<em class="hl_800">Korea Forest Service-Customs Service "Strengthening Customs Inspection of Illegal and Substandard Wood Products"</em>

by Jeong Ilwoong

Published 09 Jan.2025 09:36(KST)

On the 9th, the Korea Forest Service announced that it plans to focus on strengthening year-round collaborative inspections with the Korea Customs Service to completely block the import of illegal and substandard wood products whose safety has not been verified.

Field officials such as forest judicial police are inspecting imported wood products at the customs clearance stage for any abnormalities. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

The collaborative inspection targets include wood products closely related to public health, such as charcoal and molded charcoal used for outdoor activities like camping or barbecues, as well as wood pellets that may contain heavy metals.

The Korea Forest Service plans to significantly enhance customs inspection procedures through cooperation with related agencies, including the Korea Customs Service, and will return or completely dispose of any illegal wood products found at the customs clearance stage.

Jo Young-hee, Director of the Wood Industry Division at the Korea Forest Service, stated, “Illegal and substandard imported wood products pose a serious threat to the domestic wood industry and consumer safety. Through establishing a close cooperative system with related agencies, we will protect consumers' health and safety and establish order in the distribution of wood products.”