For international buyers, sourcing wood from the Philippines offers access to some of the world's finest timber. However, navigating the legal landscape - governed primarily by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - is critical to avoiding costly delays, seizures, and reputational damage.

At Philippines Wood, we act not just as your supplier, but as your expert sourcing agent, ensuring every board foot you import is 100% compliant with Philippine law. This guide outlines the key regulations you must be aware of.

The Core Regulation: Executive Order No. 23

The foundation of modern Philippine forestry law is Executive Order No. 23 (E.O. 23), which declared a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in natural and residual forests nationwide. This means:

  • Natural Forests are Off-Limits: You cannot legally source new lumber from established natural forests.
  • Plantation Focus: Legal trade is now almost entirely focused on plantation-grown species (like Gmelina, Acacia, and Mahogany) or specifically permitted harvesting in certain areas.
Sourcing Insight: If a supplier offers you large volumes of "wild-harvested" Narra cheaply and without immediate documentation, it is a major red flag for illegal logging.

Critical Documentation for Legal Export

As your sourcing partner, Philippines Wood ensures the following documents accompany every shipment. These are non-negotiable for passing both Philippine customs and receiving-end customs (such as the U.S. Lacey Act requirements).

1. Certificate of Timber Origin (CTO)

This document tracks the wood from the specific plantation or permitted harvest site to the processing mill. It proves the raw logs were obtained legally.

2. Transport Permits

Moving timber within the Philippines requires DENR transport permits. These verify that the wood didn't "disappear" and get replaced by illegal stock during transit to the port.

3. Export Authority / Commodity Clearance

Final approval from the DENR and related government bodies granting permission for the specific processed wood products to leave the country.

4. Phytosanitary Certificate

Issued by the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), this certifies that the lumber has been properly kiln-dried or treated (e.g., ISPM 15 standards for packaging) and is free from pests and fungi.

How Philippines Wood Mitigates Your Risk

Acting as your sourcing agent, we take on the burden of compliance verification so you don't have to.

  1. Pre-Vetting Suppliers: We only work with plantations and mills that have a proven track record of DENR compliance.
  2. On-Site Verification: Our team physically inspects loads and cross-references them with their transit documents before they reach the port.
  3. Full Transparency Packet: When your shipment departs, you receive a complete digital packet of all the above documents for your own auditing and customs needs.

Conclusion

Sourcing from the Philippines is highly rewarding if done correctly. By partnering with a knowledgeable agent who understands the intricacies of DENR regulations, you ensure a secure, sustainable, and profitable supply chain.