EUTR information platform attracts support

A common and reliable central source of information to support the implementation and enforcement of the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) should be set up, governments and the timber trade have concluded.

Positive feedback was reported from consultation which proposed setting up the EUTR Platform initiative as a freely-available web-based hub to support the regulation, which is introduced in 2013.

Several UK timber traders have called for such a centralised source of information to help inform the trade on what is arguably one of the most important pieces of legislation to ever affect the industry.

Based on comments from stakeholders the need for clarification of a number of issues has been identified.

As a result, the Platform will collate the latest up-to-date information relevant to the EUTR’s implementation, but will not reference IUCN Red List species.

The Platform will provide access to information only and not risk assess or interpret information or deliver a due diligence system – this will be the responsibility of timber operators and their monitoring organisations.

In addition, the Platform will be operated as an independent body and co-ordinated by a neutral technical secretariat.

The Platform will not be representing the European Commission or EU member states and will not be a mandatory source of information or remove liability from operators to undertake due diligence.

Initial set-up of the Platform and fund-raising is currently commissioned to L’Association Technique Internationale Des Bois Tropicaux and Proforest by the French government.

However, long-term funding will be sought.

Comments, suggestions and questions on the EUTR Platform can be sent to info@eutr-platform.eu