Ghana has marked a major milestone in sustainable forestry with the shipment of its first FLEGT-certified timber to the European Union. Since 8 October 2025, the West African country has been authorised to export legally harvested wood under the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) regulation, a system designed to promote legal and sustainable timber trade between producer countries and the EU.
© Fedustria
The inaugural shipments were celebrated on 4 November, with a ceremonial event organised by the Ghanaian Embassy in Brussels, complemented by a dedicated session at the European Parliament hosted by the NGO FERN. Fedustria, the Belgian federation for the textile, wood and furniture industries, actively supported both initiatives.
For Ghana, this represents a historic first in Africa, globally, only Indonesia has previously implemented FLEGT licensing. The system ensures that timber and wooden products exported from Ghana are fully compliant with national and local laws, and come with a verified FLEGT certificate. Beyond legality, the Ghana Verified Timber scheme also addresses sustainability, encompassing initiatives such as community healthcare and education.
Armand Stockmans, of Stockmans Wood Products, which has over 40 years of experience in Ghana, welcomed the Ghanaian delegation and received the first official FLEGT certificate. The ceremony included a detailed briefing on how the Ghana Verified Timber system operates and the additional social and environmental safeguards it provides.
Fedustria representatives also addressed members of the European Parliament, highlighting the benefits of FLEGT for European and Belgian timber importers. Timber carrying the FLEGT certificate is afforded a "green lane" under the European Timber Regulation (EUTR), simplifying compliance with legality requirements. Under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), FLEGT certification fully covers the legality aspect, offering importers certainty and streamlined processes.
Ingrid Hontis of Fedustria noted:
"FLEGT is really a help for our companies. It offers a strong foundation for sustainable trade and forestry while ensuring the protection of our forests."
The launch of FLEGT timber from Ghana signals a growing global commitment to legal, responsible and socially conscious forestry. Stakeholders hope it will inspire other producing countries to follow suit, expanding the reach of legally verified and sustainable timber worldwide.
More information:
Fedustria
www.fedustria.be
