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Quarter of Australian timber products under scrutiny for “potentially misleading” labels

Posted on November 7, 2024 |

In Australia, timber industry advocates are calling for tighter supervision after a recent trial revealed that 25% of tested timber products might be “potentially misleading.”

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry’s acting director highlighted that illegal logging is one of the most profitable environmental crimes, with serious consequences for climate, ecosystems, and communities.

Experts estimate that between 15% and 30% of global timber may come from illegal sources, and about 10% of timber in Australia could be illegally logged.

New laws now allow officials to check certain imported timber products for species and origin, focusing on items like flooring, furniture, tissues, and prefabricated buildings.

A trial conducted in June examined over 140 products and 39 species, using methods like DNA testing, trace element analysis, wood anatomy, and fiber checks to verify sources.

The trial’s results stress the need for stronger oversight to ensure legal and sustainable sourcing of timber in Australia.

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