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UK timber procurement policy
The UK Government recognises that consumer demand can send a powerful signal to the forest products market.
From April 2009 central departments will only purchase timber and timber products that derive from sustainably managed forests or are licensed under a FLEGT agreement. From April 2015 only sustainably produced timber will be purchased.
Further information on government policy for UK timber procurement, is available on the CPET (Central Point of expertise for timber procurement) website. The Scottish Executive procurement policy and Northern Ireland procurement policy are also available online.
Central Point of Expertise on Timber (CPET)
To help public sector buyers and their suppliers implement the procurement policy, Defra works with ProForest to provide Central Point of Expertise on Timber (CPET), which includes a helpline and case specific advice free of charge.
CPET provides Defra with technical advice on forest management and is currently working with construction companies to improve sub-contractors’ performance, site supervision and performance reports.
Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT)
The Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) initiative allows the EU to enter into bilateral Voluntary Partnership Agreements with developing countries and provide them with assistance to tackle illegal logging and improve their forest management. This assistance will include help in establishing a system to identify legal products and license them for export. Once established, unlicensed products from partner countries will not be given access to the EU market.
- Defra works closely with DFID on the UK's Forest Law Enforcement and Governance programme: Department for International Development's website
- Chatham House policy research on illegal logging: www.illegal-logging.info
Working together
The Government is keen to harmonise its timber procurement policy with those adopted by other consuming countries in the wake of the UK lead. A standard approach with similar requirements from member states would make it easier for producers and traders to understand and meet demand.
Within the UK, Defra and CPET is developing a promotional strategy with WWF and the Timber Trade Federation TTF to encourage local authorities to voluntarily adopt sustainable timber procurement policies. The Sustainable Buildings Code and the Olympic Development Authority’s procurement policy recognise the merit of responsible timber purchasing.
Page last modified: 07 October 2009
Page published: 23 October 2008