The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) is urging its members to respond to the Central Point of Expertise’s (CPET) call for comments on how the government’s method for assessing evidence of forest management can be improved.
Environment minister Elliot Morley has launched an online consultation exercise which will run until March 18.
All responses received will be reviewed by CPET and published unattributed on the website at www.proforest.net/cpet/activities-and-news.
Everyone who submits a comment will receive a summary of CPET’s response to their suggestion.
The consultation will examine the criteria and guidance on interpretation for forest certification schemes, known as Category A evidence, and other forms of assurance, known as Category B evidence.
TTF chief executive John White said he was delighted that Defra had responded to the federation’s requests for wide consultation on Category A and B criteria for its timber purchasing.
“It is important to tap into the practical experience that the UK trade has gained seeking credible evidence of legality and sustainability from around the world,” said Mr White.
“The TTF wants to ensure that the government criteria are flexible enough to enable our buyers to continue selling timber to the UK government from responsible suppliers in high risk countries rather than erecting unnecessary barriers to trade.
“We encourage all our members to take this consultation seriously and provide comments.”
Defra says that establishing the credibility of suppliers’ claims is crucial to successfully implementing the UK government’s policy on procuring legal and sustainable timber.
