EUTR
European Union Timber Regulation
About EUTR
The EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) 995/2010 came into force in 3 March 2013 across the Europe aiming to prohibit the placing of illegally harvested timber. The objective is to reduce deforestation and protect risk tree species by eleminating the demand from the EU market.
The key obligations with this effect of objective includes:
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Prohibits the placing of illegally harvested timber and products made from that;
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Requires EU traders to exercise 'due diligence'
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Keep records of their suppliers and customers to facilitate the traceability
What it means to businesses
EUTR applies to both imported and domestically produced timber and timber products placed in the EU Market. Timber and timber products shall be covered by valid FLEGT or CITES licenses to comply with the EUTR requirements.
EUTR businesses responsible for complying with the EUTR, affecting those based both within and outside the European Union as follows:
Operators:
Any person or business who first places timber on the market. Operator’s must maintain records of any traders that you supply timber to and implement a due diligence system.
Traders:
Any person or business who sells or buys timber or timber products that have already been placed on the EU market. As a trader you must maintain and keep records for at least five years of 1) those who supplied the timber product to you 2) those you have supplied the timber products to.
What is "due diligence"?
The core of the 'due diligence' is that operators undertake a risk management exercise so as to minimise the risk of placing illegally harvested timber, or timber products, on the EU market.
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Information: The operator must have access to information describing the timber and timber products, country of harvest, species, quantity, details of the supplier and information on compliance with national legislation.
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Risk assessment: The operator should assess the risk of illegal timber in his supply chain, based on the information identified above and taking into account criteria set out in the regulation.
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Risk mitigation: When the assessment shows that there is a risk of illegal timber in the supply chain, that risk can be mitigated by requiring additional information and verification from the supplier.
Which products does the Regulation cover?
The Regulation covers a broad range of timber products including solid wood products, flooring, plywood, pulp and paper. Not included are recycled products, as well as printed papers such as books, magazines and newspapers. The product scope can be amended if necessary.
The Regulation applies to both imported and domestically produced timber and timber products.
Source: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/forests/timber_regulation.htm#products
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