Vietnam has made significant progress in tackling illegal timber trade over the past five years, dramatically improving the legality and sustainability of timber imports. Through the training of 300 frontline officers and 100 timber companies, the country has reduced the risk of illegal timber entering its supply chain and enhanced the reliability of its timber products in international markets.
These efforts are not only critical for safeguarding the Congo Basin’s unique, biodiverse forests but also strengthen Vietnam’s position as a leader in responsible timber trade. On November 20, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam Forestry Administration (VNFOREST) and TRAFFIC celebrated the success of their five-year partnership aimed at protecting the Congo Basin rainforest, one of the world’s most vital forest ecosystems.
A Collaborative Effort for Forest Protection
The project involved stakeholders from Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, Vietnam, and China, focused on improving the traceability and verification of timber along its entire journey. From African forests to Asian factories, the initiative has strengthened monitoring practices, ensuring the timber entering Vietnam is sustainably sourced and legally compliant.
During the closing event, 30 representatives from government agencies, timber industry associations, research institutes, and civil society organisations gathered to evaluate Vietnam’s progress. The key focus was to discuss the next steps to ensure that timber entering the country continues to meet legal, sustainable, and ethical sourcing standards.
Achievements in Vietnam: Training and Technology Integration
The initiative’s primary objective in Vietnam was to build local expertise. More than 300 forest rangers and customs officers were trained across 47 provinces to identify illegal timber, understand sustainable forestry practices, and enforce both national and international timber regulations.
A significant milestone was the introduction of smart technology to assist in timber verification. Customs officials were equipped with the Xylorix Enforcer, a smartphone application designed to identify wood species quickly in the field. This technology has made it increasingly difficult for illegal timber to pass undetected at Vietnam’s borders.
As a result of these efforts, Vietnam now boasts a nationwide network of trained inspectors who consistently screen timber imports, ensuring the legality of timber in the manufacturing supply chain. This has led to a marked reduction in the presence of illegal timber within the country’s industry.
Promoting Industry Accountability and Market Access
The initiative also emphasised the importance of accountability within the timber industry. One of the key achievements was bringing together 100 timber companies to develop a voluntary Code of Conduct. This Code commits companies to source legal, sustainable wood and to maintain transparent supply chains.
The outcome has been highly beneficial for companies adhering to the Code of Conduct. A total of 78 companies that demonstrated compliance now have greater access to international buyers, particularly in regions like Europe and North America, where there is increasing demand for legally sourced timber. For these companies, responsible practices have become a competitive advantage in the global marketplace.
Mr. Nguyen Van Dien from VNFOREST commented: “We’ve equipped our frontline officers with the skills to differentiate legal timber from illegal timber. This not only helps protect global forests but also enhances the credibility of Vietnamese wood products, especially in tightly regulated markets like the European Union.”
Mr. Tran Le Huy, Vice Chairman of the Gia Lai Forest Product Association, added: “Proving the legal origin of wood is essential for competing in global markets. This initiative gave us the knowledge and systems to demonstrate to international buyers that our products meet their standards.”
Looking to the Future: Next Steps for Sustainable Timber Trade
As the project draws to a close, partners have agreed to move forward with a second phase. This next phase will focus on continuing to build legal, sustainable timber trade practices, further enhancing global forest protection. Some of the key priorities include:
- Continuing the training of enforcement officers to keep pace with evolving regulations.
- Exploring new partnerships to extend sustainable practices beyond traditional timber sourcing, including online timber sales.
- Expanding the initiative’s reach to other sectors within the timber industry.
Chen Hin Keong, Senior Advisor on Forest Governance and Trade at TRAFFIC, concluded: “This project has demonstrated the importance of collaboration between government bodies and businesses, both within Vietnam and across borders. By improving timber verification and tracking across borders, we have reinforced Vietnam’s reputation as a reliable supplier in international markets.”
Strengthening Global Forest Protection
The success of this initiative highlights the vital role of cross-border cooperation in strengthening the global timber trade. By improving timber traceability, Vietnam has demonstrated its commitment to protecting global forests and ensuring the sustainability of the timber supply chain.
The project’s achievements will have a lasting impact, making Vietnam an even more attractive partner for buyers seeking legally sourced, sustainable timber. As the demand for responsible forestry continues to grow, the country’s efforts will set the benchmark for future initiatives aimed at global forest conservation.
Conclusion
Vietnam’s five-year initiative to tackle illegal timber trade and promote sustainable practices has positioned the country as a key player in the global timber market. Through strategic training, smart technology integration, and industry accountability, Vietnam has created a more transparent, responsible, and competitive timber industry. With continued collaboration and focus on global forest protection, the country is poised to lead the way in sustainable timber trade.
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