Timber Development UK (TDUK) CEO, David Hopkins, is calling on traders to exercise extreme caution when sourcing and importing timber to ensure compliance with UK and EU regulations.
The timber industry is facing an ongoing challenge as illegal Russian wood continues to infiltrate European markets despite strict sanctions. Current international restrictions have classified all wood products originating from Russia as ‘conflict timber’, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Under EU/UK Timber Regulations, conflict timber is strictly prohibited from being imported into both the European Union and the UK. However, a recent investigation by environmental watchdog Earthsight has warned that these sanctions are being violated on a large scale, over €1.5billion-worth of illegal Russian timber said to have entered the EU since they were first introduced.
The report ‘Blood-Stained Birch: Exposing the EU Trade in Russian Conflict Ply’ saw undercover operatives from Earthsight gathering evidence on firms allegedly engaged in the illegal timber trafficking of Russian plywood across Europe, with findings suggesting that all 27 EU member states have likely received shipments of illegally sourced wood. According to Earthsight, more than 700 cubic metres of Russian timber are still arriving daily at European ports. To circumvent sanctions, suppliers often route timber through intermediary countries such as Kazakhstan, Türkiye, and China before it enters the EU.
Although the Earthsight report does not specifically mention the UK, TDUK believes it would be naive to assume that British markets are immune to similar issues. Birch plywood has long been in high demand in the UK, making it highly probable that some illegal timber is still finding its way into the supply chain.
In a separate investigation Interpol and the World Customs Organization (WCO), working alongside police, border control and customs officials from more than 100 countries, have seized more than 175 tonnes of illegal timber bound for Asia. In a statement, Interpol estimated that the trade in black-market timber could be worth up to $150billion a year (between 15% and 30% of the total value of global forest products). A separate 2023 report by DW Europe found that, in that year, 120 million tonnes of European timber had no official certificate of origin.
Recognising the severity of this issue, the European Commission has recently expanded its anti-dumping duties to include imports from both Kazakhstan and Türkiye. Following an official investigation, authorities determined that birch plywood entering the EU from these countries had a heightened risk that it may have originally come from Russia, as volumes coming from these sources have surged since the ban on Russian plywood was introduced in 2022. As a result, all birch plywood imports from Türkiye and Kazakhstan now require additional registration during the customs declaration process and are also subject to an extra 15.8% duty.
This escalation underscores the critical need for traders to be diligent in verifying their timber sources. The consequences of trading in illegal wood can be severe, including legal penalties, financial losses, and lasting reputational damage. To safeguard their businesses, traders must take proactive measures to confirm the authenticity of their timber. This includes verifying certificates of origin and, if any doubt arises regarding the legitimacy of a shipment, seeking alternative suppliers without delay.
Given the heightened risks associated with sourcing birch plywood from Türkiye and Kazakhstan, TDUK is strongly advising traders to consider alternative options. European species such as UK Larch, Western Red Cedar, and Douglas Fir can provide excellent substitutes for cladding applications. Meanwhile, legally certified Birch Plywood is available from Finnish and Latvian sources. Additionally, innovative alternatives to Birch Plywood are emerging, offering viable solutions for traditional uses. Traders are encouraged to consult their suppliers for guidance on compliant sourcing options. With the timber trade under increased scrutiny, due diligence has never been more important.
More at: www.timberdevelopment.uk
