FAQ

1. Can goods containing exotic timber be confiscated, if there is no relevant proof it was harvested legally in the EU?

Yes, confiscation of goods is a type of punishment for trading illegally harvested wood.

2. What documents should timber and timber product importers from countries that have signed a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the EU present during EU border inspections?

They must present a valid FLEGT license to have the timber recognized as legal. Without a FLEGT license, goods may be confiscated or held at the border until the license is provided. Customs authorities may also, according to local laws, impose fines on importers or exporters.

3. What obligations do importers have when bringing timber and timber products into the EU from a country without a FLEGT license?

The importers should have a due diligence system that meets the requirements of EU Timber Regulation (EUTR).