Thailand's new rules: ban the export of big red acid branches
Recently, the CITES working group of the International Department of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (referred to as China Green Development Council and Green Council) noted that from August 16, 2023, Thailand will ban the export of big red acid branches.
Due to its high aesthetics, scarcity and durability, it is in high demand in the international market. However, precisely because of its rare and precious properties, the big red acid branch has also become a target for illegal logging and smuggling. Through illegal logging and illegal export, criminals smuggle big red acid branches to the international market and obtain huge profits. Such illegal activities pose a serious threat to the natural resources and ecological balance of Thailand and other producing countries.
In the summer of 2023, Thailand announced two new timber trade regulations, one of which came into effect on July 17, requiring traders to have an import certificate when importing timber, processed wood and wooden handicrafts. In addition, according to the Bangkok Post, the export of red acid sticks will be banned from August 16.
Ronnarong Phoolpipat, director of Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Trade, stressed that the new timber regulations aim to bring the current trade situation in line with international standards. Under Thailand's new timber regulations, the import of timber logs through customs checkpoints in Tuk, Kamphai Paburi and Mae Hong Thuan provinces will be stopped. In addition, the import of processed timber, as well as big red acid wood from Cambodia and Laos, processed red acid wood and handicrafts made from big red acid wood from Cambodia and Laos, will be banned through checkpoints in Mae Hong Thuan province.
Despite these restrictions, the import of timber logs, processed timber and wooden handicrafts not included in the prohibited categories will still be permitted, provided that traders can hold a certificate of origin or export license. Ronnarong said the export of big red acid logs, processed big red acid wood, bagged and sacked big red acid branch trees, and handicrafts made from big red acid branch wood will be banned. Exports of timber logs and processed timber that are not on the ban list will need to be authorised under the new timber regulations.
In addition, exported wooden handicrafts and charcoal must comply with forestry laws and must be accompanied by a certification letter for trade or export purposes. However, Ronnarong also clarified that the export of rubberwood is not subject to these regulations.
