Overview

This bill aims to prohibit the sale of illegally sourced timber and wood products within the United Kingdom. It establishes penalties for those involved in the sale or import of such materials, regardless of whether the illegality was known or not.

Description

The Illegally Logged Timber (Prohibition of Sale) Bill makes it illegal to sell or offer for sale wood products harvested, sold, taken, or possessed illegally in their origin country. This includes timber, bamboo, and rattan, and their products. The bill defines key terms such as "distributor" (anyone involved in manufacturing, selling, importing, or exporting wood commercially) and "importer" (anyone bringing wood into the UK commercially).

Prohibited Acts: The bill outlines several offenses: knowingly selling illegally sourced wood, attempting to do so, acting recklessly without knowing the wood was illegally sourced but where such should have been known, selling illegally sourced wood in good faith, and falsifying records related to wood sales.

Penalties: Penalties vary based on the offense. Knowingly selling or attempting to sell illegal wood carries a potential five-year prison sentence and/or a £100,000 fine. Reckless actions result in a possible one-year sentence and/or a £50,000 fine. Good-faith actions result in a fine, while falsifying records carries a possible one-year sentence and/or a £10,000 fine. Fines can be increased per consignment of wood involved. The Secretary of State may increase penalties via order, which requires approval from both Houses of Parliament.

Forfeiture: The bill mandates the forfeiture of any wood products linked to the offenses.

Subordinate Legislation: The Secretary of State can issue supplementary regulations regarding the Act. These regulations are subject to parliamentary oversight.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify any changes to government spending. However, there could be indirect costs associated with enforcement and potential compensation for businesses affected by the regulations.

Groups Affected

Businesses: Importers, distributors, and manufacturers of wood products will be directly affected and must ensure their supply chains are compliant with the new law; non-compliance could lead to heavy fines or imprisonment.

Consumers: Consumers may face higher prices or limited choices if the bill restricts the supply of wood products.

Environmental Groups: These groups will likely benefit from the bill's aim to curb illegal logging and promote sustainable forestry practices.

Law Enforcement Agencies: These agencies will be responsible for enforcing the legislation.

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