TPPD bans timber products for exhibition without confirmation of source
TPPD bans timber products for exhibition without confirmation of source
The Trade and Product Promotion Department (TPPD) of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce will not allow timber products to be exhibited at an upcoming expo in China if businesses can't confirm their sources.
Officials of the TPPD recently explained this to representatives of 61 enterprises as they prepare to bring their products to the 13th China-Asean expo in Nanning next month.
Laos has been given 140 display booths this year, increased two-fold from last year.
Officials said timber products that can't confirm their sources will be strictly banned to export to the expo which is in accordance with Prime Ministerial Order No. 15 issued on May 13 aiming to extract more value from natural resources of the country before exporting.
Order No. 15 has also instructed ministries and provinces to delegate responsibility in implementing measures that prohibit the export of timber, unprocessed wood, and non-timber forest products.
The prohibition also covers the logging quota approved by the governme nt previously; meaning all forms of logs and timber must be fully processed and converted into finished products before being exported.
Officials pointed out that all enterprises related to timber products, such as furniture, should submit their product lists to TPPD authorities before exporting for the expo and that this would help to avoid unnecessary seizure of their products at border check points.
The TPPD has said it will look to seize timber products immediately if exporters can't endorse their sources, which aims to carry out the PM's order.
According to officials at the Lao National Wooden Products Industry Association if the order continues to be strictly enforced it would help more than 1,000 wood-processing firms access raw materials and add value before being exported.
Officials of the TPPD also told representatives of enterprises that products that involved extin ct animals and plants on the lists of the Conservation on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna Flora will also be prohibited for exhibition.
This is in accordance with the relevant regulations of China as enterpr ise and individual exhibitors who need to import wild animals and plants or related products should apply for and obtain the Permit Certificate for Import/Export or the Certificate for Non-Regulated Species.
