Illegal Logging - Definition and Sanctions

Illegal logging is the unlawful collection, transportation, barter, trade or release into the market of timber. There are national laws that strictly require loggers and the companies involved to have permits in each process to be legitimately approved. In each step, the loggers must be aware and knowledgeable about the limits, details and manner by which they accomplish the tasks.

What Constitutes Illegal Logging?

There are several factors that can make the logging procedure illegal. The manner of collection or harvesting may not be following the standards stipulated by the contract or permit. The area limits of logging may have been breached. The types of timber or trees which are forbidden to be cut may have been included in the process. There may be fraud in the legal documents or permit or no permit may have been secured before the logging was done.

Once the harvesting is done even by legal means, the loggers may still be charged with illegal logging if the transportation, barter, trade or release into the market was not done appropriately. There has to be legal and authentic declaration of all the materials in the customs and trade department. Due taxes and other fees must be declared and duly paid. The processing of the timber and approval for export must also be acquired in order for the materials to be legally transferred and distributed.

How The Authorities Are Handling Illegal Loggers

National laws are very strict against illegal logging since it is a long-enduring and huge problem that threatens both man and nature. There have been joint efforts by several agencies and international movements around the world in order to protect wildlife and other inhabitants of forests. Illegal logging is an environmental crime which means that the unlawful harvesting and distribution of timber is only a trigger to bigger problems that can harm or kill nature and other human beings. Offenders are strictly dealt with by the government.

Illegal logging can greatly affect national economy, security and social status. The action can be the root of deeper and organized crime movements involved in mass killings, terrorist acts and violence. There are a variety of associated crimes that may cause or stem from illegal logging such as fraud, theft, smuggling, illegal trade or even murder. These are all reviewed by government agencies to clearly identify the reason behind the act.

Laws Governing Illegal Logging

The statutes, limitations and penalties for illegal logging vary across the nations. There are a number of countries who strongly impose the death penalty to core members and leaders of illegal loggers. Huge fines and long jail time are also common punishments rendered to those found guilty of the act. Fines can range from $500,000 to $5,000,000 and imprisonment can last from five years to a lifetime. The government doesn’t take the offense lightly since it has a huge detrimental impact in the development of the country.

The illegal harvesting and trading of timber is still rampant even with the strict statutes and active efforts by several global agencies. Ten percent of the total timber trade in the world is done by illegal means and is projected to generate more than $150 billion annually.

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