Combating illegal timber trade: Promoting sustainable development and good governance

How can trade policies promote and support governance reforms in developing countries so that forest resources contribute to sustainable development? A panel discussion on the FLEGT initiative hoped to provide an answer to this question. The session, moderated by Jussi Viitanen, Head of the EU FLEGT and REDD Facilities at the European Forest Institute, took place at the recent WTO Public Forum in Geneva.

UNEP-WCMC informs on illegality risks from five timber source countries

The UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) has released the first five in a series of country overviews that aim to aid the implementation of the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR). These overviews, which are available for Brazil, China, Myanmar, the Russian Federation and Ukraine, are produced for the European Commission.

European Commission reports on EUTR progress

The European Commission has released the second report on the implementation of the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR), covering the period March 2015 to February 2017. The report reveals steady progress after four years of EUTR application. It is based on the reports from the 28 EU Member States and Norway.

South Korea closes market to illegally-harvested timber

South Korea has become the latest country to implement legislation to prevent imports of illegally-harvested timber.

UNEP-WCMC issues brief on EUTR implementation

The UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) has published its latest briefing note on the implementation of the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR).

Fern says EU-Japan free trade deal poses threats to FLEGT

Nongovernmental organisation Fern says the EU’s new free trade deal with Japan threatens global efforts to tackle illegal logging, including its own action plan. The deal, which was agreed in July 2018 and is in the processing of being ratified, is the world’s largest bilateral trade agreement.

Indonesia improving FLEGT licensing procedures

Indonesia has taken several measures in recent months to improve procedures relating to FLEGT licences — the export licences that attest to the legality of EU-bound timber and timber products.

FLEGT Independent Market Monitor launches Data Dashboard

The FLEGT Independent Market Monitor (IMM) has launched a dashboard that provides access to statistical data on imports into the European Union (EU) of timber, paper and pulp from the 15 countries either supplying FLEGT-licensed timber or that are implementing or negotiating a FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the EU in May 2018.

FLEGT Independent Market Monitor publishes third quarterly newsletter

The FLEGT Independent Market Monitor (IMM) has published the third edition of its quarterly newsletter, featuring updates on the IMM project, market and policy news.

A Major Liability: Illegal logging in Papua New Guinea threatens China's timber sector and global reputation

A new report reveals that many forest operations in Papua New Guinea (PNG) violate the law, despite holding Government permits. PNG is China’s single largest supplier. By buying timber from PNG and exporting to markets that ban illegal timber imports, such as the European Union or the United States, China therefore risks damaging its reputation and major trade relationships.