What is News for China New Rule of Log import |
May 1st,2018 China Log Export Update
To Our Valued Customers: Global Lumber Inc has been closely following the situation in China regarding log exports from the USA. Below are several updates from industry association advisories: Appalachian Hardwood Manufactures, Inc:Date: 5/1 I want to offer a brief update on the U.S. log shipments to China issue that was first reported on Friday. There is little news today because many Chinese government offices and businesses were closed April 30 and May 1 for the Labour Day holiday. It appears a "rules enforcement change" in the Chinese departments that oversee log imports has caused the issue. I spoke with the U.S. Department of Commerce's Commercial Services Director for China and Mongolia today who said there has been a consolidation of programs within the Chinese government. He was not aware of a specific change in enforcement procedures for log imports but sent information I provided to Commerce and Trade officials in China. National Hardwood Lumber Association:Date: 5/1 As of this morning (May 1st) APHIS has not received any official communication. The Foreign Agricultural Service is working on putting together a communication and as soon as this information is received NHLA will share. National Hardwood Lumber Association:Date: 4/27 NHLA has been made aware of a developing situation involving the exports of logs to China. While there has been no official communication from either the Chinese government or US government officials in China, we have confirmed from three different freight forwarding companies as to the situation at hand. It has reported to NHLA that "No logs (hardwood or softwood) can enter the following ports unless they are de-barked or have been fumigated: Zhapu, Yantian, Qingdao. Other Chinese districts are expected to follow suit." American Hardwood Export Council: Date: 4/27Like many of you we have been hearing about sudden changes to Chinese customs enforcement on imported hardwood logs, including reports that log shipments are being halted at several Chinese ports while enforcement policies are clarified. It is important to point out that we have not yet received any official communication from either the Chinese government or US government officials in China but we strongly suggest you check with your freight forwarder before making any additional shipments. We will keep you advised when we receive word from the US Agricultural Trade Office in China. In the meantime, please note that to our knowledge the phyto regulations on log shipments have not changed, but it appears that enforcement—particularly in relation to logs being transshipped through Hong Kong—is being stepped up and the so-called “Hong Kong Stamp Loophole” is being closed. For your reference, below are the phyto requirements for hardwood log shipments to China according to USDA-APHIS: The most stringent China requirements are on oak with bark, due to oak wilt. We are required to fumigate with methyl bromide, at 15 lbs/1000 ft³ for 72 hours. Without bark only a Phyto Certificate is required. All other species and states are: Logs (Hardwood) from All Other States
Logs (Hardwood) from SC and VA
Your Global Lumber Inc log experts are ready to assist you as we obtain additional information from China and the United States. |