The government has issued a regulation restricting timber exports in a bid to eliminate rampant log smuggling and illegal logging. Under the new regulation issued on Wednesday only registered exporters are allowed to export logs. In addition vessels flying foreign flags are not allowed to serve inter island shipping carrying logs. The restriction was issued under a joint ministerial decision signed by the industry and trade minister, communications minister and forestry minister. Communications Minister Agum Gumelar said yesterday the new regulation is expected to reduce smuggling as detection should be easier as only those companies registered may export logs.