Vietnam extends ban on timber imports from Laos and Cambodia

Posted on December 11, 2023   |  

5 years ago, Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade introduced Circular No. 44/2018/TT-BCT, temporarily halting the import and re-export of roundwood and sawnwood from natural forests in Laos and Cambodia.

Circular No. 44/2018/TT-BCT remains in effect until December 31, 2023. 

After 5 years, the Ministry conducted a thorough review and assessment of its implementation.

To prevent any legal gaps when Circular No. 44/2018/TT-BCT concludes, the Ministry issued Circular No. 21/2023/TT-BCT on November 14, 2023. 

This circular extends the suspension of roundwood and sawnwood import and re-export from natural forests in Laos and Cambodia.

The extension is designed to maintain regulatory control over these imports and re-exports while the ministry works on enhancing the effectiveness of forest management and product practices.