EU Timber Regulations 2013

Despite the hickup of the severe global recession, consumer demand moves relentlessly upwards and this affects demand for wood materials. And so as the global demand for timber and timber products continues to grow the pressure on the worlds forestry is increasing. We’ve all heard of the damage being ravaged in tropical forests throughout the world but many argued that little was being done to rectify the situation. In many localities where intensive deforestation has occured, there has been little replanting or care taken to preserve the local environment. However there is light at the end of the tunnel!

According to Julia Young of the World Wildlife Fund’s “Global Forest and Trade Network”, all traders in the furniture supply network need to sit up and take note! And very quickly! But why? Well, because in a nutshell, things are changing for the better – and high time! EU Regulations coming into effect in March 2013 will oblige companies involved in furniture trading to prove to authorities that the raw materials in their products come from verified sources. Companies unable to do so will be subject to possible prosecution. This represents a huge step forward in the battle to conserve, preserve and renew the planets scarce resources of forestry.

For too many years unscrupulous logging companies have been stripping some of the worlds most protected habitats of their native timbers. Much of this timber has found its way into the supply chain and into consumer markets throughout the Western world. And of course, our insatiable demand for cheaper prices and increased purchasing power has indirectly encouraged the practice. Environmental leaders recognised that without a thorough and methodical system to prevent such illicit timber practices, such deforestation was likely to continue unabated. Ethical producers are preparing themselves for the changes, while a select few manufacturers are already adhering to the best practice laid out. Furthermore these changes have come slightly sooner to the USA and therefore, traders already in contact with that market will have taken the necessary steps ahead of the changes in Europe.

What does this mean for consumers? In the short term some forestry products may increase in price as the attractiveness of black market timbers wanes – as such all timbers become subject to the normal trade tariffs and taxes and little will escape the duties. In the long term a severe shortage of timber is much more unlikely as replanting and conservation practices become the norm. And we can expect a more sustainable, consistent and environmentally sound industry will emerge – one that will supply the world with timber products for years to come.

Consumers can call in to the Drumbriston Furniture outlet on the Dublin Rd, Monaghan Town for a full selection of these and more products. For more information click on www.drumbristonfurniture.ie For trade contract enquiries please get in touch with us on this site.