The UK Government has released updated guidance on timber and FLEGT (Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade) licences, covering both domestic and imported timber products such as pulp, paper, and furniture. Timber imported from Indonesia under a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) must have a valid FLEGT licence to enter Great Britain.
Who Must Comply?
• Operators: Businesses placing timber or timber products on the UK market for the first time must implement a due diligence system to verify legality.
• Traders: Those buying or selling timber already on the market must keep accurate records for traceability.
Compliance Requirements
Operators are required to:
• Collect detailed information on timber species, supplier, origin, and legal proof.
• Assess and mitigate risks of illegal harvesting using official criteria.
• Request additional documentation or conduct supplier verification as needed.
Traders must maintain clear transaction records accessible for inspections.
Legal Framework and Enforcement
The UK timber and FLEGT regulations are enforced under:
• Timber and Timber Products Regulations 2013
• FLEGT Regulations 2012 (amended)
• UK exit regulations adapting EU rules post-Brexit
Verification includes:
• Licence checks by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS)
• Customs inspections by HMRC and Border Force
• Penalties for non-compliance including fines, prosecution, and timber seizure
Market Trends
The 2023–24 FLEGT report shows increasing licensed timber imports, underscoring the importance of ongoing due diligence to prevent illegal timber sales in the UK market.
Reference: UK Timber and FLEGT Licence Guidance
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