Responsible Timber Sourcing and Australian Compliance

At The Flooring Lab, we take Australia’s Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 seriously. Working with our manufacturing and supply partner, Forestry Timber Export, we gather information and supporting documentation and undertake the due diligence required for regulated timber products before import into Australia.

Because responsible sourcing is not a line added at the end. It starts before the product leaves the factory.

What Australian law requires

Australia’s illegal logging laws are designed to reduce the risk that illegally logged timber enters the country. For importers of regulated timber products, the framework includes the following obligations.

• Illegal timber is prohibited. It is an offence to import a product that is, is made from or includes illegally logged timber, subject to the Act and applicable exemptions. • Due diligence comes before import. Importers must complete the prescribed due diligence process for regulated timber products before they are imported. • The system must be written and applied. Section 13A of the Act requires a written due diligence system. The system alone is not enough; the importer must follow it for each relevant import. • The timber must be understood. The required information includes, so far as reasonably practicable, the product description, common and scientific species names, country and area of harvest, country of manufacture or processing, supplier details, quantity and sales or delivery documentation. • Risk must be identified and assessed. The importer must assess the risk that the product is, is made from or includes illegally logged timber and, where required, take reasonable and proportionate steps to mitigate that risk. • Records must be kept. Due diligence information, evidence and written assessments must generally be retained for five years from the day of import. • Certification can support due diligence. The Rules recognise FSC® and PEFC certification pathways where the particular product and supply chain meet the prescribed criteria. Certification supports the assessment, but it does not replace the importer’s legal obligations or guarantee legality by itself. The Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules 2024 set out how these requirements operate in practice.

The difference sits behind the surface

Two floors can look almost identical on a sample board. Their sourcing story can be completely different.

Species information. Harvest location. Supplier records. Risk assessment. Supporting documents. These are the details that turn a claim into something that can be checked. That matters to retailers, specifiers and customers who want confidence in the timber they are choosing.

Traceability made visible

ORIGINMARK™ puts timber origin and traceability front and centre. TRUEFEATURE EU™ identifies the authentic grain, knots and natural character of European Oak. Together, they help tell a clearer product story. The legal foundation remains the documented due diligence undertaken under the Act and Rules. Supporting certification and compliance information from Forestry Timber Export is available at forestrytimber.com. Availability and application may vary by product and shipment.

Do not compare the colour alone

Ask where the oak was harvested. Ask what evidence supports its legality. Ask whether Australia’s illegal logging requirements were addressed before import. IF YOU CANNOT TRACE IT DO NOT TRUST IT

From the forest to your floor, we believe good timber should come with clear answers.

Legal information

This document provides general information only and is not legal advice. Obligations depend on the product, tariff classification, supply chain and circumstances of each import. Importers should refer to the current legislation and Australian Government guidance and obtain professional advice where required.

Official references Illegal Logging Prohibition Act 2012 | Australian Government due diligence guidance