UK timber regulation: imports and exports of timber and timber products
The UK Timber Regulation and UK FLEGT applies in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales)
Applies to England, Scotland and Wales
Under these regulations you’ll need to carry out due diligence to confirm timber is legally harvested if you’re a:
- business importing from non-EU or EU and European Economic Area (EEA) countries
- GB producer placing timber on the GB market for the first time
Find out more about moving goods into, out of, or through Northern Ireland.
The European Timber Regulation and Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) no longer applies in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales).
Importing timber from the EU and EEA to GB
You need to show imports from the EU and EEA have been legally harvested.
To show you’re importing legally harvested timber, you’ll need to carry out due diligence. Use the due diligence checklist to make sure you:
- gather information on the timber - its species, quantity, supplier, country of harvest and how it complies with relevant laws
- assess the risk of illegally harvested timber entering your supply chain
- mitigate any identified risk to negligible by gathering more information or implementing further actions
Timber will be recognised as legally harvested if one of the following applies:
- it has a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) import permit
- it’s accompanied by a valid FLEGT licence
You don’t need to carry out due diligence on this timber.
Exporting from GB to the EU and EEA
If you’re exporting timber to the EU or EEA, you may need to supply documentation about the source and legality of your timber.
This is so EU and EEA-based customers can meet the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) due diligence rules.
Importing from the EU and EEA to NI
There is no change in the way the Timber Regulations work if you’re importing timber from the EU or EEA to NI. The European Timber Regulations apply in NI.
Exporting from NI to the EU and EEA
There is no change in the way the Timber Regulations work if you’re exporting timber from NI to the EU and EEA. The European Timber Regulations apply in NI.
Moving timber from GB to NI
The European Timber Regulations apply in NI.
You’ll need to show imports from GB have been legally harvested to meet the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) due diligence rules.
To show you’re importing legally harvested timber, you’ll need to carry out due diligence. Use the due diligence checklist to make sure you:
- gather information on the timber - its species, quantity, supplier, country of harvest and how it complies with relevant laws
- assess the risk of illegally harvested timber entering your supply chain
- mitigate any identified risk to negligible by gathering more information or implementing further actions
Timber will be recognised as legally harvested if one of the following applies:
- it has a Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) import permit
- it’s accompanied by a valid FLEGT licence
You don’t need to carry out due diligence on this timber.
Moving timber from NI to GB
If you’re moving timber to GB from NI, there are no new checks.
Timber and timber products placed on the market in NI will not need additional due diligence to be placed on the market in GB.
Businesses in GB who buy or sell timber already on the market in NI will be considered as ‘traders’ in the UK timber regulations.
Importing from Indonesia to GB with a FLEGT licence
You do not have to conduct due diligence on timber or timber products imported directly from Indonesia if it’s covered by a valid FLEGT licence from Indonesia. This licence must be verified before the goods are released from customs.
Importing from GB to the EU and EEA with a CITES permit
EU and EEA businesses importing timber covered by a CITES permit don’t need to carry out due diligence.
Standards and enforcement
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) continues to enforce the regulations in both Northern Ireland and GB. The OPSS will:
- verify FLEGT licences
- check business records and due diligence systems
Monitoring organisations
The UK approves monitoring organisations based in the UK and they can support businesses to comply with the Timber Regulations.
The UK doesn’t automatically approve EU or EEA monitoring organisations.
Businesses in NI can continue to use monitoring organisations approved by the EU.