Defra is seeking to tighten up the government’s timber procurement policy by consulting on the inclusion of social criteria in public sector contract requirements.
Timber companies, environmental groups, forest certification schemes and others have until October 21 to respond to Defra’s consultation.
Defra said exclusion of social criteria could be seen as inconsistent with international conventions and was “out of step” with all other EU members states which have timber procurement policies.
The government has previously interpreted EU public procurement directives as not permitting contracting authorities to include social criteria
Defra now proposes that social criteria are suitable for inclusion, including clarification, recognition and respect of legal, customary and traditional rights related to the forest; mechanisms for resolving disputes between loggers and local people; and freedom of workers to organise and negotiate.
The government’s definition of legal and sustainable timber will be reviewed and amended before the end of the year.
This will subsequently provide the basis for amendments to criteria for evaluating certification schemes and category B evidence.
