New timber regulation comes into force

The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) has welcomed the introduction into law of the European Timber Regulation (EUTR) which came into force last month. For the first time ever, it will be a criminal offence to place timber and timber products onto the European market that are derived from illegally harvested logs. Companies caught doing so can face stock seizures, fines and criminal prosecution.  “We introduced compulsory due diligence some years ago as part of our code of conduct,” said John White, chief executive of the Timber Trade Federation. “We provide the tools and framework for free to help our SME members overcome any costs of compliance, but we also insist on full implementation. It’s been a tough journey but our members have reacted well and we now have 100% compliance.”