Illegally Logged Timber (Prohibition Of Sale) Bill

Key Points

• Prohibits the sale in the UK of timber or wood products obtained illegally in the country of origin, illegally exported from it, or illegally imported into any country.
• Criminalises falsifying harvesting, importing or exporting records for timber.
• Covers all parts of the UK timber supply chain, including producers, traders, importers and retailers.
• Penalties include up to 5 years’ imprisonment and fines up to £100,000.
• Current position: the bill is in the Commons at the second reading; it originated in the Commons with the first reading in January 2009 and the second reading in June 2009.

Progress

The bill is in the early stages of passage in the House of Commons and currently at its second reading. It first appeared in January 2009, with a second reading in June 2009.