Buyer FAQ
Frequently asked questions about African Wood & Lumber Inc. — legality, traceability, species, volumes, shipping and payment. Updated August 2026.
Where does African Wood & Lumber source its timber?
AW&L harvests timber exclusively from community forest concessions in Liberia operated under agreements approved by the Forestry Development Authority (FDA): the Marblee & Karblee Community Forest (Grand Bassa County), the Gbarsaw & Dorbor Community Forest (River Cess County) and the Geblo forest area. All harvesting follows Liberia's Code of Harvesting Practices.
Is AW&L's timber legal and traceable?
Yes. Every standing tree, log and shipment is registered in LiberTrace, Liberia's national chain-of-custody system, and physically verified by SGS. Each log carries a unique tag that links it back to the stump of origin, giving 100% traceability from forest to vessel. AW&L is an FDA-licensed operator within the EU–Liberia FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreement framework.
▶ Watch the 90-second animated explainer of our chain of custody
Can AW&L support EUDR and EUTR due diligence for EU buyers?
Yes. AW&L provides buyers with the documentation needed for EU Timber Regulation and EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) due diligence: LiberTrace chain-of-custody records, harvest permits, geolocation data of harvest areas, species and volume documentation, SGS inspection certificates and export permits.
Which timber species does AW&L export?
AW&L manages more than 100 documented West African species. Commercially significant species include Niangon (Heritiera utilis), Iroko (Chlorophora excelsa), Azobé/Ekki (Lophira alata), Tali (Erythrophleum ivorense), Doussié (Afzelia spp.), Apome, Sapele, Sipo, Dibetou/Dahoma and Lovoa. See the full species catalogue with technical specifications and live stock.
What products does AW&L supply?
Round logs (tropical hardwood) and sawn timber for international and Liberian markets. An integrated on-site sawmill, kiln drying and biochar production are under development as part of AW&L's zero-waste forest economy plan.
What volumes can AW&L supply?
AW&L has 10,000 m³ of round-log supply contracted for 2025–26 and typically holds over 5,000 m³ of tagged log stock at the AW&L log yard. Multi-year framework contracts for regular monthly volumes can be negotiated.
What are the shipping terms and export port?
Standard sales are FOB Port of Buchanan, Liberia (Incoterms 2020). Other terms, including CFR/CIF to major Asian and European ports, can be agreed case by case. Every shipment undergoes pre-shipment SGS inspection and export permitting by the FDA.
How is quality and measurement verified?
Logs are measured and graded at the log yard, tagged and recorded in LiberTrace. SGS independently verifies species, dimensions and volumes before export. Buyers receive tally sheets and specification lists for every shipment, and third-party inspection by the buyer's surveyor is welcome.
What payment terms does AW&L accept?
The standard instrument is an irrevocable letter of credit; other secured arrangements can be discussed for repeat customers and framework contracts. Contact info@africanwood.net for a quotation.
How do local communities benefit from AW&L's operations?
AW&L operates under FDA-approved social agreements with four forest communities. Communities receive land-rental payments, harvesting fees and negotiated social benefits (infrastructure, employment, training). Community partnership is the foundation of AW&L's legal sourcing model.
Who runs African Wood & Lumber and where is it based?
African Wood & Lumber Inc. is a Liberian-registered company headquartered at GIMS Compound, Sophie Community, Congo Town, Monrovia, Liberia. It was founded in 2019 by CEO Cesare Colombo, who has decades of experience in the worldwide timber trade.
How can I get a stock list or quotation?
Email info@africanwood.net. Registered clients can access live tagged stock, specifications and shipment tracking in the Client Area.
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