China Lifts Virginia Hardwood Log Import Ban

The government of China has announced its decision to lift the ban on hardwood logs imported to China from Virginia effective September 15, 2013.  Heading into the fall, a peak log export shipping season, this is great news!  

Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore has expressed appreciation to members of private industry and federal partners along with the Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (VDACS) staff.  Working tirelessly with the representatives from the government of China for an opportunity to demonstration fumigation and testing procedures certifying safety of Virginia hardwood and softwood logs, a visiting delegation of Chinese technical experts arrived in the Commonwealth in April 2012.  A pilot testing program began in June 2012 which has presented verifiable evidence to the safety and surety of Virginia hardwoods.  

While the ban has been lifted for hardwood logs, it remains for softwood logs originating or tested in the Commonwealth.  The Pine Wood Nematode concern that remains will continue to be a top priority within the Administration and Secretary's offices and both have reached out once again to our industry leaders asking for options so that all Virginia forest products will have access to every global market. 

Watch for more developments on this front in the coming months.