The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) has expressed disappointment that the Coniferous Plywood Quota for 2008 remains at a ceiling of 650,000m3.
The quota, which commenced on January 1, applies to imports to all 27 EU member countries, with coniferous plywood imported within the quota being duty free, rising to 7% after the quota has been exhausted.
The duty on deposit system is also unchanged for 2008 and will apply when the quota goes below the critical level of 100,000m3.
TTF chief executive John White said the quota system was “antiquated” and distorted free trade.
“We would like to see an end to EU-imposed sanctions on free trade.
“We will however continue to update our members on an ongoing basis as the quota diminishes and we anticipate that the duty free quota will be exhausted by May 2008.”
