Act on Promoting the Distribution and Use of Legally Harvested Wood and Wood Products (Act No. 48).

The Act on Promoting the Distribution and Use of Legally Harvested Wood and Wood Products(Act No. 48/2016) establishes Japan’s legal framework to combat illegal logging and ensure that wood entering domestic markets is sourced in compliance with Japanese or foreign laws. The Act aims to protect forests’ multifunctional roles—including climate regulation, biodiversity, and sustainable resource supply—while ensuring fair trade in wood markets. It is divided as follows: General Provisions (Chap. I); Basic Policy (Chap. II); Confirmation of Legality by Wood-Related Business Entities (Chap. III); Standards of Judgment for Wood-Related Business Entities (Chap. IV); Registration of Wood-Related Business Operators (Chap. V); Registration Implementation Agencies (Chap. VI); Miscellaneous Provisions (Chap. VII) and Penal Provisions (Chap. VIII). It defines key terms (Article 2), including "legally harvested wood and wood products", covering lumber, furniture, paper, and other products specified by ministerial order.
In order to promote the distribution and use of legally harvested wood and wood products comprehensively and systematically, the competent ministers are to specify the Basic Policy for Promoting the Distribution and Use of Legally Harvested Wood and Wood Products. The following matters shall be specified in the Basic Policy: Basic directions for promoting the distribution and use of legally harvested wood, etc.; measures to promote the distribution and use of legally harvested wood, etc.; dissemination of knowledge on the meaning of promoting the distribution and use of legally harvested wood, etc.; and other matters concerning promotion of the distribution and use of legally harvested wood, etc. The State must endeavour to take measures such as securing funds necessary to promote the distribution and use of legally harvested wood and other related activities. The Act requires wood-related business entities to collect source information, verify legality, keep records, and communicate documentation along supply chains. It also establishes a registration system enabling compliant companies to be formally recognized, with oversight by accredited registering organizations. The State must promote awareness, ensure coordination with private and international partners, and enforce compliance through guidance, inspections, and penalties. Overall, the Act supports sustainable forestry, responsible procurement, and transparent wood distribution from production to end use.