Timber Development UK advises members to cease trading with Russia and Belarus
In line with existing sanctions, and in support of positions already taken by some members, Timber Development UK advises all to cease trading with Russia and Belarus.
The EU has imposed trade sanctions on Belarus covering multiple commodities including timber. PEFC is reclassifying Russian and Belarussian products as Conflict Timber making it ineligible for certification.
NGOs are already calling for a total ban on timber trade with the two countries and many firms will not want ‘conflict’ timber in their inventories or buildings.
While direct imports into the UK are relatively small, Russia and Belarus account for about 10% of the softwood market in Europe says the membership oragnisation. Removing this will make the available supply even tighter, causing potential shortages in some product areas.
