Following the conclusion of the test phase for the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) last week and the postponement of the vote on the EU Supply Chain Directive, the German Sawmill and Timber Industry Association (Deutsche Säge- und Holzindustrie, DeSH) reaffirms its criticism of the initiatives and warns of disruptions to forests and timber. During the trial run of the companies, not only were legal gaps evident, but also technical deficiencies emerged, demonstrating that implementation of the EUDR in practice is currently not feasible. The association urges policymakers to create the necessary conditions to ensure a legally secure and practical implementation within a reasonable timeframe.
'The test run in the participating companies of the sawmill and timber industry has clearly shown that the implementation of the EUDR is currently not possible in practice,' comments DeSH Managing Director Julia Möbus. 'In addition to the lack of technical requirements, there are still open questions regarding the substantive provisions, and the disproportionate bureaucratic effort threatens to lead to significant disruptions along the entire value chain. We therefore appeal to policymakers to take the feedback and concerns of the industry seriously and to create the necessary conditions to ensure a legally secure and practical implementation within an adequate timeframe.'
With the introduction of the EUDR, the forest and timber industry in Germany and Europe will also be affected by extensive documentation and proof requirements. 'We expressly support the goal of the EUDR to counteract global deforestation. However, we urgently call for a differentiated and, above all, practical implementation of the requirements to avoid negative impacts on the climate protection potential of forests and timber,' says Möbus. 'Germany is distinguished by globally leading standards in sustainable forest management. Against this background and in view of the importance of renewable raw materials for the construction turnaround and the climate-friendly transformation of our economy and society, the use of domestic timber must not be disproportionately hindered by additional bureaucratic hurdles.'
As many questions regarding practical implementation remain unanswered, companies are significantly unsettled: 'In the current economic situation, the lack of legal certainty and unclear framework conditions pose an additional burden on the economy. It is therefore urgently necessary to revise the deadlines and requirements of the EUDR in a way that mitigates the requirements for the domestic value chain and ensures legal certainty, in order to avoid unnecessary bureaucracy.'
More information:
Deutsche Säge- und Holzindustrie
www.saegeindustrie.de