New EU regulation criticised in Norway

May 25, 2010 by timbercommunity

New proposed EU draft will regulate trafficking of timber and timber products.
The proposed EU regulation, which is originally written by Caroline Lucas an EU parliamentarian from the Green Party in the UK, aim to stop illegal import of timber or wood-based products. The draft is an extension of traceability requirements throughout the supply chain.  The Norweigian Conservatives and the Norwegian Forest Owners Association fear more administrative costs and reduced competitiveness due to this proposal.
 

The European Parliament Environment Committee voted on May 4th to adopt a draft recommendation for second reading by Caroline Lucas on illegal logging. Caroline Lucas writes on her blog  “The EU Agriculture Council position on the timber proposal, officially adopted in March, fell far short of the progressive position backed by Parliament at first reading. In particular, the Council position does not include a prohibition, so the fact that this was reinstated in this morning’s vote, despite considerable pressure to weaken our position, is a big victory.”

Products is defined as anything from books to furniture and other goods processed with wood. The proposal requires documentation for wood-based products how the tree is cut, the type of wood, rights for local populations and indigenous people are safeguarded and that the legislation around forestry, environment, taxes, transportation and processing are fullfilled. Lucas want even the documentation requirement printed on recycled paper.
It will be impossible and extremely onerous to require this for all products based on wood, "said Ellen Alfsen, Commercial Affairs Director of the Norwegian Forest Owners to the norweigian magazine Nationen. - I react strongly to the proposal, and I ask for suggestions on how regulation should be carried out in Norway".