A pest risk assessment is required before importation is permitted.
The Export Control Act 2020 and the Export Control (Wood and Woodchips) Rules 2021, require an export licence issued by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment for any exports of two tonnes or more of:
- woodchips;
- wood in the round (i.e. logs);
- wood with a cross sectional area of at least 225 square centimetres
These are considered ‘prescribed goods’ under the Export Control (Wood and Woodchips) Rules 2021.
A licence is not required for the above listed wood and woodchips if:
If an export licence is required, it is the responsibility of exporters to obtain a licence to export prescribed wood or woodchips prior to export.
Exporters can find information on how to obtain an export licence for prescribed wood or woodchips on the departments website - https://www.awe.gov.au/agriculture-land/forestry/industries/export.
Any enquires on what is classed as prescribed wood or woodchips should be directed to: wood.export@awe.gov.au, or call (02) 6272 4353.
The only responsibility authorised officers have in relation to the export licences for unprocessed wood is to inform unprocessed wood exporters of the possible requirement to hold a licence to export unprocessed wood.
