Mozambique High Court: No Timber Exports for 2 Years

• Over 89% of Mozambique's timber exports to China between 2017 and 2023 were in breach of the national ban on log exports.
• The scale of this trade is staggering, with 3.7 million tonnes of timber worth $1.3 billion being exported illegally.
• Corruption and cronyism are facilitating this illicit trade, with corrupt officials and traders working together to evade regulations.

A recent investigation by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has revealed that over 89% of Mozambique's timber exports to China between 2017 and 2023 were in breach of the national ban on log exports.

A recent investigation by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has revealed that over 89% of Mozambique's timber exports to China between 2017 and 2023 were in breach of the national ban on log exports. The scale of this trade is staggering, with 3.7 million tonnes of timber worth $1.3 billion being exported illegally. This raises questions about the effectiveness of Mozambique's environmental regulations and the role of corruption in facilitating this illicit trade.

Mozambique has a national ban on log exports, which is intended to protect its forests from over-exploitation. However, the EIA investigation suggests that this ban has been consistently flouted by timber companies and traders, often with the help of corrupt officials. The case of Isabel Nkavandeka, a Frelimo figure who owns a 10,000-hectare concession in Muidumbe, is particularly egregious. A Chinese businessman allegedly used her export licence to send 102 containers of illegal timber to China and subsequently returned them to Mozambique.

The scale and scope of this illicit trade have significant implications for Mozambique's environment, economy, and politics. The country's forests are being plundered at an alarming rate, with devastating consequences for biodiversity and ecosystems. Moreover, the corruption and cronyism that underpin this trade threaten to undermine Mozambique's democratic institutions and perpetuate inequality. Lawyers advising clients on Mozambican timber exports should be aware of the significant risk of non-compliance with national regulations and potential exposure to penalties or reputational damage.

Lawyers advising clients on Mozambican timber exports should be aware of the significant risk of non-compliance with national regulations, and potential exposure to penalties or reputational damage, given the scale and scope of reported breaches.

Source: Original reporting via Notícias