Timber companies in Northern Ireland are being urged to get ready for new government timber procurement rules or “face the consequences” of not being prepared when legislation comes into force in 2009.
Maurice Brooks, director of Wood NI, which represents timber traders across Northern Ireland, made the rallying call after announcing that the organisation is preparing a procurement policy document for members in advance of the government deadline.
From 2009, all UK government departments and agencies will follow a new policy to ensure timber they buy or specify meets legal and sustainable criteria.
Wood NI announced its plans to formulate a policy document at an event in Belfast last week attended by Sofie Tind Nielsen, project manager of the government’s Central Point of Expertise on Timber (CPET).
“We expect all timber companies will have to review the CPET policy against current practice, particularly those who supply the public sector,” said Mr Brooks.
