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Step 1: The Exemption process

Last updated on January 8, 2025

Most often, the timber owner/agent applies for a Ministerial exemption of harvested timber. Occasionally, the timber owner/agent will make an application for standing timber which requires an Order in Council (OIC) exemption. Blanket OIC exemptions can also be granted for specific areas rather than specific owners/agents.

On this page:

Surplus test for harvested timber

The timber owner/agent applies for a Ministerial exemption of harvested timber, then information about the timber is posted online in the Weekly Advertising List. 

Conditions for Surplus Test Exemptions

There are various conditions for log parcels to qualify for the surplus test as detailed in the following:

There are important guidelines when describing the location of log parcels within the coast area, described here:

Weekly Advertising List

The timber is advertised for two weeks which begins the test to determine if it is surplus to the needs of domestic operators. A new list is created each week. Current and historical Advertising Lists are available on the Advertising List web page.

Review deadlines in the annual schedule provided below:

Applications for ministerial exemptions are made using the online Log Exemption Information System (LEXIS). For access to LEXIS, please refer to the Apply Online (LEXIS) web page. For special wood products that cannot be processed online in LEXIS, please complete the following PDFe form:

Domestic mill operators may make an offer to buy advertised timber

A timber buyer that has exported timber directly or indirectly from British Columbia within the previous 90 days is not eligible to make an offer on advertised timber, see Conditions (PDF, 226KB) notice to exporters.

Review the existing Advertising Schedule for the specific cut-off date regarding submission of an offer, withdrawal of an offer, and how long an offer must remain in effect.

The offer, and any withdrawal of the original offer, must contain certain information and is submitted online using the Log Exemption Information System (LEXIS) where an email notification of the offer (or withdrawal) is automatically sent to the timber owner, copying appropriate regional contact. The offer should be entered in LEXIS no later than 3 PM on the last day of the offer period.

Please refer to the Apply Online (LEXIS) web page for:

Timber Export Advisory Committee (TEAC)

Offers are reviewed by the Timber Export Advisory Committee, who advises the minister on the fairness of offers, and recommends that the timber be considered surplus or not surplus.

The Minister or delegate determines if the timber is classified as surplus or not surplus, taking into account the TEAC recommendation and any other factors (see Conditions above). If no offer is received, advertised timber is automatically considered surplus.

When timber is surplus and relevant accounts are in good standing, the ministry issues a Ministerial Order Exemption for harvested timber to the applicant.

How long will it take?

The expected timeline for provincial and federal log export procedures is measured in terms of weeks, beginning with the surplus test for harvested timber through to permit completion. It is based on our commitment to provide complete and timely service. Individual steps may take more or less time, depending on circumstances.

Individual OIC exemption for standing timber

On occasion, an application for exemption is made by the owner/agent for standing timber. Applications for standing surplus timber are only accepted for interior areas.

Blanket OIC exemption for standing timber

An Blanket Order in Council (OIC) exemption is used to exempt some or all of the timber in a specified geographic region from the manufacture requirements in B.C. For details of Blanket OIC Exemption currently in effect, go to the Blanket OIC Exemption web page.

Please refer to the LEXIS User Manual (PDF, 1.8GB) for instructions to process an online request for a permit against a Blanket OIC Exemption in your area.

Contact information

Go to our Contacts page to find the Provincial log export contact for your area.