Ground protection solution expert, Timbermat warns that new import rules being introduced in 2013 are likely to force wood traders to find alternatives to Ekki, which has been synonymous with temporary roadways and the construction industry for decades.
(PRWEB UK) 3 January 2013
Ground protection solution expert, Timbermat warns that new import rules being introduced in 2013 are likely to force wood traders to find alternatives to Ekki, which has been synonymous with temporary roadways and the construction industry for decades.
The new ruling is aimed at prohibiting the placing of illegally produced wood products in to the EU market to help combat the unlawful felling of trees. The authorities hope the new measures will help combat climate change and deforestation of rainforests.
Illegal logging not only deprives governments of tax revenue, but encourages corruption and bad practice, has a negative impact on social infrastructures and human well-being, causes the loss of long-term security and income for forest-based communities, the loss of long-term supplies of timber threatening both quantity and quality, as well as causing the degradation and clearing of forests and consequent loss of habitats for plants and animals.
John Roberts, Managing Director of Timbermat Ltd, one of the largest stockists of timber mats in the UK, said his company is already ensuring its imported wood meets the new EU Timber Regulations well ahead of March 2013 deadline and can produce certificates of origin for all of its ground protection solutions to show they meet all regulations and legal requirements.
For years contractors have used the African wood Ekki for outside construction because it requires no preservative treatment and is therefore entirely benign to the environment, the worker and the public, making it ideal for temporary road and pedestrian surfaces. ‘Unfortunately due to the new EU Timber Regulations, companies may have to seek alternative materials to Ekki for their work,' said Mr Roberts. ‘Ekki will still be imported into the UK but in much smaller quantities and this is likely to impact on its price.'
‘Our wood experts are well aware of the new EU Timber Regulations and their implications. We have long been anticipating the demise of Ekki as the new regulations are introduced because of the implications on tropical timber. That is why we have been researching alternative woods which have similar qualities to Ekki. These are more sustainable species and are more widely available with no threat to the environment.'
For more information contact Timbermat on 0161 442 3157 or visit the website http://www.timbermat.co.uk
Editors' Notes:
From March 2013, all companies placing timber products on the EU market must follow a ”Due Diligence System” (DDS) to minimise the risk of importing illegal timber into the EU. All traders will have to provide basic traceability information indicating from whom they buy their products and to whom they sell them on to and to keep these records for at least 5 years.
Failing to meet the new regulations could lead to seizure of timber and timber products, immediate suspension of trading and fines proportionate to the damage resulting from the infringement.
Timbermat is FSC Certified and the company's importer is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), PEFC (Programme for endorsement of Forest Certification) and SFI (Sustainable Forest Initiative) registered.
For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2013/1/prweb10265182.htm
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