UK timber traders have been advised to return “gently” to Burma following the EU’s decision to suspend trade sanctions on the country for one year.
Scott Poynton, The Forest Trust executive director, said the UK and global timber industry would be acting responsibly by a gentle return to trade in Burmese teak forests.
“Don’t rush in to grab timber,” he said. “Move back in a responsible way with the aim of forming strong partnerships. If that’s the approach I would be confident that legal verification could be achieved quickly and environmental certification could follow in two to three years.”
He said Burma’s teak forests used to be among the world’s most sustainable forests but recent demand from China had led to serious illegal logging.
A straw poll conducted by TTJ reveals that prominent hardwood importers find the suspension of sanctions, in response to democratic changes by the Burmese authorities, an “interesting move” but they are unlikely to make any immediate move to open supply channels.
Burmese teak is widely regarded as the world’s best teak due to the size of the trees from natural forests, rather than plantations.
Brooks Bros sources its teak from Sri Lanka and Costa Rica, the former being approved as legal and sustainable by the Sri Lankan government and the latter enjoying full FSC chain of custody certification and sold as “Eco Teak: Non-Burma Origin”.
“I do not see anything happening for quite a while as there are too many unanswered questions on Burmese teak,” said Ray Jones, head of Brooks Bros’ Specialty Woods division.
“Whether the Burmese government has enough money to go down the sustainability route is a big question.”
James Latham, once one of the UK’s leading Burmese teak importers, has not handled the material for at least 10 years.
“We have been offered teak in the interim, which is supposedly from other sources, but we suspect has been Burmese, and have not touched it.
“It is obviously of interest that sanctions have been suspended, but we would have to undertake a comprehensive due diligence process to satisfy ourselves of sourcing and legality and this itself would probably be a medium term step.”
Robbins Timber managing director Richard Bagnall described the EU’s move as “good news”, but thought the timber trade would be closely scrutinising the Burmese teak supply chain before starting to accept the material once more.
Mr Bagnall said Burmese teak would be particularly welcomed back by the marine industry, for which it was the best quality variety.
He thought the bona fide Burmese industry would not face a major challenge satisfying EU customers of the legality their timber.
“But the market and legislation has moved on significantly in their absence,” he said. “They have a lot of catching up to do.”
Chris Cox, Timbmet’s head of environment, said the situation in Burma may initially be uncertain and chaotic as unscrupulous timber companies sought to capitalise on the new commercial opportunities.
“Independently certified sources are not yet available though there are discussions now under way,” said Mr Cox.
“It may be some time before importers can be confident that all legal controls are in place and that the teak forests are once again being managed sustainably, as they once were in a system set up over 150 years ago.”
Timbmet developed alternative sources of teak from legal and sustainable sources during the sanctions.
NGO The Burma Campaign told TTJ it would be watching UK companies closely to ensure they follow ethical sourcing standards.
“Timber is not well managed in Burma, and the industry is associated with human rights abuses and environmental destruction,” said the campaign’s Mark Farmaner.
