pm – 3:00pm, 19 November 2025 (AEDT)

In the meantime, we encourage you to explore our illegal logging webpages to learn more about our illegal logging laws.

International News – Illegal Logging: a globally significant issue 

• In May 2025, Environmental Investigation Agency released a report on their multi-year investigation into timber exports from Columbia appearing to have lacked proof of legal origin (full report – Decking the Forest)
• In May 2025, ACT Now and Jubilee Australia released a report highlighting concerns of logging occurring outside the scope of Forest Clearance Authorities in Papua New Guinea (full report - The FCA Logging Scandal)
• In April 2025, Environmental Investigation Agency released a report on their investigation into illegal logging in the Brazilian Amazon (full report – Tricks, Traders and Trees)
• In June 2025, a senate committee in Thailand met to discuss environmental issues affecting four border provinces along the Thailand Cambodia borders. This article mentions 6,033 illegal logging cases in the four border provinces.
• In Sri Lanka, villagers of Tanamalwila have reported facing death threats after exposing illegal logging activities
• In India, officials have intercepted timber smuggling and illegal logging activities, an  illicit timber activity, seized illegally logged deodar timber, charged Indian Forest Service officers with corruption associated with facilitating illegal logging; and there are additional reports of a surge in illegal timber transportation in the West Kamrup Forest Division
• In Malaysia, officials arrested persons involved in illegal logging in the jungles of Kelantan, including the confiscation of 500 logs and equipment used in the illegal logging activities and in Sarawek officials also intercepted illegal logging activities, resulting in arrests and seizures of timber and equipment used in the illegal logging activities
• In Uganda,  illegal logging activities continue to occur in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including arrests made following a joint 2024 operation
• In Montenegro, officials discovered illegal logging in the state forest, resulting in an arrest and criminal charges
• In Cuba, officials made recent arrests for illegal cedar logging
• In the Philippines officials intercepted illegal logging activities, resulting in arrests and confiscation of timber and equipment used in the illegal logging activities; and in a separate operation intercepted illegally imported chainsaws.

Publication date: 16 October 2025

Join the department’s Live Information Sessions

We invite you to attend live information sessions reflecting on the implementation of our illegal logging reforms. The sessions will provide an overview of the legislative, share key insights and answer your questions to support ongoing compliance. You can join the sessions via the link below:

• Navigating Australia's illegal logging laws - For Customs Brokers
  • Date and time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm, 19 November 2025 (AEDT)
• Navigating Australia's illegal logging laws - For Importers and Processors
  • Date and Time: 1:30pm – 3:00pm, 19 November 2025 (AEDT)

In the meantime, in this edition, we aim to shed light on some common misconceptions surrounding our illegal logging laws. By addressing these misunderstandings, we hope to strengthen awareness and commitment to achieving the objectives of the laws—protecting the Australian timber market from illegally logged timber now and into the future.

Myths and misconceptions

MYTH #1 ‘Recent reforms introduced new due diligence requirements’
TRUTH: Due diligence requirements under Australia’s illegal logging laws have been in place since the introduction of the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 (the Act). The new Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules 2024 (the Rules) introduced changes to streamline the due diligence process while maintaining the integrity of the laws. The fundamental due diligence steps—information gathering, risk assessment, risk mitigation, and record keeping—remain consistent with the original legislation.

MYTH #2 ‘Regulated entities can carry out alternative activities to manage illegal logging risks, which can serve as a substitute for the due diligence obligations that are set out in the Act and Rules’
TRUTH: While the department welcomes industry initiatives to combat illegal logging, alternative activities (such as independent timber testing or annual supply chain investigation) cannot, in isolation, replace the mandatory due diligence requirements that are set out in the Act and the Rules. These laws are designed to ensure that all regulated entities undertake a structured and verifiable assessment of the timber product or the raw log to reduce the risk that illegally logged timber is imported or processed. Informal, alternative or substitute measures do not satisfy this legal obligation, however, can be used to complement it.

MYTH #3 ‘Due diligence only needs to be done once or can be applied generally across shipments or a supplier’
TRUTH: Due diligence is specific to each shipment, delivery, or consignment. Importers and processors must assess the risk of illegally logged timber for each instance of importation/processing. The new repeat import/processing exception introduced in the Rules may apply if all circumstances are identical and there’s clear evidence that no relevant changes have occurred within 12 months. Importantly, the exception process, if applicable, applies only to the risk assessment and risk mitigation processes. It does not provide an exception to the information gathering obligations or to the process required to determine that the timber product or raw log is certified.

MYTH #4 ‘The legislation applies to importers only’
TRUTH: The legislation applies equally to importers and domestic processors. Both are individually referenced and have the same due diligence obligations under Australia’s illegal logging laws.

MYTH #5 ‘Importers and processors had 6 months from 3 March 2025 to develop a due diligence system and process that complied with the Rules’
TRUTH: The amendments to legislation came into effect on 3 March 2025, with the Rules available on the Federal Register of Legislation from 2 January 2025. There were no provisions that allowed reliance on the previous Illegal Logging Prohibition Regulation 2012 after 3 March 2025. While the department provided guidance to support compliance with the reformed laws, importers and processors of regulated timber products were required to have updated processes in place to be compliant with reformed laws from 3 March 2025.

MYTH #6 ‘The department isn’t using any framework to select companies to assess’
TRUTH: The department conducts compliance activities in line with its published practices, including frameworks for activity prioritisation. These allow for a risk-based and flexible approach to determining which regulated entities are assessed.

MYTH #7 ‘The department is trying to shut businesses down that don’t comply with the laws’
TRUTH: The department’s Compliance Posture is publicly available and emphasises a proportionate, risk-based approach. Where non-compliance is identified, enforcement decisions are made by a separate team from the compliance assessors, and responses vary depending on the specific circumstances. Serious offences like fraud or intentional deception are treated accordingly and may be referred under the Crimes Act 1914. Where a sanction or penalty for non-compliance applies, it is applied in accordance with the offences or civil penalty provisions that are legislated within the Act.
Regulated entities who are subject to action following non-compliance activities have review and appeal rights.

MYTH #8 ‘Our risk assessment outcome must be one that the department agrees with’
TRUTH: The department assesses whether the importer or processor has complied with their obligations, including gathering and assessing each required element of information. The outcome of the risk assessment is only evaluated for whether it was reasonable, based on the full facts and circumstances for that import or processing of raw logs — not whether the risk outcome was ‘right’ or ‘wrong’.

MYTH #9 ‘Due diligence records must be kept from the date the importer or processor ordered the material’
TRUTH: Records must be kept for five years beginning from the date of import (for importers) or processing (for domestic processors).

MYTH #10 ‘It’s acceptable to do due diligence after receiving a Requirement to Give Information or Documents Notice’
TRUTH: Due diligence, including risk assessments, must be completed before import or processing. Retrospective risk assessments conducted only after receiving a Requirement to Give Information or Documents Notice do not satisfy legal obligations under the illegal logging laws. Submitting retrospectively undertaken due diligence records as compliance with the illegal logging laws may be treated as false or misleading information or documents and potentially fraud.

MYTH #11 ‘A supplier declaration and accompanying documents are sufficient to fulfill due diligence obligations’
TRUTH: While supplier declarations and supporting documents may provide necessary information, they alone do not satisfy the full due diligence process. Due diligence involves four key stages: information gathering, risk assessment, risk mitigation (if applicable), and record keeping. Obtaining information is only the first step—importers and processors must also assess risks, implement mitigation measures if needed and make informed decisions based on that assessment.

MYTH #12 ‘I use an Australian based agent to organise the logistics and sourcing of my timber products from overseas. Because my agent is managing the ordering and shipping into Australia on my behalf, I am not the importer, my agent is the importer’
TRUTH: Under the Australia’s illegal logging laws, an importer is someone involved in importing timber products regulated under the Act into Australia. While agents, brokers or even suppliers may manage the shipping and logistics of timber products from overseas, the person ordering timber products from overseas through an agent is engaged in an act of ‘import’ and is subject to the Act’s obligations and offences.

MYTH #13 ‘Due diligence obligations can be completed after the goods arrive at an Australian port’
TRUTH: Due diligence must be completed before import — meaning before the ship arrives at port or the aircraft lands in Australia, where the goods are intended for use in Australia.

MYTH #14 ‘It is acceptable to use a due diligence checklist of ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers as my identification and assessment of risk’
TRUTH: All required elements of due diligence must be supported by evidence. Simply declaring or indicating that an action has occurred is not adequate. A risk assessment must be a written record that identifies and assesses risks, demonstrating that all prescribed risk factors prescribed for that risk process have been reasonably considered.

MYTH #15 ‘I have verified that my supplier has the same supply chain, using the same species and harvest location of timber inputs. I can rely on that for future imports or processing’
TRUTH: Each import or processing event is unique, and information must be obtained for every instance. Gathering information once, annually or at any other periodic interval does not satisfy the legal obligations.

MYTH #16 ‘If my timber product is made up of six species harvested from four countries, I need to undertake six risk assessments to cover the timber species and an additional four risk assessments to cover the harvest countries’
TRUTH: You do not need multiple risk assessments. A single risk assessment covering all relevant facts and circumstances of the timber product is sufficient.

MYTH #17 ‘As an FSC/PEFC certificate holder the certification body’s Chain of Custody manual is sufficient as a due diligence process’
TRUTH: Reliance upon a FSC or PEFC Chain of Custody manual is not sufficient to meet the due diligence obligations of Australia’s illegal logging laws. While the manual may assist and establish some elements necessary for due diligence, the due diligence obligations of the Rules are distinct from the function of the Chain of Custody manual.

Publication date: 3 September 2025

• The new Rules have now been in effect for six months
• Our compliance approach
• Due diligence: It’s not just a checkbox

The new Rules have now been in effect for six months

The Illegal Logging Prohibition Amendment (Strengthening Measures to Prevent Illegal Timber Trade) Act 2024 (Amendment Act) and associated Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules 2024 (the Rules) came into effect on 3 March 2025 and apply for the purposes of relevant imports, and processing of raw logs, on or after 3 March 2025.

There were no savings or transitional provisions that allowed for due diligence requirements to be carried out under the former Regulation for relevant imports, and processing of raw logs, on or after 3 March 2025. However, for the first six months of the Rules being in effect, the department conducted assessments with a focus on education and guidance for non-compliance matters relating to the application of the new/changed due diligence arrangements. These transition arrangements have now concluded.

We encourage importers and processors to ensure their due diligence systems are fully aligned with the amended Act and Rules. Guidance material, including factsheets and resources, is available to support compliance, and we welcome feedback on areas where further clarity may assist.

Our compliance approach

The department remains committed to supporting compliance within the regulated community with clear and accessible guidance. When undertaking assessments, the department works closely with entities to ensure a full understanding of their legislative requirements. We aim to facilitate long term, sustainable compliance.

We encourage our regulated community to ensure it is familiar with the department’s approach to compliance and how we work with regulated entities to achieve better compliance and regulatory outcomes.

• Our compliance and FAQ webpages have clear information and resources to help you understand your responsibilities and how we check compliance.
• The department’s Compliance Policy explains the principles we follow and the tools we use to manage compliance fairly and consistently.
• Our compliance work is also guided by our Regulatory Practice Statement, which sets out how we approach regulation in practice.

Due diligence: It’s not just a checkbox

Due diligence in combating illegal logging is often perceived merely as a checklist to meet regulatory requirements. However, this approach may increase the risk of non-compliance.

It is important to understand the fundamental purpose behind Australia’s due diligence approach to addressing the harms from global illegal logging activities.

Due diligence is a vital risk management tool. It’s about carefully assessing timber sources to ensure they meet legality standards, helping businesses avoid potential challenges related to legality, reputation and market access.

The importance of Due Diligence

• Risk Mitigation
  Superficial checks often fail to identify the concealment tactics used in illegal timber trafficking. Making rigorous due diligence essential to ensure compliance and prevent inadvertently sourcing illegally logged materials.
• Reputational Protection 
  In addition to facing significant financial penalties, breaches can disrupt operations, harm relationships with suppliers and partners, and lead to loss of consumer trust and reduced market opportunities.
• Supply Chain Integrity
  Due diligence ensures transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain. Organisations are expected to engage deeply with supply chains, understand local contexts, and continuously monitor for evolving threats.
• International Bodies Support Risk-Based Enforcement
  • The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) employs a multi-layered enforcement strategy to uncover illicit timber trade, emphasising that due diligence must be dynamic and intelligence-driven.
  • The International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) highlights that illegal logging is embedded in complex global systems. Addressing it requires multi-disciplinary analysis, including criminology and trade flow monitoring.

Rather than being seen as extra work, due diligence is a valuable practice that supports responsible sourcing and long-term business resilience. Recognising this perspective also helps when considering ways to streamline due diligence processes, ensuring that any adjustments continue to support the shared goal of sustainable and transparent supply chains.

Ultimately, due diligence is a shared responsibility and a key step in ensuring legal supply chains. It’s about more than paperwork—it’s about protecting Australian businesses and consumers from contributing to the harm that illegal logging causes. Due diligence helps businesses identify and support supply chains with strong timber legality practices, enhancing environmental protection and outcomes.

Help us spread the word! Please share our illegal logging subscription details  with those you think would benefit.

Publication date: 11 July 2025

Combatting illegal logging

We are now over four months into Australia’s reformed illegal logging laws (Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 (Act) and the Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules 2024 (Rules)) that came into effect early this year. A reminder that the department offers a range of guidance and resources on our website to help you understand your due diligence obligations.

As part of our continued education and guidance efforts during this early implementation period, we have outlined below some common scenarios relating to non-compliance with the laws.

We encourage all regulated entities to review their systems and practices against these points to ensure they are meeting their obligations under the reforms.

Common contraventions

• Due Diligence System (DDS) issues 
  Some entities are found to have either have no DDS in place, are relying upon a Chain of Custody manual or are using a DDS that is inadequate. You must have a DDS system in place before importing regulated timber products or processing a raw log that sets out how the due diligence requirements of the Rules will be met.
• Requirement for information and documents (RFID) notice issues
  Failure to respond to a RFID notice or to provide the information and documents requested in the notice. Please be aware that the department send notices via registered post and email, using the contact details listed in the Australian Business Register.
• Information gathering issues
  Failure to collect all the required information before importing or processing their product/s, or reliance upon confirmation statements that information previously provided has not changed. If certain information cannot be obtained, the importer or processor must keep records that demonstrate that the information was not reasonably practicable to obtain. Information gathering is required to be undertaken upon each instance of importation/raw log processing.
• Risk assessment issues 
  Failure to undertake adequate risk assessments. The department is finding that some risk assessments are being undertaken against a supplier and/or do not consider all of the prescribed risk factors. Risk assessments must be undertaken on the specific product/s being imported/raw logs processed and written records must be kept that demonstrate the assessment occurred before import/raw log processing.
• Risk factor issues 
  Failure to undertake adequate research to fully evaluate associated risk factors. You must consider all relevant risk factors and conduct additional research where necessary when determining the risk of your product/s being illegally logged. Your written risk assessment must demonstrate that all of the prescribed risk factors have been considered to a reasonable standard.
• Exception operation
  There is misunderstanding about the risk assessment exception. The exception does not apply to information gathering or determining that the product or raw log is certified. It also cannot be applied to part of or a component of a product. If any information about the product/raw log has changed, then the whole product/raw log is no longer eligible for the exception pathway.
• Certified products/logs
  When undertaking due diligence on certified product/s, common issues include: 
  -    not downloading/using the PEFC/FSC database to obtain the timestamped record
  -    failing to assess certification in accordance with the CoC framework
  -    assuming supplier certification automatically means product/raw log certification 
  -    relying on incomplete or out-of-scope sales/delivery records or nil certification claims.

You must verify the certification per the Rules for each import/processing. Please also be mindful that you cannot use certification as the sole indicator of timber legality.

• Retrospectively created or altered documents
  Please do not create or alter any documents (e.g. risk assessment records, DDS, database downloads with removed timestamps) after importing/processing or after receiving a RFID. This breaches our illegal logging legislation and may constitute providing false or misleading information under the Act and the Criminal Code Act 1995 (e.g. forgery). If you are unsure, please reach out to the department.

For assistance or further information, please visit our Illegal Logging Compliance webpage or contact us directly at illegallogging@aff.gov.au.

Help us spread the word! Please share our illegal logging subscription details with those you think would benefit.
 

• Notice and information requirements (NIR)
• Global Legal and Sustainable Timber Forum 2025
• International news

Notice and information requirements (NIR)

The Community Protection Question (CPQ) has now been removed from the Integrated Cargo System. Thank you for your patience while we worked with the Department of Home Affairs to have this removed as part of the reforms to Australia’s illegal logging laws. 

The requirement for importers and processors to provide notice to the department when importing or processing regulated timber and timber products is still not in effect. In the meantime, importers and processors are still required to meet their due diligence requirements and keep the prescribed records.

The requirement for notice of importing or processing regulated timber and timber products will commence once we have the appropriate IT system in place for our regulated community to submit e-declarations. 

We will provide notice and guidance before you are expected to provide e-declarations and will seek comment from the regulated community in developing the IT system. 

Global Legal and Sustainable Timber Forum 2025

The third annual Global Legal and Sustainable Timber Forum will take place from 23–24 September 2025 in Macao SAR, China. Under the theme “From Forest to Home – An International Dialogue on Emerging Consumer Trends and Supply Chains Innovation”, the forum will promote international dialogue on strengthening legal and sustainable timber supply chains in the face of evolving consumer demands and market dynamics.

Co-hosted by the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO)  and the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, the forum will bring together around 700-800 participants including wood enterprises and trading companies, industrial and business associations, governments, international organisations, research institutions and more.

Specialised sub-forums organised by partner agencies will also focus on issues related to timber legality and sustainability among different stakeholders, including:

• Timber legality and sustainability in light of global trade barriers.
• Sustainable timber resources, markets, and trade.
• Market Trends and Industry Innovation in Furniture & Customized Home Furnishings.
• Empowering the Value of Ecological Products through Forestry Supply Chain Finance.

For more information and registration details, visit the official website.

International News – Illegal Logging: a globally significant issue 

1. Media and NGO reports continue to highlight the challenges facing countries in dealing with illegal logging:

• In January 2025, Earthsight released a report on their 9 month investigation into the laundering of Russian birch plywood through China and multiple EU countries.
• In February 2025, INTERPOL released information on forestry (and wildlife) related arrests and seizures undertaken during their one-month Operation Thunder 2024 exercise.
• In October 2024, Mongabay released reports on their investigations into the exportation of illegally logged timber from Cambodia which is manufactured into plywood and flooring products - Angkor Plywood, the ‘timber cartel’ shipping Cambodian forests internationally and Cambodian logging syndicate tied to major U.S. wood flooring supply chains.
• In August 2024, Financial Times released a brief (7 minute) video on global forest detective initiatives being undertaken to tackle the illegal wood trade.
• In Brazil, authorities have seized massive stocks of illegal timber after raids in the Amazon.
• In Brazil, recent reports indicate that illegal logging in the Amazon increased by 19% over 2022-2023, further threatening Indigenous communities.
• In Malaysia, authorities made recent arrests for suspected involvement in illegal logging and illegal wood processing at a sawmill.
• In Uganda, authorities made recent arrests for connections with illegal logging and timber trafficking.
• In Thailand, officials made recent arrests for connections with illegal logging in Prachuap Khiri Khan province and Tak province.
• In Pakistan, authorities made recent arrests, including senior officers and staff of the Forest Department for matters related to illicit timber trading and illegal timber found during routine highway patrols.
• In Vietnam, forest rangers are working around the clock in the Central Highlands to protect an ancient rosewood forest from illegal loggers.

Australia’s reformed illegal logging laws are now in effect.

Amendments to the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 (Act) are in effect as of 3 March 2025. Also in effect are the Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules 2024 (Rules), which replace the Illegal Logging Prohibition Regulation 2012.

You can download a flowchart below which demonstrates the differences between the due diligence process prior to 3 March 2025 and the new arrangements now in effect.

What does this mean for importers and processors?

The Rules introduce changes to due diligence requirements. It is up to you to understand your responsibilities as an importer or processor of regulated timber, timber products and/or raw logs.

The fundamental steps of your due diligence requirements remain unchanged. This includes a written due diligence system, information gathering, risk assessment, risk mitigation and record keeping. The requirement to respond to a request for information from the department also remains the same. However, there are key changes to some steps:

• The three previous risk assessment methods (Country Specific Guidelines (CSG) or State Specific Guidelines, Timber Legality Frameworks and Regulated Risk Factors) have been replaced with two distinct risk assessment pathways for:
  1. Certified timber and timber products/raw logs
  2. Non-certified timber and timber products/raw logs.
• There is a new repeat due diligence exception. This allows you to rely on a previous risk assessment and risk mitigation measures if you import or process the same timber, timber products, or raw logs from the same supplier within a 12 month period. You can use this exception regardless of the certification status of your timber or timber products.
• There is an exemption for processors who are also the person/entity who harvested the raw log.

The new laws also include a future requirement to provide notice to the department before importing or processing regulated timber, timber products or raw logs. This requirement has not come into effect, as it relies on a new IT system that is still being developed. We will update you as this progresses.

The Act introduces new powers for the department to undertake certain activities. More information on those powers is available in E-update 49.

Guidance material now available

We have developed guidance material for importers and processors to assist you in meeting your due diligence requirements. We encourage you to provide feedback on its practical application in your business and compliance activities, to ensure our guidance is fit-for-purpose while remaining aligned with the legislation.

We have also developed a FAQ page which is a compilation of answers to questions we received from stakeholders throughout the consultation process and beyond. We will continue to update this page based on industry and stakeholder feedback.

We thank the regulated community for their feedback on the development of guidance material throughout the reform process. If you have any questions or seek further information on the legislative reforms, you can email us at illegallogging@aff.gov.au.  For compliance matters, email compliance at illegallogging.complianceassessment@aff.gov.au. 

Audits and compliance under new arrangements

We appreciate that these changed legal requirements involve changes to your internal processes and we remain committed to supporting compliance within the regulated community.

As such, for the first six months of the new Rules (from 3 March 2025 – early September 2025), we will conduct audits as usual, but will focus on education and guidance for non-compliance matters relating to the application of new/changed due diligence arrangements.

We may still take further action for non-compliance matters relating to due diligence requirements that remain unchanged.

Important to note

With the exception of CSGs and SSGs, all material published by the department prior to 3 March 2025 relating to the Illegal Logging Prohibition Regulation 2012 is no longer relevant and should not be solely relied on by businesses for their due diligence (processes or obligations).

Next month Australia’s reformed illegal logging laws come into effect.

Amendments to the Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 (Act) and associated Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules (Rules) will come into effect on 3 March 2025.

Guidance material

More information on what will happen from 3 March 2025 is available in the following factsheets available on our website:

• Your responsibilities as an importer
• Your responsibilities as a processor
• Navigating New Rules: Transitioning to new arrangements (as provided in E-Update 50)

In January 2025 we distributed our first of two digital kits (‘digikit’) which included a factsheet with resources and information for representative groups to distribute amongst their networks. Our second digikit will be distributed ahead on 3 March 2025. If you didn’t receive the first digikit, and would like to be added to the mailing list please email us at illegallogging@aff.gov.au. 

Further guidance material will be available ahead of 3 March 2025 to assist you in meeting your due diligence requirements. There will be an opportunity for you to provide feedback on our guidance material during the first six months of the updated legislation, to ensure our guidance is fit-for-purpose while remaining aligned with legislation.

The reform process

We have created a timeline visual to provide an overview of the legislative reform process. As outlined in the document, this process has been informed by several rounds of review and public consultation. Visit our reviews and consultation page to download the visual and for more information on the process.

More information

Further information on the changes coming into effect under the Amendment Act and Rules is available in E-update 49 and E-update 50.

The Australian Government is committed to ensuring illegally logged material is not incorporated into Australian wood products. The arrangements commencing on 3 March 2025 represent an opportunity for government, industry and end users of wood products to have greater confidence in the source and supply of timber. This will provide greater confidence to the Australian public of the strong collective commitment of all parts of the Australian supply chain to responsible forestry practices.

Transitioning to new arrangements

The Illegal Logging Prohibition Amendment Act 2024 (Amendment Act) and associated Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules 2024 (the Rules) were finalised in December 2024 and will come into effect on 3 March 2025. We encourage you to take a look and familiarise yourself with these.

We appreciate that the new legal requirements will involve changes to your internal processes and we remain committed to supporting compliance within the regulated community with clear and accessible guidance.

For the first six months of the Rules being in effect (from 3 March 2025 – early September 2025), we will conduct audits as usual, but will focus on education and guidance for non-compliance matters relating to the application of new/changed due diligence arrangements.

We may still take further action for non-compliance matters where warranted, consistent with our compliance policy.

What does this mean for importers and processors?

Aspects of your due diligence requirements will change on 3 March 2025. Until then, existing requirements remain in place.

Information on the practical changes for importers and processors is available in E-update 49.

Guidance material

More information on what will happen from 3 March 2025 is available in the Navigating New Rules: Transitioning to new arrangements factsheet.

We have also developed two digital kits (‘digikits’) with resources and information for representative groups to distribute amongst their networks. If you would like to receive the digikits to help us spread the word, please email us at illegallogging@aff.gov.au. 

Further guidance material will be available ahead of 3 March 2025 to assist you in meeting your due diligence requirements. There will be an opportunity for you to provide feedback during the first six months of the updated legislation, to ensure our guidance is fit-for-purpose. At all times the guidance will remain aligned to the legislation and the intent of the legislation. 

We acknowledge that satisfying your due diligence requirements varies for different products, with certain products—such as composite products—requiring more detailed consideration. We are committed to assisting you in navigating these challenges and are open to feedback on how we can better support your efforts to comply with the legislation.

More information

Further information on the changes coming into effect under the Amendment Act and Rules is available in E-update 49.