With implementation of the European Union’s Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan to fight illegal logging scheduled for March 3, the Global Forest & Trade Network has released a detailed report outlining steps companies must take to continue selling wood products to much of Western Europe.
The plan applies to a plethora of wood products, including “continuously shaped” wood like flooring. It affects all stages of the supply chain, from forest operators, sawmills, manufacturers, trade agents, importers/exporters, wholesalers and retailers.
Broadly, the action plan penalizes companies for placing illegally logged wood on the EU’s market, and it encourages companies to attain third-party certification of its supply chain.
A company could also be penalized for not having a due diligence plan in place.