Arishma Devi

To strengthen compliance and streamline the trade of forestry products, the Vanuatu Government has implemented the Forestry Module through its Trade Single Window (TSW). 

This new module is a major milestone in the ongoing implementation of the Vanuatu Electronic Single Window (VeSW) Project, aimed at simplifying and accelerating international trade processes across the country.

Developed in close collaboration with the national project team, the Forestry Module digitizes and automates the application, processing, and issuance of Export Permits for regulated forestry products.

The system will be used by the Department of Forestry (DoF), under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry and Biosecurity (MALFB), and its key stakeholders, including exporters and customs brokers.

“This is a critical step forward in modernizing how we manage our forestry exports,” said Mr. Tekon Timothy Tumukon, Director General MALFB.

“By integrating the forestry permitting process into the Trade Single Window system, we are enhancing transparency, compliance, and ease of doing business for our exporters,” Mr. Tumukon added.

Prior to this development, the Department of Forestry operated a fully manual permitting system, centralized at its main office in Port Vila, limiting its ability to expand its regulatory oversight to a wider range of forestry products and geographic areas.

Additionally, it was challenging for Vanuatu Customs to verify permits at the border before allowing exports.

With the introduction of the Forestry Module, the entire permitting process becomes digital and streamlined. The new system enables:

  • Electronic submission and processing of export permit applications
  • Automatic verification of permit status by Vanuatu Customs at points of export
  • Expansion of permit processing to additional DoF offices across the country
  • Improved regulatory oversight of a broader range of forestry products

By implementing this module within the Trade Single Window system, Vanuatu ensures interconnectedness between the Department of Forestry and Customs, strengthening controls on regulated products while reducing administrative burdens on both traders and government officials.

The initiative was brought to live with support from the UN Trade and Development as the Single Project Implementing Partner and the Vanuatu Government.