ETTF NewsWinter/Spring 2017 @ettf1 www.ettf.info

Building sustainable tropical timber’s UK Confederation market share PHOTO: Wijma issues its manifesto The UK Confederation of Timber Industries (CTI) unveiled its Industry Manifesto outlining key strategies at the Timber Expo show in Birmingham.

The CTI is a federation of federations, formed in 2015, and the Manifesto launch was a collaboration between members the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), ETTF Federations in action on Structural Timber Association (STA) and Timber Trade Federation (TTF). sustainable tropical timber The document details the CTI’s focus on four development areas: Value and Four ETTF federations have been approved for European Sustainable Growth, Sustainability, Skills and Education Tropical Timber Coalition (STTC) awards to develop sustainable and Construction and Housing. Improved tropical timber sourcing, procurement and sales strategies. performance in all of these is needed, states the CTI, if it is to fulfil its aims of 'growing the UK timber industry, promoting best practice and The Danish Timber Trade Federation (DTTF), about tropical timber too. boosting collaboration across the supply chain’. Le Commerce du Bois (LCB), AEIM and GD “It’s ambitious,” said Mr Petersen, “but to “We need to show the value that Holz all put forward Action Plans (AP) to the increase imports we need to improve tropical our sector brings to the economy, the STTC, outlining proposed activities. These had wood's negative image.” environment and UK skills base,” said David to align with Coalition criteria for increasing Director Jakob Rygg Klaumann said the DTTF Hopkins, TTF Managing Director and CTI certified sustainable material’s share of the plans to engage members to increase Danish Board member. European tropical timber market. imports of sustainably sourced tropical timber Click here for the Manifesto They could range from encouraging by 30% above 2015 levels by 2020. It will also implementation of private and public sector develop tools for members to use in daily sustainable procurement policies and customer communication, underlining that supporting use of lesser known tropical timber ‘sustainably produced tropical timber is safe, species (LKTS), to increasing tropical timber's versatile and readily available’. applications and marketability. "The STTC grant is important in our efforts GD Holz has undertaken to provide to transform our current Code of Conduct [on straightforward explanations of the EU Timber sustainable sourcing] into purchasing policy,” Regulation and the EU FLEGT Voluntary said Mr Klaumann. Partnership Agreement initiative, which General Secretary Alberto Romero said Left to right: Andrew Carpenter, CEO STA, combine to block illegal timber from the EU. AEIM’s Action Plan focus from 2017 to 2020 David Hopkins and Iain McIlwee, CEO BWF “Timber legality assurance is the first and would be to ensure accuracy in tropical timber most important element of sustainable proof of origin and to develop guidance and sourcing,” said Head of Foreign Trade Nils support in securing evidence of legal and Olaf Petersen. “It effectively paves the way to sustainable sourcing. De Turck and Bos retire “It’s very important for the Spanish market, increasing supply and demand of sustainably With the incorporation of the Belgian where certified tropical timber demand is still sourced tropical timber.” Timber Importers Federation (BFHI) into low,” said Mr Romero. The German federation also plans to the larger Fedustria organisation, General AEIM is also encouraging use of LKTS, while demonstrate the diversity and versatility Secretary Bart De Turck and Secretary the STTC is collaborating on its March 9 Timber of tropical timber, including LKTS, with a Lieve Bos have decided to retire. special display at the Interzum furniture and in the Bioeconomy symposium (see p2). interiors show among its projects. Details of LCB’s Action Plan will be Mr De Turck has recently been instrumental It aims to tackle popular misconceptions announced soon. in reshaping the BFHI, working towards continuation of its activities within a broader network. He has also 02 Belgian Timber Importers Federation teams up 07 UK led EU mission upbeat on Ghana's FLEGT with Fedustria VPA progress been an active and valued figure in the ETTF. 03 EU trade welcomes first FLEGT-licensed goods 08 Presidents in place at Italian federations Ms Bos worked for the BHFI arrivals 09-10 Viewpoints from Sampsa Auvinen, for over 40 years and was 04 Merger of ETTF and ATIBT legality and business Patrick Baraize, Armand Stockmans and described by Fedustria as the sites creates powerful new online tool Carles Alberch ‘face of the organisation’. 05 World experts on timber building potential at 11-12 Indonesian CSOs support counterparts “Members owe her great

Contents Danish Conclave abroad in the FLEGT VPA process. And thanks for her service to the NEPCon unveils LegalSource updates 06 Timber set to benefit from Dutch eco policy timber trade,” Fedustria stated. Bart de Turck See p2

Winter/Spring 2017 01 ETTF News @ettf1 www.ettf.info

Belgium, a major trader and importer. A showcase PHOTO: Vandecasteele for timber The GD Holz www.holzvomfach.de website has been relaunched to become an even more important part of its timber sector image campaign

The German Federation says the Holz vom Fach (Wood from the Pros) brand statement underlines the sector’s service quality commitment, and the site emphasises that this underpins a wide array of products. The new user-friendly and heavily pictorial design enables consumers to quickly navigate the site, and it has sections BFHI teams up with Fedustria dedicated to product families, including The Belgian Timber Importers Federation (BFHI) and Fedustria, the Belgian federation of flooring, doors, garden wood products, textiles, wood and furniture industries, joined forces from the new year. At the same time, decking and cladding. a new Wood Import group was formed within the latter's Wood and Furniture section. There is a heavy stress on timber’s performance and sustainability and information on forestry, certification and The BFHI membership comprised around membership will open up a broad spectrum legality due diligence. 40 companies (importers and agents and of additional services, such as social affairs, The site also links to GD Holz’s ‘Who associated businesses). Between them they environment and technical support." supplies wood’ database, enabling users to turn over €450 million and employ 400 people. BFHI’s working group activities for panels, match products with nearest supplier. Fedustria is a much larger body, formed softwoods and hardwoods will be continued For timber traders it has information on in the 2007 merger of furniture, textile and under the new structure, while topics such training and lists providers. wood federations, Febelbois and Febeltex. as the EUTR, FSC/PEFC certification, CITES, “We’re the voice of an industry comprising customs regulations, statistics and CE- 1,916 companies, with combined turnover marking will be covered by Fedustria experts. of €11.2 billion and a 38,446-strong BFHI representatives will take seats on workforce,” said Fedustria Deputy General the Fedustria board and the latter has also Manager Filip De Jaeger. taken up the BFHI's ETTF membership. The incorporation of BTIF within Fedustria Koen de Witte, CEO of former BFHI was requested by members. member Altripan, welcomed the merger. “The aim was to ensure continuation of "This framework will give us greater their activities in an organisation capable support in adapting to constantly changing of providing the required support," said regulation and working out a level Mr de Jaeger. “Preliminary discussions also playing field in terms of EUTR, responsible revealed that topics and issues relevant to purchasing and quality policy," he said. wood importers were covered by Fedustria, Filip de Jaeger: [email protected] providing continuity. In addition Fedustria Ingrid Hontis: [email protected] Wood sector is key to bioeconomic development

AEIM is hosting a special event on Timber and the Bioeconomy. To be held in Madrid on March 9, the day before its General Assembly, the seminar will look at how the wood industry can contribute to and capitalise on this model for sustainable, low carbon development. Alberto Romero at the Spanish “The bioeconomy is a novel concept, pointing to a new economic Assembly approach based on renewable resources, in which wood can AEIM participated in talks with play a key role, especially in sustainable construction,” said the Environment Ministry General Secretary Alberto Romero. The event, in which the European Sustainable Tropical Timber Organisation is a partner, will also look at the role of trade associations in developing ethical and environmental policy. Speakers include Ignacio Ferrero Muñoz, University Belgium on upward curve of Navarra Professor of Business Ethics, and Manuel Lainez Andrés, Director of the National Institute of Agricultural and Food Research and Technology. The Belgian timber and furniture sectors both saw continued AEIM is also now participating in the ‘Together for the Forests’ (Juntos por los growth in the first three quarters of 2016. According to bosques) lobbying platform. This brings together 32 Spanish forestry and Fedustria figures, the wood sector, including panel products, timber bodies to put forward sector development proposals. solid wood construction timber and packaging, increased “We have already presented to the Spanish Assembly and Environment and sales 6.7% % to €2.12 billion on the same period in 2015. Agriculture Ministry,” said Mr Alberto. “One aim is to promote timber products' Furniture sector sales rose 4.5% on 2015 to €1.86 billion. value in the context of a bio- or circular economy.” To register for Timber and the Bioeconomy: www.aeim.org

Winter/Spring 2017 02 ETTF News @ettf1 www.ettf.info

Part of the first In Antwerp (pictured shipment at l to r) Alexander Antwerp De Groot CEO FEPCO, European FLEGT-licensed Environment Director-General Daniel Calleja timber greeted Crespo, Belgian Federal Environment Minister Marie- as sustainable Christine Marghem, Ambassador of Indonesia to Belgium development and the EU H.E. Yuri O. Thamrin, Koen De Witte CEO milestone Altripan and Deputy Ambassador of the The arrival in the EU from Indonesia Antwerp Harbour Tom Monballiu. of the first ever FLEGT-licensed timber was greeted by the European trade as a major advance in international timber legality assurance and a blow Andrew Tilbury and UK against illegal logging. Indonesian Ambassador Piers Latham and Dr Rizal Sukma the Ambassador

The shipments, largely of plywood and door lessons learned in the FLEGT initiative being combat illegal trade and ultimately maintain blanks, landed mid-January at the ports of applied elsewhere, including in achieving our forests.” Antwerp in Belgium and Tilbury in the UK, sustainable palm oil production. Piers Latham, Director of importer/ where special welcome receptions were European Commission Director General distributor James Latham, said FLEGT attended by importers, government and for the Environment Daniel Calleja Crespo licensed timber was a major advance and Indonesian ambassadorial representatives. agreed that it was ‘only the beginning’, complemented his company’s commitment The Belgian event, hosted by importers with the hope that other VPA signatory to sustainability. Altripan and FEPCO, was attended by suppliers would follow suit and complete “What we would now like to see is around 50 people, including Belgian Federal implementation soon. increased communication around FLEGT Minister for Energy, Environment and The Tilbury event was attended by licensing for the trade and awareness- Sustainable Development Marie Christine importers, Indonesian Ambassador Dr Rizal raising in the marketplace,” he said. Marghem, ETTF Secretary General André de Sukma and his team, and representatives Andrew Tilbury, Managing Director of Boer and Filip De Jaeger, Deputy General of the Department for International fellow importer Falcon Panel Products, Manager of Belgian timber and wood Development (DFID), which has long said FLEGT licensing was in also tune with products association Fedustria supported Indonesia’s timber legality efforts. market developments. “This is a key moment for the timber Dr Sukma described the shipments as a “Customers are increasingly demanding sector worldwide in our progress towards ‘concrete outcome of close cooperation on evidence of both legality and sustainability achieving a level playing field for the timber legality assurance between Indonesia certification,” he said. legitimate industry and finally eradicating and the EU and liaison between our trades’. Dr Sukma said Indonesia now wanted to illegal trade,” said Mr de Boer. “FLEGT-licensing relieves the burdens of share its FLEGT VPA experience with other HE Yuri O Thamrin, Indonesian further due diligence under the EUTR and countries engaged with the initiative. Ambassador to Belgium, said the occasion other administrative difficulties from our “We don’t want this to be for our exclusive was a milestone for his country’s trade, exports, making them more attractive to benefit,” he said. “Illegal timber and the forest environmental image and sustainable European customers,” he said. “It underpins loss it causes is a global problem, so we want development. His government also saw our progress toward sustainability, helps FLEGT licensing to be part of a global solution.” FLEGT levels legality playing field

GTF: What does it mean for you that FLEGT customers aware, but I think FLEGT will give licensed wood is available from Indonesia ? Indonesia a very good market position.

Koen de Witte (KdW): You have to bear in GTF: How are customers responding mind [EUTR-required] due diligence is not a to availability of FLEGT-licensed timber science and the way it’s done depends on a products? Has there been perceptible company’s commitment and resources. But increase in demand? FLEGT creates a level playing field [in legality- assurance for buyers and suppliers]. KdW: Unfortunately not yet. But companies Alexander de Groot and Koen de Witte There are also European customers that like Fepco and Altripan will push for it by have been afraid of touching tropical wood making the product available and promoting because of risk under the EUTR and negative it – this is our responsibility now. Hosts of the Antwerp FLEGT-licensed publicity. FLEGT means that we can promote timber reception Alexander de Groot tropical wood to these companies again. AdG: It will also be the responsibility of and Koen de Witte, CEOs of FEPCO and European governments to help promote Altripan, told Sarah Storck, of the Global GTF: Will Indonesia gain competitive FLEGT licensed wood. For example, FLEGT Timber Forum (GTF), that they saw advantage from FLEGT licensing? should be immediately incorporated into trading and image-building benefits, as public procurement rules and given the same well as added legality assurance, leading Alexander de Groot (AdG): We’ll need status as FSC or PEFC. from the licensing breakthrough. to see how the next months go and make For the full report: www.gtf-info.com

Winter/Spring 2017 03 ETTF News @ettf1 www.ettf.info

Powerful due diligence and ETTF addresses legality and market business tool is born opportunity The ETTF is participating in a number of key global industry events through March.

Secretary André de Boer presented at the ATIBT-Forum in Dubai at the start of the month. The event covered a range of topics, from forest management and adding value to tropical timber and training. Mr de Boer The ETTF and International will spoke on the EUTR. Tropical Timber Technical He is also joining a trade mission to Association (ATIBT) have signed a Myanmar, following an earlier trip to assess memorandum of understanding The new site will be an effective timber procurement aid. the country’s draft timber legality assurance on the merger of their timber PHOTO: courtesy Patrick Baraize, system (MTLAS), prior to the end of its legality risk assessment websites. Le Commerce du Bois government logging moratorium in April. At the end of the month Mr de Boer will address opportunities and threats for The organisations say the sites, an EU FLEGT project to improve international tropical timber at an FSC meeting with www.timbertradeportal.com and communication on VPA/FLEGT and the EUTR. forest owners in Bonn. www.legal-timber.info, fulfil similar It now has ‘country sheets’ on five African He will also participate in meetings at the functions, but have unique attributes too. producers; Liberia, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Indonesian embassy with VPA-candidate Merging them under the Timber Trade Portal Cameroon and Democratic Republic of Congo. country forest owners. brand will deliver efficiencies and synergies; These detail the export documentation and create a more powerful online tool for needed, species and products supplied and supporting traders’ sourcing and legality due which timbers are under trade or CITES diligence activities worldwide. restrictions. The Timber Trade Portal comprises profiles The site also offers an EUTR-aligned due of supplier countries worldwide. These diligence system. include business contacts and trade data, with “The aim of Legal-Timber was to help timber information on timber and forestry sector importing companies put in place EUTR regulation and controls. This helps EU traders due diligence by providing a prototype DDS, ensure they are sourcing legally and fulfilling plus relevant and verified producer country due diligence obligations under the EUTR. information and latest EUTR news,” said ATIBT The Portal launched last year, supported General Director Benoît Jobbé-Duval. “It also by the European Sustainable Tropical lists supplier country industry organisations, Timber Coalition and the International so provides a real-business-to-business Tropical Timber Organisation. Developed service too.” and managed by Netherlands-based Form Bringing the sites together, he added, was International, it includes legality and trade the natural step. profiles of 24 countries on four continents. “It’s more efficient to have one site and the Combining business and legality merger will deliver a long-term, unique and information creates a convenient one-stop high quality information portal, with greater shop, said ETTF Secretary André de Boer. resources for updating and growing into the “It helps international traders develop future,” he said. contacts and do business, while ensuring that The combined site, at business is legal and EUTR compliant.” www.timbertradeportal.com will be in The ATIBT's Legal-Timber began as part of English and French. Construction Drilling down to legality DNA a cut above NEPCon has produced a report on timber species identification systems as part of its Supporting Legal Timber Amsterdam is the latest city to head for Trade programme with the Global Timber Forum. timber high-rise, with a 21-storey cross The initiative is designed to help traders meet EUTR and laminated timber (CLT) apartment block other market legality regulation requirements worldwide. starting construction in November.

Authored by NEPCon’s Oliver Cupit, the Timber Testing The Haut building – short for Haut Couture – Techniques report examines ‘classical’ visual species has been designed by Team V Architecture, identification methods, macro- and microscopic anatomy with Lingotto as developers. analysis. It then comes up to date with DNA analysis, which The construction schedule of the 73m, 55 compares genetic sequences in wood, and stable isotope apartment block is approximately the same analysis, which measures ratios of common elements in wood as Vienna’s 24-storey CLT and glulam HoHo to give an ‘isotope signature’ which helps identify origin. development, so the two will vie for the title of The report cites cases where various species and origin world’s tallest residential timber building. testing methods have been used, and lists wood testing One reason timber is being used is its centres across Europe. sustainability and carbon sink capacity, with the

Click here for the full study softwood CLT storing 3 million kg of CO2.

Winter/Spring 2017 04 ETTF News @ettf1 www.ettf.info

'Starchitect' Green headlines Netherlands timber construction summit accepts MTCS as sustainability proof

After a lengthy and thorough process, the Netherlands Timber Procurement Assessment Committee (TPAC) has sanctioned the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) as proof of sustainability.

TPAC’s certification scheme The Danish Timber Trade Federation was a co-planner assessments inform of the Go2Wood Conclave in Copenhagen, an event to government procurement inspire and inform a wood and building sector audience policy and their conclusion on the potential of timber construction – with Canadian Michael Green’s Paris Baobab opens the door to Malaysian wood ‘starchitect’ Michael Green the keynote speaker. development proposal timber being used in public projects, which in turn should influence wider The conference not only blueprint for the 35-storey Baobab timber private sector procurement. focused on the timber development for Paris. Infrastructure and construction process, but "People are afraid wood can burn or isn’t is Environment State Secretary Sharon Dijksma also the capacity of the strong enough. So perceptions of the possible Sharon Dijksma said the forests to deliver sufficient must be changed. Prestige projects with 40 TPAC evaluation was only sustainably sourced storey skyscrapers must prove timber is safe part of Dutch government policy to drive raw material. Vivian to build with. " sustainable procurement. Kvist Johannsen, of the Another guest speaker, Nick Milestone ‘Protecting forests is crucial in combating University of Copenhagen, of timber hybrid building specialist B&K climate change,” she said. “With the and Professor Jonas reinforced Mr Green’s message. His company recognition of MTCS, the government has Rönnberg, of the Swedish worked on London’s Dalston Lane project, the taken a further step toward this. But the Michael Green University of Agricultural world’s biggest wood-based building, using effort does not stop. Just 10% of all world Sciences, contended 4,400m3 of cross laminated timber. forests are certified and we will need energy that forest growth in Denmark and other He described B&K’s prefabricated system to tackle the remaining 90%.” parts of the world, made it feasible, adding as a "quick flat pack technology". that managing forestry for timber was itself “Wood is also lighter than concrete so environmentally beneficial. reduces deliveries to site up to 80%,” he said. Mr Green, famed for his wood “Go2wood was a great conference”, UK Federation building advocacy TED Talks, said global said DTTF CEO Jakob Rygg Klaumann. ”It demographics made high-rise building vital. was a rare opportunity to link the value revamps RPP “But wood is the only way to make it chain – embracing forests, wood working sustainable,” he told the Conclave audience, industries, trade, architects, engineers, The UK Timber Trade Federation (TTF) adding that the timber and construction designers, constructors, as well as education has launched a revised version of its industries had a mission to debunk institutions. It put timber on the map and Responsible Purchasing Policy (RPP) misinformation about wood-based buildings, in the minds of people as a serious building legality assurance due diligence system. especially multi-storey. material that will contribute significantly to a The architect has recently developed a not-too-distant sustainable future.” The RPP was regarded as a model for timber organisation procurement systems, but needed updating to meet International softwood members’ changing due diligence needs. The result, said TTF sector in concert Managing Director David The International Softwood Conference 2017 takes Hopkins, is a ‘simpler, more place in Hamburg, hosted by GD Holz in association robust toolkit for meeting with the ETTF and the European Organisation of EUTR legality requirements’. Mike Worrell Sawmill Industries. The revision was led by Continuing the annual event’s tradition of TTF Head of Policy and delivering latest information from experts Sustainability Mike Worrell and overseen by its in their fields worldwide, the speaker roster Forests Forever Committee. includes industry figures from Russia, “The RPP now better enables EUTR due China, the USA, Canada and more. diligence procedures, increases reporting on The programme will round off sustainability indicators and provides greater with presentations on the global risk management,” said Mr Worrell. “It should macroeconomic picture and softwood give members and their customers increased consumption in house building. The ISC confidence in the RPP logo.” gala dinner will be held in Hamburg’s new The TTF is also planning a meeting of Elbphiloharmonie concert hall. (pictured). European timber trade bodies this spring Further programme details will be to discuss topics including EUTR, FLEGT and announced soon. FLEGT VPAs, plus the implications of Brexit. Click here for the RPP Hub page

Winter/Spring 2017 05 ETTF News @ettf1 www.ettf.info

Dutch environmental Success policy points to timber in tough The outcome of latest Dutch government climate change and market wider environmental policy decisions should be increased market opportunity for wood, according to Netherlands Timber Trade Association Managing Director Paul van den Heuvel.

The country’s aim is to create a truly ‘circular ‘Commodities economy’ over the next 30 years, with the Agreement’ was The Netherlands stress on using products and materials that signed on January Circular 2050 Report can be re-used, recycled and ultimately 24. This states that: disposed of in an environmentally sound way. "Where new resources are needed, fossil, To this end Economic Affairs Minister critical and non-durable commodities The post-recession Greek timber business Henk Kamp recently submitted the report should be replaced by renewable and widely remains tough and highly competitive, but ‘Netherlands Circular in 2050’ to the available raw materials”. the Hellenic Timber Companies Association, House of Representatives. “This clearly represents an excellent continues its initiatives to encourage The first element of the policy, the opportunity for wood and wood products,” architects, engineers and end users to use said Mr van den Heuvel. more wood. The initial component of the Commodities Agreement, he added, is the Netherlands ‘Forest and Wood Action Plan’, a timber Over the last six years it has run a series of sector and forest owners initiative, involving impactful competitions and educational events the NTTA. in association with design, architectural and “This provides for the Dutch forestry technical universities. sector to both expand the forest and deliver In the latest project, HTCA worked with significantly more wood to help meet Dutch The Architectural University to recreate “Le climate and circular economy goals,” said Cabanon”, Le Corbusier’s famous small holiday Mr van den Heuvel. “It was countersigned cabin, comprising okoumé plywood and pine. Celebrating signing off the Forest and Wood Action Plan; by Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Minister “The event was a great success, with Le (l to r) Paul van den Heuvel, Evelien Verbij, Director of the of State for Infrastructure and Environment Cabanon, on show first at the Athens Benaki Dutch Association of Forest and Natural Land Owners, Prime Minister Rutte and Environment Minister Dijksma Sharon Dijksma at the Dutch National Museum, then in Chania in Crete, attracting Climate Summit in October.” over 4,000 visitors,” said HTCA president Christos Papanastasiou. “And such projects are having an effect. Greek construction is at low levels, but wood is gaining market share.” IHC in Venice The International Hardwood Timber in Conference takes place this year in construction Venice, hosted by Fedecomlegno. was one conference focus Organised in association with the ETTF and the European UK industry puts points to parliament Organisation of Sawmill Industries, the IHC As part of efforts to raise its profile with government, the UK venue will be the Confederation of Timber Industries (CTI) held its first Industry Hilton Molino Stucky Conference in Westminster, London in November. Hotel on the island of Giudecca in front of San Marco Square. Delegates and speakers included given its topicality, Brexit. “The conference Members of Parliament (MPs) The second panel discussion also will cover a wide range of major topics Dave Hopkins in the Timber Industry All Party featured MP and industry speakers, plus concerning production and trade in Parliamentary Group (APPG), representatives of the builder, developer and temperate and tropical hardwood sectors,” which formed last year, giving industry architectural sectors. They discussed the UK said Fedecomlegno Chief Executive Stefano attendees the chance to access key policy housing shortage, modular homes, timber Dezzutto. “Speakers will cover market makers and opinion formers. frame buildings, apprenticeships, the timber analysis, sustainability and innovative The CTI also used the event to launch supply chain, skills building and construction applications – all with an Italian twist!” its Policy Reports outlining its plans and market forecasts. IHC 2017 starts on Wednesday strategies; these covered sustainability, value “The timber supply chain is a vital part of November 15 with a welcome event. The and growth and skills and education. UK manufacturing and construction and main conference takes place on November The first session featured a speaker panel provides employment across the country,” 16, and the Gala Dinner that evening in drawn from industry, parliament and other said David Hopkins, Managing Director a central Venice Palazzo. A city tour is experts in the field. They addressed themes of the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) and planned for November 17. such as the EUTR and global timber trade Member of the CTI Board of Directors. “This The IHC 2017 website will be on line soon, regulation, wood’s critical role in developing conference was a great way to highlight the giving programme and booking information. low carbon economies, forest growth and, facts to policy makers."

Winter/Spring 2017 06 ETTF News @ettf1 www.ettf.info

UK Timber Trade Federation Hamburg move heads Ghana fact finding mission to boost FTD global profile After 13 successful years in Bremen, the GD Holz Foreign Trade Day (FTD) is moving to Hamburg as part of moves to raise international awareness and attendance at the event.

The GD Holz Foreign Trade Department, which organises The UK Timber Trade Federation has led a European trade mission and hosts the FTD, said the to Ghana to evaluate the country’s progress under its EU FLEGT event had established itself as a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (FLEGT VPA). key occasion for its 130-strong company membership at its former Bremen home. It drew The delegation comprised company and trade tracking material through the supply chain. importers and exporters from body representatives from Denmark, Spain, Mission participants gained an overview across Germany to discuss Germany, France, Belgium and the UK, including of the Ghanaian Forestry Sector, from forest key trading issues and topics. Danish Timber Trade Federation Director Jakob to mill, and met other representatives from However, it was decided it was Rygg Klaumann and Le Commerce du Bois EUTR the GFC, civil society organisations and time for a change. Nils Olaf Petersen Officer Patrick Baraize. Ghanaian trade associations. Relocating to Hamburg, The mission, late 2016, was co-ordinated by The conclusion was that Ghana, which said GD Holz Head of Foreign Trade Nils Olaf UK TTF Head of Sustainability Mike Worrell. signed its VPA in 2009, has made significant Petersen, would make the FTD even more of a A key focus was Ghana’s online Wood progress, both in implementing verification global forum and outward looking. Tracking System, one of the mainstays of its procedures and in its tracking system. Mr “The Foreign Trade Department Board timber legality assurance framework, with Worrell said delegates’ role was now to has decided to recast the die and to make an overview delivered by Ghanaian Forestry “communicate these invaluable findings to the FTD a more international occasion, with Commission (GFC) Head of Validation Chris the European market to encourage greater producers and sellers from abroad attending Beeko. The system tallies harvest and timber trade with Ghana”. as guests and speakers,” he said. “Hamburg is supply, with information uploaded to a See p10 for Mr Baraize’s account of the trip. another world-renowned German importing central database via handhelds in the forest, Click here for a full mission report seaport, and for foreign delegates it is easier to get to.” The event format is for delegates to break out into four group meetings to address specific divisional interests within the trade; traders, brokers, plywood planing mills and tropical timber. A general assembly follows, where members convene to tackle trade-wide topics and listen to key note speakers on macroeconomic issues. The FTD is also an important networking opportunity and includes a pre-conference The group visited dinner. It takes place this year on March forests and mills 30-31 and will include election of the Foreign Trade Department Chairman. Healthy start for tulipwood CLT An American Hardwood Export Council (AHEC) showcase project has led to the first building being constructed entirely in hardwood cross laminated timber (CLT).

In 2013, AHEC teamed with architects dRMM Tulipwood is generally regarded and engineers Arup to develop Endless as a paint-grade interior joinery and Stair, a multi-direction staircase, made cabinet carcassing material. This entirely in US tulipwood CLT, as a showpiece project shows it has much wider for the London Design Festival. application possibilities. The design According to AHEC European Director “It has a better strength-to-weight PHOTO: dRMM David Venables, this demonstrated the ratio than concrete or steel, is a structural potential of one of the most carbon negative resource, and has a more also ties in with the belief that wood prolific and, therefore, most sustainable of sophisticated finish than softwood,” said construction delivers a healthy interior American hardwoods. dRMM’s Alex de Rijke. environment and imparts a sense of well- The same team has now come together The 260m2 Maggie’s Centre uses 17m3 being. Consequently the healthcare sector to deliver the Maggie’s Cancer Care Centre of CLT and features ultra-durable thermo- is seen as a major potential market for in Oldham, Northern England, with the treated interior and exterior tulipwood hardwood CLT construction. structure in tulipwood CLT, including some cladding. The Maggie’s Centre should be completed surplus panels from the Endless Stair. The application of timber at the Centre by the summer.

Winter/Spring 2017 07 ETTF News @ettf1 www.ettf.info

Presidents in place Climate summit for Italian shows inspires strategy

The new presidents for Fedecomlegno and parent Fedustria, which now incorporates the organisation FederlegnoArredo have been elected in time for Belgian Timber Importers Federation Emanuele Orsini the Italian timber and furniture sectors’ big showcase events, (see p2), is working on two timber market Made Expo and Salone del Mobile. development strategies inspired by the outcomes from the Flemish government’s Emanuele Orsini, 43, took almost 100% of Orsini. “We need constant dialogue with all Flanders Climate Summit last year. the votes for the FederlegnoArredo role. players in our complex supply chain to help Following studies, he joined the family tackle the challenges of everyday business.” The summit brought together timber construction business Sistem The new President of Fedecomlegno, industry federations and policy Costruzioni and was later elected President Alessandro Calcaterra, was elected makers to focus on achieving of Assolegno, the timber processing and together with its new board in January. a low-carbon Belgian economy construction trade body, and an affiliate, Mr Calcaterra is CEO of Legnonord spa, and society. with Fedecomlegno, of FederlegnoArredo. a third generation family firm supplying the Fedustria subsequently “The primary mission of my presidency is range of timber and panel products. developed its initiative to to tie this Federation more into the regions "My Presidency coincides with major highlight wood’s superior carbon where member companies are,” said Mr international challenges, but we also have storage benefits, life cycle some positive solutions, for example the assessment performance and EU Timber Regulation and associated due capacity to advance achievement diligence, which are now producing positive of a circular economy. Filip de Jaeger effects,” he said. “We must now highlight “Wood has a key part to wood’s unique benefits, as the only truly play in Flemish climate policy,” said Fedustria sustainable raw material, particularly given Deputy Managing Director Filip de Jaeger. our opportunities to deliver a real boom in “Substituting non-renewable materials with

timber construction over the next decade.” wood reduces CO2 emissions and supports Mr Calcaterra said he also aims to sustainable forest management and growth.” broaden Fedecomlegno’s membership and The initiative is aimed at taking these work closely with associate Italian EUTR messages to policy-makers, architects, Monitoring Organisation ConLegno. students and consumers. It is also targeting the MADE Expo www.madeexpo.it/en/ authorities to encourage them to specify wood Alessandro takes place from 8 to 11 March and Salon and capitalise on its carbon sink capacities. Calcaterra, right, www.salonemilano.it/en/ with past president del Mobile Fedustria’s second policy strand, working Pierluigi Schifino 4 to 9 April. They are expected to attract over with the HSOB timber frame association, 200,000 and 300,000 visitors respectively. aims to promote use of wood in construction. Building in timber, it maintains delivers low energy, high embedded carbon housing. As ….Use it, or lose it part of the campaign it is supporting more timber training for architects.

Post-EUTR import insights

A new report from Fedecomlegno analyses Green deal 2.0 – latest figures on timber, paper and furniture imports into the EU, providing a the sustainability picture of trade trends post implementation Covenant of the EUTR.

The Netherlands Green Deal 2.0 is set to The study, ‘European Union comprise a ‘Covenant’, pledging participants The new report timber and timber-related to encourage sustainable forest management products imports –Monitoring through procurement and promotion of the timber and paper market following the sustainably sourced timber and wood products. introduction of Regulation (EU) No. 995/2010’, was undertaken by the Fedecomlegno Research Centre under the supervision of Chief Executive Stefano The first Green Deal, co-initiated by the the Economy and Infrastructure and Dezzutto and Deputy Director of FederlegnoArredo Netherlands Timber Trade Association Environment, is designed to build on the Sebastiano Cerullo. It follows a statistical report (NTTA) and Joinery Manufacturers success of the first initiative. So far it has released last year, but with updates and more detail, Association (NBvT), which ended 2015, been endorsed by 32 organisations. plus new graphs and tables to communicate with a allied importers, end users, specifiers and “It has also come up with two slogans,” wider pan-industry audience. government to make sustainable sourcing said NTTA Managing Director Paul van It looks at EU-wide figures and trade movements the sector norm. It saw certified timber Den Heuvel. “The first is ‘The Netherlands and breaks out Italian imports and EU exports from sales rise and growth in awareness of the Sustainable Timber Standard’, the second, Indonesian and Myanmar. need for sustainable forest management. addressing the risk of forest conversion “The report will initially be released to Italian and EU The Covenant, backed by the where it's not sustainably managed for institutions, before being made more widely available,” Netherlands ministries of Foreign Affairs, timber production, is ‘Use it or lose it’.” said Mr Dezzutto. “It will then be updated annually.”

Winter/Spring 2017 08 Viewpoints @ettf1 www.ettf.info Optimism amidst uncertainty A resilient EU economy and construction sector and post-Brexit UK stability give the European softwood sector cause for optimism, despite global economic and political unpredictability, writes European Organisation of Sawmill Industries’ President Sampsa Auvinen

“Conclusions with impacts on UK and European economies the US have increased steadily and this will from the last not expected to become clear for up to a continue, if not pick up. International decade. But we will just have to get used to it. European economic growth is also forecast Softwood With the state of oil prices, the MENA to continue, albeit at just 1.4 % in 2017, and Conference ISC in Region’s economic outlook does not look it will be the fourth consecutive year of Sampsa Auvinen Paris were that promising. Sawn timber imports from Europe construction upturn. Average construction market outlook was and Russia have decreased and, with social growth is still below 2%, but we are clearly out reasonably positive, unrest and continuing oil price volatility, of the crisis. but with potential dark clouds on the horizon. demand is expected to remain weak. We still have a way to go to reach 2007's The outcome of the UK’s Brexit vote created However, demand from China and Japan record European sawntimber volumes, but the most significant uncertainty, alongside has remained strong. Late 2015 the Chinese 2017 is expected to exceed 2008's total. MENA region demand prospects. But overall economy showed signs of slowdown, but this As forecasted in Paris, production is not sawntimber production was forecast to grow did not materialise and sawn timber imports expected to grow rapidly in any European by about 2% per year, both in 2016 and 2017, continued to grow. It will be interesting to see country, with log availability in most being keeping the supply/demand balance healthy. how long this continues. satisfactory, but insufficient to raise output We’ve had little further clarity on Brexit since, US–Canada lumber agreement negotiations drastically. but the UK economy has continued on the continue, but it is likely that some sort of import But, while, if anything uncertainty has same path, with encouraging construction duties or quotas will be introduced, putting increased with the rise of populist politics activity and timber consumption. Uncertainty upward pressure on North American lumber in Europe and Trump’s US Presidency, our over UK departure from the EU will continue, prices. European sawn timber shipments to outlook remains cautiously optimistic."

Patrick Baraize

Logs marked in the forest: Ghana advances on all photos Patrick legality assurance Baraize Le Commerce du Bois EUTR officer Patrick Baraize reports from the UK TTF-led mission to Ghana to review its FLEGT Mills, old but VPA implementation (see p7) operational

“We were guided through Ghana’s progress worked. Plants were clean, workers had toward full implementation of its FLEGT safety equipment and, we were assured, Voluntary Partnership Agreement (FLEGT were fairly paid. VPA) in the south west district of Sewfi Mill directors also showed interest in the Wiawso. Here the country’s Timber Legality FLEGT-VPA process and were working on Assurance System (TLAS) is being tested compliance with the GFC. Uploading before nationwide rollout. We subsequently met other companies, harvest data The Ghana Forestry Commission (GFC) who said not all had the resources of those explained that the TLAS comprised a forest we visited. They stressed the importance of units and area mapping system; maturity involving all types and size of operation in on available Ghanaian timber species is measurement of trees; and a 40-year harvest the FLEGT VPA process, and urged greater also needed and private sector woodlands rotation management system. Once trees contact on the issues with EU traders. require integration into legality assurance are felled, they are marked and the wood is This reinforced my feeling that we’d only and enforcement systems followed along the transformation process seen an ideal sample of Ghana’s forestry However, our overall view was positive. via Ghana’s online Wood Tracking System system. However, the GFC emphasised that If Ghana succeeds in applying the Sewfi (WTS). We got the impression of a sound, Sewfi Wiawso would be a TLAS model for the Wiawso model to all forests, it should holistic forest management approach. And rest of the country. finalise its VPA. The country also has other on the ground it lived up to the theory. So challenges remain for Ghana to get advantages in this context; political stability, We visited mills in Sewfi Wiawso and all timber companies to the same legality a relatively good corruption perception index Kumasi. Their machinery was old, but performance level. More communication and sound infrastructure.”

Winter/Spring 2017 09 VIewpoints @ettf1 www.ettf.info

Left: Armand Stockmans RIght: Somex supplied 250m3 of FSC Okan for a bridge at Antwerp’s Tomorrowland Festival

Hardwood balancing act and Bukit, Meranti prices have plateaued at a higher level. The international hardwood trade does not envisage seismic Suppliers of Brazilian decking also upped trends this year. But there are concerns beyond trading prices, which buyers, mainly in France, factors, including whether FLEGT-licensed timber could refused to pay. Once existing stock is exhausted, however, we can expect these impact certified sustainable timber demand, writes increases to feed through. Armand Stockmans, Director of Somex Wood Import We are also seeing demand increases for finger-jointed laminates in all countries – presenting an opening for using lesser “It’s too early to gauge precisely how with availability and price trending static or known species. the European hardwood sector will fare down for some species, but up for others. The arrival of the first FLEGT-licensed through 2017. But, while 2016 ended with Asian demand is picking up again in Africa timber from Indonesia is also positive overall. a slowdown, and individual markets are and some species like Tali and Azobe logs are But will it be for FSC-certified suppliers in the showing a range of trends, overall indicators difficult to get. However, Sipo prices are level country, or indeed, worldwide? point to general stability. and Iroko is rising, but slowly. Availability of FLEGT-licensed timber could France, for instance, remains difficult. FSC Ayous is scarce and demand is strong. lead buyers and suppliers settling for legally- Prices and volumes are low and turnover But Padouk availability improved, thanks to assured only and not progressing to FSC decreasing. However, the Netherlands is lower demand from China and India. In fact or PEFC-certified material. In Africa we’re picking up with timber and construction shortage turned into a surplus, although, already hearing: ‘Our FLEGT VPA will soon be sectors ahead nearly 9.5% in the last with strong Belgian consumption and Asian implemented, we don’t need to do anything three months. buyers returning, this could evaporate. until then’. Initial 2016 growth in Belgium petered out Sapele prices are up again too; 5% The market may also open to buyers who in the second half. But currently the situation generally, and 10% for fixed sizes. The basis don’t want to, or can’t implement EUTR due looks stable. of this though is the positive Dutch market, diligence legality assurance systems. Meanwhile, Spain is in better mood and which is moving increasingly to finger-jointed To minimise these risks, while welcoming consumption is increasing . product in sapele and meranti. FLEGT-licensing, the trade should emphasise The supply side also looks reasonably calm, After increases in heavier variants Nemesu that our goal is legality and sustainability."

Mr Alberch said the government needs to get the EUTR message out to finished goods AEIM President urges supplier providers too, especially those importing from third-party manufacturers abroad legality standard clarity which make goods from imported timber, such as the Chinese. “These imports also need tight policing and are an area where In an interview with Spanish timber sector magazine Madera Sostenible, customs should step in,” said Mr Alberch. AEIM President Carles Alberch urged a tougher approach on legality for The EU, he added, should also be more both buyer and supplier rigorous in legality standards demanded of other countries. For a start, Mr understanding of the agricultural sector, "We Europeans set ourselves increasingly Alberch told the but are not so familiar with the international rigorous requirements, but do not demand magazine that Spanish wood trade,” he said. “This generates them from third parties,” he said. authorities should be problems for importers. Getting required Mr Alberch also addressed the need for a even stricter on EUTR documentation for EUTR Compliance is Spanish timber marketing campaign in the enforcement. difficult enough, but the authorities don’t face of rising alternative materials competition. The government, he know what to ask and can’t advise on how we “We do not yet have a timber culture, so maintained had been obtain the information.” need some basic promotion,” he said. “But slow in implementing In the meantime, he said, the AEIM has this need not be such a great challenge. it and has now stepped in to support the industry. It advises We can learn from Northern and Central delegated enforcement on EUTR compliance and has devised its European countries and translate and responsibilities to own EUTR-compliant due diligence system. It adapt their tried and tested campaigns and Carles Alberch regional authorities. also liaises closely on legality issues with the marketing materials.” “These may have an authorities, NGOs and other stakeholders. Click here for the full article

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outreach to tell people about their potential role and rights under the VPA. It was a huge undertaking, Mardi Minangsari, of the Environmental Investigation Agency and a key figure in CSO umbrella group JPIK (the Independent Forest Monitoring Network), said the Indonesian government was not initially proactive in involving CSOs. “We had to drive the multi-stakeholder approach for the VPA from the start, and before that in Indonesia’s SVLK timber legality assurance system, which now underpins FLEGT licensing,” she said. In short, she added, Indonesia’s CSOs had to be hugely committed, persuasive and persistent. But the outcome is significantly increased transparency and much broader interest and participation in timber sector FLEGT boosts civil decision-making. “Government and business may not have encouraged engagement, but as we talked society self-help and involved more stakeholders, they became increasingly receptive and today listen to our concerns and appreciate our input.” After playing a key role in implementing their country’s FLEGT The CSOs also helped in political and Mardi Voluntary Partnership Agreement with the EU, Indonesian civil technical aspects of Indonesia’s VPA Minangsari society groups are sharing experiences with counterparts in implementation. other countries engaged in the initiative. Mike Jeffree reports “Our involvement lent credibility to the SVLK and FLEGT licensing,” said Ms Mardi. “And JPIK’s formally-acknowledged role as In early January, ships from and reap the rewards. Indonesia, they said, independent monitor has already led to Indonesia carrying the first had put down a serious marker. reviews and operational improvements, ever cargoes of FLEGT- There was less comment in the trade press almost annually.” licensed, legally assured about the pivotal role played by civil society Reading this, CSOs in other VPA countries timber docked at Antwerp organisations (CSOs) in getting Indonesian might be daunted by the challenges ahead. in Belgium and Tilbury in and EU industry and authorities to this point; But thanks to the Indonesians’ successful the UK. from NGOs and small timber and forest trail blazing, the good news is that they now Warangkana The occasion was greeted businesses and cooperatives, to local councils, have a model to follow. Moreover, Indonesian Rattanarat enthusiastically across community groups and indigenous peoples CSOs are also keen to support counterparts the EU timber sector and representatives. elsewhere. The hoped for outcome is that, garnered trade media coverage throughout It is obligatory under a VPA for supplier while VPA processes in other countries will Europe and Southeast Asia. countries to ensure wide-ranging engagement be no less demanding, their CSOs should find At quayside welcome receptions, it was in setting the direction and strategies of them easier to navigate. billed as a key moment in international timber timber and forestry industries. Stakeholders Indonesian CSOs began connecting with legality (see p3). Speakers said it would boost at all levels must also be empowered to stakeholder groups in other VPA countries Indonesia’s European exports and timber influence national timber sector policy and, on an ad hoc basis. Then exchange became trading links, as FLEGT-licensed products are indeed, VPA negotiations. more structured, with particularly strong exempt from further EU Timber Regulation As Indonesian CSOs found, this sometimes and frequent connections with Ghana, Laos, due diligence. It was presented as a further proved easier said than done. They had to Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, but also blow against illegal logging and trade, and a overcome the inherent reluctance of some liaison with Malaysia and other countries. spur for other supplier countries to implement in business and government to view their “We mostly communicate remotely, but their Voluntary Partnership Agreements role as anything but token. Ensuring grass CSOs in Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and (VPAs), so they too could issue FLEGT licences roots involvement also demanded extensive Vietnam have all visited Indonesia and we’ve been to Myanmar to share perspectives,” said Ms Mardi. How to achieve stakeholder involvement in VPA negotiations is a key topic of these conversations, as is how to access government information needed to monitor the forestry and timber sectors. Ghanaian CSOs, Ms Mardi said, have drawn on the Indonesian experience to develop proposals for their VPA’s ‘transparency annex’, while discussions with the Vietnamese have centred on monitoring the VPA timber legality assurance system. The Thais consulted on smallholder and community forest engagement, and preparing input for their timber legality definition. The CSOs in these countries themselves take an equally positive view of what seems CS0s meet in Vietnam to be developing into an international VPA and Thailand continued...

Winter/Spring 2017 11 Interview @ettf1 www.ettf.info

FLEGT boosts... communications and support network. In 2016, Vietnam and the EU agreed in principle on the content of a VPA, which they expect to sign this year. This was something Vietnamese CSOs had urged for some time, said Tue Tran Ngoc, FLEGT Manager at the Vietnamese Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD), with their efforts becoming increasingly coordinated since 2012, when they formed the Vietnamese NGO FLEGT Network (VNGO FLEGT). This umbrella group has focused on the potential impact of a VPA on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), how to support forest-dependent communities through the process, and building stakeholder capacity for getting involved. It is also pressing for The VPO demands community engagement representation on the EU/Vietnam FLEGT Joint at all levels: Photos Tue. Tran Ngoc Implementation Committee and to become a FLEGT independent monitor. Against this background, Mr Tran Ngoc said “Some participants were sceptical on how The first link came when Indonesian CSOs insights from Indonesian CSOs have been a FLEGT VPA would benefit community visited Myanmar in 2012. particularly valuable. groups, but the visit showed its potential “We held joint workshops and study tours,” “Advice on securing participation in VPA to raise governance and industry standards, said Mr Lian Thawng. “Now we connect negotiations has been especially useful,” he and how CSOs could facilitate SME and around twice a year. Indonesia has some said. “Currently there is no independent smallholder involvement,” said parallels with us on political issues and we monitoring provision in the proposed Ms Rattanarat. “Indonesia presented a learned how its CSOs mobilised, engaged Vietnam/EU VPA, so learning about how they vision of forest and trade governance that with stakeholders and advocated to achieved monitor status and the challenges of was transparent, accessible, decentralized government, international NGOs and the the role has been useful.” and credible.” EU. We have a long way to go to achieve Warangkana Rattanarat, Thailand Country Ms Mardi also sees value in CSO exchange sustainability, legality assurance and fair Program Coordinator for the Center for with countries further back on the VPA trail distribution, but we’re in a better situation People and Forests (RECOFTC), sees “CSOs in Myanmar, which is now considering than before. There is meaningful discussion further obstacles ahead for her country in a VPA, have been particularly active liaising among stakeholders and CSO-government implementing their VPA. But there’s growing with us,” said Ms Mardi. “They’ve secured engagement is improving.” awareness of the incentives and CSOs are representation from the get-go in a multi- Ms Mardi now expects international increasingly proactive in communication on stakeholder interim legality assurance CSO communication on FLEGT VPAs to the issues with public and private sectors. task force and are building independent increase. She is also encouraged by growing “We see FLEGT as an engine for forest monitoring capacity.” government and private sector exchange reform and ensuring rights of small and According to Salai Cung Lian Thawng of between countries on the topic. marginalised stakeholders,” said Ms Myanmar’s Pyoe Pin public/private sustainable From the Indonesian experience, she also Rattanarat, “It should also deliver economic development programme, not all its CSOs had further core advice for CSOs elsewhere development. Demand for legal, sustainably are yet convinced a VPA is the course to take. on VPA engagement. sourced timber is increasing globally and However, they still value Indonesian thoughts “You must have a clear idea of what you a VPA would improve our market access, on improving forest governance and timber want from the process and fight to be heard,” leading to better business and supply legality generally. she said. “But in a multi-stakeholder process, chain management.” “Our CSO consensus is that the without compromising your integrity and The Thais and Indonesians first exchanged fundamental goal is good forest governance goals, you are also expected to negotiate and on FLEGT at a VPA forum for ASEAN CSOs. and legal domestic and export timber trade,” find common positions. First get the process This was followed by a fact-finding visit to said Mr Lian Thawng. “If the VPA gets us moving. Then reinforce from there.” Indonesia for meetings with smallholder there, fine. If it doesn’t satisfy our needs, organisations and NGOs, and ‘intensive we’ll find another route. Either way, we can discussions’ with other CSOs. learn from Indonesia’s experience.” New LegalSource increases clarity The NEPCon LegalSource legality assurance management and due diligence system has been revised to adapt to market need and make it even more rigorous.

Companies certified under the Under LegalSource 2, companies included on sales documents when scheme will now have to review must additionally systematically making a LegalSource claim. due diligence systems at least evaluate supply chain information “The new version of the standard annually. and documents to determine has clearer requirements for They also need procedures to relevance and validity. managing the due diligence address substantiated complaints And third party certification system,” said Christian Sloth, forest and measures for dealing with systems must provide assurance legality expert at NEPCon. “In instances where products have of low risk of illegal harvest, trade, particular, we've clarified checks been put on the market before risk transport and mixing. companies need to carry out to Christian Sloth assessment, or risk mitigation have LegalSource certification ensure certified material meets all taken place. numbers now also have to be legality requirements.”

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