Korea’s Verification System on Timber Legality
Illegal logging is a major global problem that contributes to forest loss and climate crisis.
The theft, laundering and trade of illegal timber, occurs across the world, and the United Nations and Interpol estimated that illegal logging costs global community up to $240 billion per year(2012). Hence, global efforts are essential to halt illegal logging and prevent negative impacts on forestry ecosystems and economies.
Since 2018, Korea has had laws to combat illegal logging and associated trade, and promote the trade of legal timber products. These laws are set out in the Act on the Sustainable Use of Timbers and related regulations.
When you import timber and products including pulp into Korea, you have legal responsibilities and need to check your obligations.
Import Inspection Operation
Timber Legality Documentation
- A permit for felling issued pursuant to the statutes of the country of origin
- Documents internationally recognized to certify legally harvested timber and products
- Forest Management or Chain of Custody certificates issued by FSC/PEFC
- certificates issued in accordance with mutual recognition between countries and PEFC
- certificates issued in accordance with the international verification system for sustainable use of biomass (including a third-party certificates under ISO 17065) - Documents mutually recognized through bilateral consultation between the Republic of Korea and the country of origin
- Any other documents that assure the relevant timber and products have been legally harvested and traded
Regulated Timber Products
| Item | Harmonized System tariff code | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Wood pellets | 4401.31 | |
| 2. Logs | 4403 | |
| 3. Sawn wood | 4407 | including preservative treated, retardant, or laminated wood |
| 4. Wood sheet | 4408 | |
| 5. Shaped wood | 4409 | |
| 6. Particleboard | 4410 | |
| 7. Fibreboard | 4411 | |
| 8. Plywood | 4412 | |
| 9. Wood pulp | 4701, 4702, 4703, 4704, 4705 |