From negotiation to implementation: VPA countries share lessons with Guyana

Guyana needs to ensure that the transition from negotiating to implementing its Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the EU is highly participatory and receives adequate technical, financial and political support.

EIA report investigates Burmese teak entering EU market

The Environmental Investigation Agency has published a briefing on how teak exports from Myanmar/Burma to the European Union are in breach of the EU Timber Regulation. The briefing details the results of an EIA investigation into Burmese teak entering the EU market.

FLEGT licences fine, but success in the market depends on quality, shipment and price

Earlier this month, ITTO reported that Indonesia is due to issue the first FLEGT licences in November and observed that the Indonesian government and industry are looking to these licences to deliver significant market advantages (ITTO TTM Report 1–15 September 2016).

Liberia and EU recognise progress and agree to strengthen VPA implementation

The fourth meeting of the Joint Implementation Committee (JIC), which oversees implementation of the FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) between Liberia and the EU, took place in Monrovia on 21-23 September 2016.

The wait is over. FLEGT licences are coming

Indonesia and the European Union today agreed that from 15 November 2016 Indonesia can issue ‘FLEGT’ licences to verified legal timber products it exports to the EU.

Staying up to speed on FLEGT online

A new website has been launched to help EU timber buyers and their suppliers navigate FLEGT licensing.

ETTF offers EUTR due diligence back-up

While supporting FLEGT licensing, the ETTF is also committed to building up support for member companies in meeting due diligence demands of the EUTR.

Wood tracking is live

The introduction of Ghana’s online Wood Tracking System (WTS) has been challenging, but it’s now on course for full roll out, according to George Kuru, managing director of system provider Ata Marie

Ghana transformed and on target for licensing

Ghana’s confidence in its FLEGT VPA process is underlined by its eagerness to open it to scrutiny. Mike Jeffree reports

EU country authorities prepare for FLEGT licences

Across the EU, national FLEGT Competent Authorities (CAs) are preparing for arrival of first FLEGT-licensed shipments, which they will register, authenticate and police. Some countries have appointed the same bodies that act as EU Timber Regulation CAs to the FLEGT CA role. Others are taking a different approach