Help at hand for those stumped by new EU timber regulations

Following the new EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), which came into effect on 3rd March 2013, many businesses may still need a helping hand to understand what the Regulation means to their business.  

If you are still not sure how it affects your business, then book your place on FIRA’s popular EU Timber Regulation Awareness Course. Spaces are still available for June and July dates.

The new Regulation, which affects the entire furniture supply chain, is still a source of concern for many businesses. The one-day course, run by FIRA International, aims to assist the industry in understanding and meeting their legal obligations when importing, selling and trading timber and timber products in the European Union.

New course dates have been set for Thursday June 18 and Thursday July 18, 2013.

James Bell, Environmental Consultant for FIRA, said: “This course is still proving to be really popular and we have had excellent feedback from delegates. Now the Regulation has come into force most people are aware of what it is, but require some assistance and support to fully understand how it affects their business.  

“Our EU Timber Awareness Course aims to provide full support to help businesses avoid the penalties that could be imposed if they are found to be non-compliant. Due to the complexity of the Regulation, we are also offering ongoing support to delegates through our EU Timber Regulation Mailing list, which provides key updates as they occur.”

The EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) was initiated due to increasing concerns over unsustainable forest management practices and illegal logging. Studies have suggested that approximately 20% of timber and timber products, entering the European market, originate from an illegal source.

Grant Hilliker, Purchasing Manager for Burbidge and Son Ltd., who attended the course, said: “I attended the course because it provided an opportunity to gain an objective view of what would be expected of us (as both an 'Operator' and a 'Trader') under the new Regulation, and to interact with others in a similar position.

“The word 'complex' was used several times during the course…..and with good reason! There are a lot of factors to consider and every company affected by this new regulation need to understand the significance and importance of 'due diligence'. The course was a very good presentation of very difficult subject matter.”