Laos and Cambodia's natural forest wood import and re-export ban

5 years ago, on November 15, 2018, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Circular No. 44/2018/TT-BCT regulating the temporary suspension of business in temporary import and re-export of round timber and sawn timber from natural forests from Laos and Cambodia. This Circular is effective until December 31, 2023.

After 5 years of implementation, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has conducted a review and assessment of the implementation of Circular No. 44/2018/TT-BCT. Based on the results of the summary and assessment, to avoid legal gaps when Circular No. 44/2018/TT-BCT expires, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Circular No. 21/2023/TT-BCT dated November 14, 2023, regulating the temporary suspension of business in temporary import and re-export of round timber and sawn timber from natural forests from Laos and Cambodia.

Accordingly, continue to maintain policies to limit illegal exploitation, transportation and trade of wood across borders, and control the situation of traders taking advantage of regulations on temporary import and re-export of round timber and sawn timber to commit commercial fraud.

Continue to implement policy mechanisms and measures to improve the effectiveness of forest management and forest product management. Ensuring compliance with international regulations that Vietnam has participated in such as the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between Vietnam and EU countries on forest law enforcement, forest governance and forest product trade (VPA/PLET), Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (Cites)...; strengthen measures to protect the environment and combat climate change...​