Illegal Logging Scheme – Due Diligence reminder

20/3/2018

To Our Valued Customers,

BR International wishes to remind importers of timber sourced products ( including paper ) that the “soft start” compliance approach to the Illegal Logging Scheme ceased to apply from January 1, 2018.

This means the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources ( DAWR ), who are responsible for managing and monitoring this scheme, can now impose penalties on importers who have not yet completed their due diligence requirements under the Illegal Logging Scheme. Prior to this year, the DAWR worked with industry whilst carrying out audits to check the due diligence processes of relevant importers. The DAWR assisted those importers whose due diligence processes were not satisfactory. Whilst the auditing process is continuing, importers failing to comply with due diligence requirements are now potentially exposed to significant penalties.  We therefore again recommend that any importer of timber sourced products who has not yet completed their due diligence should address this area of their business.

BR International stresses that there will be no clearance holds as a result of the Illegal Logging Scheme.  Any DAWR compliance assessments will be made post importation. 

Please be aware that DAWR have a “voluntary assessment” avenue available where importers may request that an assessment be made by the DAWR to ensure their practices are in place and compliant.  Please make contact with your BRi Customer Service Representative or Customs Broker should you wish to follow this path. 

For those wishing to carry out their due diligence, BRi are happy to assist any client who feels they may not be meeting the requirements of this scheme.  We can provide advice or a “package” with document templates which may be sent to your suppliers to ensure the timber used in your imported products complies with the scheme.

Alternatively, all compliance documents are available on the DAWR’s website - www.agriculture.gov.au/forestry/policies/illegal-logging/compliance

Once again, please feel free to make contact with your BRi representative should you wish to enquire further.

Keeping you updated, BRi Customs department.

 

Back to News Page

News Archives