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EU-wide illegal timber ban closer to approval
23/06/2010
The EU is edging closer to implementing an outright ban on illegal timber, after signaling its approval of a crucial piece of legislation.
A loophole in the current law means that it is not illegal to sell timber in the EU that was cut down illegally in its country of origin. The Council of the EU, however, has passed its approval of a new law on to the European Parliament, which is expected to vote on its agreement next month before a deal is finally agreed by Ministers.
The new law – entitled the 'Due Diligence Regulation' – would make it illegal for timber not logged in compliance with the law of its country of origin to enter the European market.
Traders wishing to place timber on the EU market would be obliged to demonstrate the necessary proof and due diligence to achieve that aim.
New Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said the UK government had been supporting strong EU measures on this matter and that the new law was a priority for the coalition government.
"Illegal logging leads to deforestation which is a major contributor to climate change, harms wildlife and has an impact on the economies of developing countries and the livelihoods of local people," she said.
"We have been building support with like-minded European countries, the timber trade and NGOs to agree strong measures."
A loophole in the current law means that it is not illegal to sell timber in the EU that was cut down illegally in its country of origin. The Council of the EU, however, has passed its approval of a new law on to the European Parliament, which is expected to vote on its agreement next month before a deal is finally agreed by Ministers.
The new law – entitled the 'Due Diligence Regulation' – would make it illegal for timber not logged in compliance with the law of its country of origin to enter the European market.
Traders wishing to place timber on the EU market would be obliged to demonstrate the necessary proof and due diligence to achieve that aim.
New Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said the UK government had been supporting strong EU measures on this matter and that the new law was a priority for the coalition government.
"Illegal logging leads to deforestation which is a major contributor to climate change, harms wildlife and has an impact on the economies of developing countries and the livelihoods of local people," she said.
"We have been building support with like-minded European countries, the timber trade and NGOs to agree strong measures."
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