MEPs cut down illegal loggers

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 7th Jul 2010

MEPs have taken an axe to the illegal logging trade today by banning the placing of illegal timber on the European market and setting up strict penalties for those caught doing so.

Illegal logging is estimated to represent 20-40% of global industrial wood production, and contributes heavily to carbon emissions and the destruction of biodiversity. It deprives often poor governments of billions of pounds of revenue every year and can cause violent conflict.

WWF estimates that around €3bn of illegal timber from places like the Congo Basin and Indonesia reaches the EU. The new rules impose strict fines for those caught first placing illegal timber on the European market and establishes traceability through the whole supply chain.

South West MEP Graham Watson commented;

"Illegal logging causes environmental, economic and human devastation right across the world. By saying "no" to these timber cowboys in Europe we can do our bit to support developing countries and protect forests ravaged by illegal logging.

Watson said the legislation also supported responsible producers in Europe;

"The illegal timber trade depresses prices by up to 16%. This action will also support responsible timber producers who employ sustainable and legal methods.

"The EU has taken an important step in cutting the illegal timber trade down to size. We must now ensure that member states enforce this ban properly."