Letters are being sent to suppliers requesting information, and on a shipment by shipment basis, which is not only wholly unnecessary but quite wrong (under due diligence obligations review of appropriate information is undertaken on an annual basis unless something changes which necessitates reviewing on a more frequent basis) and is an indication of operators seemingly trying to exonerate themselves of their obligations.
It is important that they understand what the EUTR means by due diligence as it is not appropriate for operators to attempt to put the onus for ‘compliance’ onto suppliers as it is the operator who remains responsible at all times for all EUTR obligations, no matter what!
By sending such letters, rather than complying with the legislation, importers run the risk of falling foul of the legislation.
John Park
Canada Wood UK
Sheam Satkuru-Granzella
Malaysian Timber Council
