UK Timber Regulations
The Timber Trade Federation, CEI Bois, and the Office for Product Safety & Standards came together to offer the opportunity for EU companies to learn, exchange, and ask questions around UKTR and FLEGT.
Brexit: UKTR Webinar & Q&A with OPSS
On this page:
Welcome and Introduction
Nick Boulton from the TTF and Margherita Miceli from CEI Bois, introduces the UKTR webinar.
Nick Boulton, TTF
In this presentation, Nick Boulton provides some context on what the UK Timber Regulations is and its impact on the UK.
Adrian Hawkes, OPPS
In this presentation, Adrian presents the expectations and requirements for due diligence under UKTR and FLEGT.
Q: Who is the operator?
Adrian Hawkes from OPSS answers pre-written questions during the webinar.
Q: UKTR vs EUTR – The differences
Adrian Hawkes from OPSS answers pre-written questions during the webinar.
Q: Interaction between EU and UK post Brexit
Adrian Hawkes from OPSS answers pre-written questions during the webinar.
Q: UKTR Scope
Adrian Hawkes from OPSS answers pre-written questions during the webinar.
Q: Role of Certification – 1
Adrian Hawkes from OPSS answers pre-written questions during the webinar.
Q: Compliance with Timber Legality Legislation
Rosie Teasdale, Executive Director at Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), discusses the timber legality legislation.
Q: Role of Certification – 2
Adrian Hawkes from OPSS answers pre-written questions during the webinar.
Q: Expectation on supply chain info and documentation
Adrian Hawkes from OPSS answers pre-written questions during the webinar.
Q: Sharing of supply chain info with UK clients
Adrian Hawkes from OPSS answers pre-written questions during the webinar.
Q: Evidence on forest origin not available/not obtainable
Adrian Hawkes from OPSS answers pre-written questions during the webinar.
Q: Interpretation of ‘risks’
Adrian Hawkes from OPSS answers pre-written questions during the webinar.
Extra questions
These are answers to questions that were provided after the webinar.
Myanmar
Q: Is it now illegal to export Myanmar timber to the UK from the EU? Is this in the UK law?
The UK has retained the common position that was taken by the Commission that there was no viable way to carry out due diligence on teak from Myanmar that would comply with the regulations. Our position on teak from Myanmar remains the same, irrespective of whether it comes directly from Myanmar, or through third countries, including member states of the EU.
Q: How do you monitor the flow of Myanmar timber from EU to UK?
We use trade flow data, customs data and other credible intelligence to inform our understanding of which products within scope of the timber regulations are being placed on the market. Where non-compliance with the regulations has been identified, we have three responses: (i) issuing an advisory letter; (ii) issuing a Notice of Remedial Actions; and (iii) prosecution.
Ukraine
Q: What are the expected due diligence actions of UK importers from OPSS when importing timber from Ukraine?
To ensure that that (i) illegally harvested timber is not placed on the market; and (ii) a compliant due diligence system is in place which ensures that the risk of illegally harvested timber being placed on the market is negligible. To do this effectively with timber coming from Ukraine, an operator will need to account for the specific risks which exist in Ukraine and ensure that these risks have been (a) identified and (b) mitigated. The specifics of the due diligence system will depend on the individual supply chain.
Want to find out more about Brexit?
Make sure to visit our Brexit and the Timber Industry Hub, where we have free resources going over the many ways these significant changes in the relationship between the EU and the UK may affect your business.
This hub includes information on CE Marking, Plant Health, VAT, UK Timber Regulations, and much more. You can also download our free guide, Brexit; preparing for 1 January 2021, as pictured.
We will continue to update the guidance on this page regularly in the lead up to 1 January 2021, and beyond. We also recommend you subscribe to our newsletters, as shown in the box below.
We have updated the TTF Brexit Guide to help businesses prepare for 1 January 2021.