Illegal Softwood Timber Trade Faces Crackdown

Nearly a tenth of British timber has its origins in illegal sources, revealed British Environment Minister Caroline Spelman. The UK is thought to be a leading nation in ethical timber requirement. In 2012 a ban will finally be enforced by the EU to put a stop to illegal logging.

Laws violated in the harvesting, transportation and sale of softwood timber are broken for various reasons. Cutting down trees in a protected area or exceeding the limit of the number of units allowed to be taken from a particular area will now face strict penalties. 80% of the world's timber comes from softwood, mostly conifer trees, in areas such as the Baltic and North America.

Due to the extent of the problem, with WWF estimating that around 40% of timber is sourced from illegally logged forests, the EU is using its collective might to crack down on offenders. The situation is serious, with worrying environmental factors such as climate change a risk of reduced tree deforestation, as well as the potential collapse of societies dependent on the forest for employment or nutrition.

The campaign got off to a bad start in 2008 after there was disagreement whether importers should also face penalties for involvement in the trade of illegal timber. The EU eventually agreed that all importers could face recrimination if not confident in the backgrounds of their wood stocks.

2012 will see the criminalisation of the illegal timber trade in Europe as EU states promise to impose strict financial penalties. The new law states penalties should represent "at least five times the value of the timber products obtained by committing a serious infringement". Those buying wood from merchants will be required to check it is from a legal source or face consequences themselves.

It is hoped that the crackdown on illegal timber will reduce the effects of deforestation and allow trade with sustainable logging companies to continue. - 39468