The Timber Trade Federation has had private discussions with Defra minister Hilary Benn on proposed regulations for keeping illegal timber out of the EU.
Both TTF chief executive John White and head of sustainability Rachel Butler were at the meeting, which was also attended by representatives of Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace.
The talks covered the proposed regulations to make it obligatory for traders bringing timber into the EU to implement a due diligence system to minimise the risk of sourcing illegal material.
“The discussions were very constructive and the minister confirmed that it was likely the new regulation will be applied only at the point of first entry into the European market,” said Mr White.
