The VPA voyage is validated

The launch of Indonesian FLEGT licensing may not be a ‘magic bullet’ against illegal timber, but deserves recognition as a key step in the right direction, say participants in the initiative. Mike Jeffree reports

Indonesia gears up to deliver on FLEGT licensing promise

Indonesia issues a V-Legal legality assurance export licence document every minute, according to a live tally on the website of its SILK timber legality information system – www.silk.dephut.go.id

ETTF welcomes due-diligence exempt licensing

The ETTF has enthusiastically greeted the news that FLEGT-licensed timber and wood products are set to become available from Indonesia. Secretary General André de Boer sees FLEGT licensing delivering commercial and logistical benefits to the timber sector, as well as a tool for tackling illegal wood. And he urges the wider trade to get behind it.

Indonesia and EU announce FLEGT licensing launch

Indonesia and the European Union has agreed that from 15 November Indonesia can start FLEGT licensing of verified legal timber products it exports to the EU.

EU opens doors to Indonesia's licensing scheme for exports of verified legal timber

The European Commission has amended the EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade Regulation (FLEGT) to recognise Indonesia’s licensing scheme for exports of verified legal timber to the EU.

BREXIT and the possible implications on FLEGT; the EUTR, VPA negotiations and FLEGT licensing

TFT's Sarah Hickman discusses how the UK's exit from the EU could affect the EUTR, VPA negotiations and FLEGT licensing.

Chatham House’s 26th Illegal Logging and Stakeholder Update Meeting report released

The summary report of Chatham House’s 26th Illegal Logging and Stakeholder Update Meeting is now available to download in French, Spanish, and Mandarin.

Cameroon publishes data on illegal logging cases and fines

In the first quarter of 2016, Cameroon suspended the licences of four logging companies, issued 35 other companies with warning notices and generated 54.2 million FCFA (82.6 million euros) in fines related to illegal activities in the forest sector.

Myanmar’s logging ban a major step towards forest sector reform

The new Government of Myanmar has agreed a temporary national logging ban and a 10-year logging ban in the Pegu Yoma region to give its beleaguered forests breathing space from years of unchecked exploitation.