Forest Department Announces July 15 Logging Season Closure

The Belize Forest Department is reminding all logging license and permit holders that the 2025-2026 logging season will officially close on July 15, after which all logging operations conducted under approved licenses and permits must come to an end.  The closure means that the felling, harvesting, hauling and transportation of logs, timber and timber products will no longer be permitted after the deadline. The department says the annual shutdown is an important measure to ensure the sustainable management of Belize’s forest resources and to maintain compliance with national forestry laws. Before the season closes, operators transporting timber must ensure every load is accompanied by a valid waybill and a Permission to Haul issued on a per-load basis. In addition, each log must display both the registered Property Brand Mark and the official Forest Department Hammer Stamp.  The department says applications for permission to haul must be submitted through the appropriate Forest Department Range Office. Each request will be assessed individually, and approval may depend on field inspections to verify compliance with license conditions, royalty payments and other regulatory requirements.  The Forest Department also advises holders of petty permits for private and leased lands that no new permits will be issued after July 15. Any forest products harvested under those permits must also be transported before the season closes.  Officials are warning that anyone found transporting logs or timber without the required documentation or official markings could have the products seized and face prosecution under the Forest Act.