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Consultation on the UK implementation of the European FLEGT Regulation 2005

This consultation seeks views on the implementation of a scheme for verification of the Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) licensed timber imports.

FLEGT licensed shipments will arrive in the UK from countries which have signed a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the European Union to establish the legality of their timber and timber product exports. The FLEGT Regulation 2005 establishes systems in the European Union to ensure that exports from VPA countries will be imported to the EU with a valid FLEGT licence. The first countries to have signed a VPA are Ghana and the Republic of Congo.

Clarity is now needed on how the requirements of the FLEGT Regulation should be implemented in the UK, particularly with regard to the following elements of the scheme:

  • A delayed full cost recovery approach
  • Possible approaches to enforcement and setting penalties
  • A intelligence-led inspections regime
  • Possible approaches to dealing with seized timber

The consultation also states the UK’s decision on the UK Competent Authority for the scheme, and provides an initial outline process diagram to assist timber and timber importers in understanding the FLEGT licensing scheme.

The FLEGT licensing scheme has been conceived to underpin the European Union’s efforts to tackle illegal logging under the FLEGT Action Plan 2003. Illegal logging is a major driver of global deforestation. Deforestation is responsible for 18% of greenhouse gas emissions globally, more than the transport sector.

All responses to the consultation should be received by Thursday 10 December 2009.

Accompanying documents:

Page published: 17 September 2009