A year long investigation by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has revealed that US businesses are unknowingly importing illegal timber from Honduras.
The EIA, supported by Washington-based human rights organisation the Centre for International Policy, claims that Honduran officials regulate and collect taxes on only a tiny percentage of timber exports – and that US consumers would find it difficult to know whether what they buy is legal or not.
The report coincides with news of conflicts between loggers and ecologists which are highlighting forestry issues in Honduras.
The EIA wants sustained enforcement against illegal logging, sawmills and transport by Honduran authorities and is urging retailers to audit suppliers that may be introducing black market wood to international markets.
