Green MEP Presses For EU Ban on Illegal Timber

The European Parliament’s Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Committee discussed a recommendation for a regulation which would place obligations on those who place timber and timber products on the market on 6 April. The rapporteur, British Green MEP Caroline Lucas is seeking an EU ban on the import and trade in illegally logged timber applying to operators throughout the supply chain – making it clear that all operators in the market share the responsibility for trading only legally sourced wood. She stressed that she was ready for a legislative battle with the European Council. Speaking before the debate, Caroline Lucas said, “As my draft regulation on the illegal trade in timber and wood products returns to Parliament, I hope to see substantial backing from fellow MEPs for reinstating the strict and effective measures that received overwhelming support during the first reading in April 2009. Several of these tough measures were deleted by EU Council back in March, when they officially adopted a weak common position on the timber proposals, which fell far short of the progressive position backed by the Parliament. We cannot afford to delay this legislation any longer. Deforestation is occurring at a rate of approximately 13 million hectares per year and is responsible for nearly 20% of global carbon emissions. Illegal logging is a major driver of deforestation, with the volume of industrial wood from illegal sources estimated at 350 to 650 million m3 per year. For years the EU has preached against illegal timber but continued to provide one of the biggest markets for it. As a major consumer, the EU has an obligation to take effective action by ceasing to provide a market for illegally harvested timber and timber products. The possibility of prosecution for trading illegally harvested timber, as applied to all operators in the supply chain, will encourage them to favour sourcing from reliable, reputable placers on the market – i.e. those who are exercising their due diligence obligations most effectively. It will also distribute the burden of responsibility more equitably among operators. My report also fleshes out what this system would consist of and how risk assessment would work; improving traceability and monitoring and enforcement measures.  A comprehensive and harmonised system of penalties, including criminal penalties for gross infringements of the law, would give it real teeth.’ The MEPs on the Committee generally supported the ambition of her report, although some expressed concern over the additional administrative burden on small businesses.  The Committee will consider the report at its session next month, and the European Parliament will vote on it in June.