New timber law16 July 2010
Europe has taken a big step towards stopping illegal timber imports - and protecting forests around the world.
The European Parliament has voted for a Directive that should help create a level playing field in the international timber sector.
The vote took place on 7 July 2010 and marks a major milestone in 10 years of campaigning on the trade of illegal timber in the EU.
Campaigning for the ban involved massive support from activists from the UK and across Europe.
This law, if properly enforced, will have a huge positive impact on the world's forests and their inhabitants. It will also mean that developing countries will finally start benefiting from the revenues that, until now, have disappeared due to illegal trade.
Geert Ritsema, Friends of the Earth Europe
What's in the law?
The new law requires timber merchants to be transparent about the origin of their wood.
They have to assess and reduce the possibility that their wood is illegally sourced - potentially cut and sold to them without correct permits.
All merchants have to give information on where their timber is bought and sold.
These measures will provide more transparency in the chain of trade and will reduce the risk of illegal timber appearing on the market.
Carry on campaigning
We've been campaigning for over 10 years for this law, to save the world's forests and to make sure people who depend on them get a fair deal.
Friends of the Earth Europe will follow its implementation - we want to see countries and companies turn the Directive into an effective law.
Take action
Thanks for anything you're already doing to support our campaigns.
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Further information
Check out our Good Wood Guide.
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