Media reports say the authorities in Brazil are considering allowing the export of Amazon native tree species in log form. The authorities are considering this after being lobbied by timber businesses.
Current regulations establish that only exotic plantation species such as eucalyptus and pine can be exported as logs. The export of logs of native species is prohibited.
The current legislation requires that native timbers must be processed in Brazil before export.
According to the Estadão newspaper the export of roundwood of native species is being evaluated by the Brazilian Institute for Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA). IBAMA, an agency under the Ministry of the Environment (MMA), has already been quizzed on this by representatives of the National Forum for Forest-Based Activities, an organization made up of 24 institutions of the timber sector.
If the proposal for roundwood export is approved IBAMA plans to recommend exports be limited to logs of native species harvested in areas with sustainable management plans.