PR 36780
11 March 2015 

Government survey finds widespread EUTR non-compliance among Chinese plywood imports

An official survey by the UK government's National Measurement Office (NMO)
has confirmed claims by the UK's wood panel products industry that a high
proportion of imported plywood from China fails to meet the requirements of the EU Timber Regulations (EUTR)

An official survey by the UK government's National Measurement Office (NMO) has confirmed claims by the UK's wood panel products industry that a high proportion of imported plywood from China fails to meet the requirements of the EU Timber Regulations (EUTR).

The NMO carried out its study in response to industry concerns and in light of the fact that the long supply chains involved with tropical plywood production mean the product represents an area of high risk of non-compliance. 16 companies, identified as operators that place Chinese plywood onto the UK market, were asked to supply the due diligence systems for the Chinese plywood that they import to the UK. Article 6 of the EUTR outlines an obligation to implement a due diligence system.

Of the 16 companies contacted, 14 submitted due diligence systems that were insufficient. In the majority of cases, there was insufficient evidence to show that the importer had done enough to satisfy itself that the timber in the plywood was sourced legally. As well as interviewing the companies, the researchers also purchased samples of the companies' products and carried out microscopic analysis to ascertain the species of wood used in the products.

Of the 13 samples, nine did not match the declaration supplied by each company regarding the species contained within the plywood. In all, only one company was found to be compliant with the EUTR with regard to both due diligence and product testing.

For further information on Norbord, please call 01786 812 225 or visitwww.norbord.co.uk.

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With compliments:
Alison Relf
Taylor Alden Ltd
Unit 2, Temple Place
247 The Broadway
London
SW19 1SD
Tel: 020 8543 3866
Email: alison@tayloralden.co.uk