Event marks launch of consultation

The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs will open a consultation period on 5 July 2007, on the implementation of changes to the timber procurement policy in 2009.

Stakeholders from across Government, industry, trade, environmental and civil society groups will be attending the launch event for the consultation.  The policy change and consultation period will be introduced by a Government official from Defra, followed by a presentation from CPET and an opportunity for discussion.

Key issues identified to date include small forest owners, legislation as evidence of sustainable sources, threshold of raw certified content (currently 70%) and equality of sustainable and FLEGT sources at contract award. Solutions include proof of legality for all imports and/or all sales, making foreign illegal timber illegal in the UK and extending FLEGT coverage of products.