"We and other parts of the rich world provide a market and profit incentive for this illicit and destructive harvest. We therefore share a responsibility for bringing it to an end." - Poul Nielson, Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, 20 July 2004

In a report released on 31 January 2007 WWF found that the UK alone is currently spending around £712 million on illegal wood each year. Clearly, private sector voluntary schemes are insufficient to stem the tide of illegal timber imports.

The bilateral approach which VPAs will adopt can be circumvented, and does not provide the European Union countries with a means to address illegal logging and related trade from non-FLEGT partner countries; some countries may chose not to enter a VPA with the EU, others may suspend or terminate their agreements with Europe.

"In the EU there is currently no Community legislation prohibiting the import and marketing of timber or timber products produced in breach of the laws of the country of origin" - Introduction to the EU FLEGT Action Plan COM(2003)251final

Because of the incomplete coverage afforded by VPAs, the European Commission is undertaking an analysis of options for further measures, including the feasibility of legislation, to control imports of illegally harvested timber into the EU. The analysis includes: [1] a consultation, [2] an impact assessment study, [3] an impact assessment report, and, finally, [4] an EC Communication.

The stakeholder consultation run between December 2006 and March 2007. A synthesis report on this consultation has been prepared by the Commission. The report concludes that there is general support for legislation. It also indicates that a large number of stakeholders in Europe support the adoption of legislation which would require companies to provide proof of legality for timber products placed on the EU market.

The European Commission commissioned an impact assessment study in August 2007 to provide further information on the likely impact of the options put forward in the public consultation (see ToR). The assessment was conducted by the Finnish consulting company Indufor. The assessment, submitted to the European Commission on 12 December 2007, consists of a number of studies that analyze issues such as the costs of legal assurance systems, private sector schemes, legal aspects, and trade and socio-environmental impacts.

The date when the final study will be published is yet to be decided. In the meanwhile, an stakeholders report of the consultations is available. An EC Communication explaining the Commission's option for further legislation, possibly accompanied by a legislation proposal, will be published in May 2008.

The European Commission officials following this process are Mr. John Bazill and Ms. Maria Pachta.


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