Under the new law, which came into effect on 1 January 2017, semi-processed timber (such as beams, planks and parquet) may be exported, but will be subject to an export tax. There is no tax on the export of finished wooden goods, such as furniture.
The law is expected to halt the devastation of the country’s forests. The issue of illegal logging in the country has also been identified as a key source of revenue loss to the government.
China is the main importer of wood from Mozambique, and there have been incidents of Chinese nationals participating in logging without a licence. Chinese traders accounted for over 90% of Mozambican timber exports, according to the environmental research organization, International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED).
Celso Correia, the minister for land, environment and rural development is quoted in an article published in the UK Guardian as saying, “We are cleaning the house now”, in reference to the corruption and illegal logging that has dogged the country’s timber sector for more than a decade.
“We have seized more illegal wood in one year than Mozambique has since independence. We are passing a new forestry law and a new conservation law,” he added.
In 2015, FSC Africa held a stakeholder dialogue in Mozambique,where it was concluded that a national FSC standard should be developed for thecountry.In 2016, The Government of Mozambique received a donationfrom the World Bank for the establishment of a National REDD Strategy. TheGovernment intends to utilise part of the funds to hire a firm to establish aNational Forestry Certification Scheme. We are very pleased with the exciting progress and will keepinterested parties informed of relevant developments in the country.