UK government prepares timber licensing controls

Defra’s Animal Health agency has been given the task of managing timber imports licensed under the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade regulations.

From 2011, all countries which have signed FLEGT voluntary partnership agreements, such as Ghana, will have their timber exports to the UK controlled by Animal Health.

The move is designed to ensure that timber products from partner countries are accompanied by a valid licence to prove they have been harvested from verified legal sources.

“The idea is to let the industry know that it is going to be happening and to get ready,” said an Animal Health spokesperson.

He said only timber from those countries with VPAs would be controlled by Animal Health. All timber from partner countries, whether for private or public procurement, is included in the programme, with the first shipments expected in early-mid 2011.

The government said it expected Malaysia and Indonesia to sign VPAs with the EU. The Republic of Congo and Cameroon have signed agreements and are awaiting ratification, while Ghana’s agreement has already been ratified.

Animal Health was chosen because it already manages licences for the import and export of plant and animal species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

It will verify the validity of all licences accompanying timber from VPA countries and work with the UK Border Agency and customs to provide clearance for imports.

Timber importers will be given more information in the months leading up to introduction.