Combating cross-border forest crime in ASEAN Member States

Context

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) faces difficulties in controlling the trade of forest products. Although policy instruments are in place, their implementation is inconsistent and does not fully align with international market requirements. Limited coordination among ASEAN Member States (AMSs) complicates efforts to harmonise policies and improve cross-border cooperation. Furthermore, authorities responsible for cross-border controls often lack adequate digital systems, which reduces their ability to address illegal timber trade effectively. Addressing these challenges is essential to improving forest governance in the region.

Objective

Authorities responsible for border controls in ASEAN have improved operational processes and implemented digital tools, enhancing transparency and ensuring the legality of the timber trade.

Approach

The project focuses on the following measures to combat forest crime and improve the legality of the timber trade in ASEAN:

• Establishing a regional coordination format to facilitate the exchange of information among AMS on timber trade, aligned with international environmental, social and governance (ESGs) standards, and appointing a focal point to oversee coordination;
• Organising six events to promote knowledge exchange among AMS on transparency and law enforcement related to timber legality;
• Formalising two measures to improve operational cross border control of timber products and implementing two digital tools to detect illegal forest products, which can be used by border control agencies in Laos.

Last update: March 2025