New Zealand Nervous About Australia's Lacey-Like Legislation

New Zealand's wood industry is concerned that an anti-illegal logging bill under consideration in Australia, which is similar to the U.S. Lacey Act, could block exports, according to Radio New Zealand.

A representative from New Zealand is working on a stakeholder group developing the legislation. The New Zealand Wood Processors Association supports international measures to ban illegal logging, but it is concerned that Australia's bill does not adequately define illegal timber. Glen Mackie, an analyst with New Zealand Forest Owners, told Radio New Zealand that his country is an extremely low risk for illegal timber since it requires certain high-risk species to be at least third-party certified for legality.

In separate news, Australia and New Zealand recently signed a memo of understanding to fight illegal logging and promote sustainable forestry.