On Friday, October 1, 2021, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) office announced an agreement to resolve the Timber Section 301 Investigation. The agreement secures commitments that will help keep illegally harvested or traded timber out of the supply chain and protect the environment and natural resources.

Vietnam agreed to improve its Timber Legality Assurance System; keep confiscated timber out of commercial supply; verify the legality of domestically harvested timber; and work with high-risk source countries to improve customs enforcement at the border and law enforcement collaboration.

This investigation was part of a two part investigation into Vietnam related to both timber imports and currency valuation as previously noted in Noatum Logistics Trade Alert here.

The USTR views the use of the Section 301 investigation as a success and stated, “USTR first use of Section 301 in this investigation shows the strength of using this tool to address concerns regarding environmental risks or the enforcement of environmental laws.” The full text of the agreement with Vietnam can be found here.

If you have any questions, please contact your local Noatum Logistics representative.