A BAN on the export of raw timber by Cameroon’s parliament came into force last week. However, export licenses issued until 19 January, the day before ban, remain valid until 30 June. Passed in 1994, the new bill aims at promoting local timber processing. Apart from some 20 species explicitly barred from export, 600 others can still be traded on the proviso that the dealers obtain the necessary permits from the ministries of forestry and trade, officials said.