WWF highlights illegal Russian hardwood

The conservation group's new report "Illegal Logging in the Russian Far East: Global Demand and Taiga Destruction" says illegal loggers are felling valuable stocks of oak, ash and elm - much of which is ending up in China where it is made into flooring and furniture for export to the EU and US.

The WWF is urging importers of Chinese and Russian hardwood furniture and flooring to confirm the species and country of wood origin, claiming that Russian species could be mislabelled as originating from other countries.

"There is a significant risk that US and EU companies and consumers could be purchasing furniture and flooring made with wood from illegal sources," it said.

It is advising importers buying products made with Russian oak, ash, elm or linden to exclusively purchase FSC-certified products. If FSC material is not available, companies are being asked to establish rigorous legality and traceability confirmation systems.

"If neither approach is possible, buyers should avoid any products made from Russian Far East hardwoods due to the high risks of illegality."

WWF has also urged the EU and US to ensure their timber legality legislation is enforced.

The group says its report also highlights the need for strengthened collaboration between Russia and China to ensure better timber tracking between the two countries.