The European Parliament’s environment committee has today strengthened proposed legislation to tackle the trade in illegally sourced timber products.
Members voted in favour of amendments proposed by Caroline Lucas MEP, the Green Party leader which include a system of penalties for timber companies who are guilty of sourcing illegal timber products.
“The original measures proposed by the commission were too little, too late,” said Ms Lucas. “My report has insisted that all parts of the timber supply chain should be held responsible, not just the first one to place the timber on the EU market.”
The revised measures will now go forward for a European Parliament vote in April.
The European Commission orginally announced legislative plans last October.
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