China to create new timber imports organisation

China is looking to establish a special body which will help its wood product companies cope with new environmental protection requirements for combating illegal logging and the trade in illegal timber, according to the International Tropical Timber Organisation’s latest market report.

The China Timber and Wood Products Circulation Association has applied to form a Special Committee for Timber Imports.

Chinese wood product importing companies have been facing more challenges since the country became one of the world’s leading timber importers.

The new organisation would offer guidance and support for traders and also monitor changes and law enforcement.

The body would also look to provide statistics and a system for stock evaluation at a national level, which would help prevent over- or under-stocking in China.

Other tasks would be to address corruption and set a responsible procurement system for timber imports.