SOLEX organisers LOFA are reminding members and their customers of new EU regulations governing the sale and supply of timber products that came into force on 3 March this year. Non-compliance could result in a jail sentence.

Under the new statute, designed to reduce the amount of illegally-harvested timber reaching the market and protect global rain forests, suppliers must be able to demonstrate that all timber in their products comes from a legal source. The statute applies to retailers who import directly from the factory as well as manufacturers and importers.

The regulations are being enforced by Defra through the National Measurement Office (NMO), whose officers are empowered to enter the premises of suppliers and request documentary evidence of provenance. An initial remedial order can be made, with fines and jail sentences in the event of continued failure to comply.

Steve Hallam, LOFA’s environmental specialist, who has played a key role in the development of LOFA’s Made Aware scheme, said: “This is not a voluntary code, it has the force of law.”

LOFA members have been fully briefed about the new regulations and been provided with a work plan outlining the required procedures. Retailers who are concerned how they might be affected can request further information from the LOFA office.