Consultation under way on new government timber policy

The 12-week consultation, ending September 27, focuses on the practical implementation of the new policy, which says that from April 1, 2009 only timber and wood products originating either from independently verified legal and sustainable sources or from a licensed FLEGT partner can be used on the government estate.

The policy has in effect been tightened from the previous position which stipulated a minimum of legality, with sustainability preferred.

Questions were raised about the policy when first announced earlier this year. The Timber Trade Federation described the timelines “challenging”.

The Central Point of Expertise on Timber (CPET) said consultation was designed to identify any further questions and develop potential solutions.

Key issues identified to date include small forest owners, legislation as evidence of sustainable sources, thresholds of raw certified content (currently 70%) and equality of sustainable and FLEGT sources at contract award.

Potential solutions include proof of legality for all imports and/or all sales, banning illegal timber imports and extending FLEGT coverage of products.

A background document detailing some of the issues raised to date is available for download on CPET’s website, www.ProForest.net/cpet. Comments can be sent to CPET consultant Proforest by email, fax or post.

The consultation will be covered in the July 21/28 edition of TTJ.