The Kerhout Foundation, which since 1996 has validated certificates for sustainable forestry entering the Dutch market from around the world, is to be wound up.
The organisation will cease trading on December 31 and its activities will be taken over by the Netherlands Timber Trade Association (NTTA).
The Foundation blamed the lack of ongoing financial resources as well as the lack of political and social support for the decision to close.
The NTTA will take over the foundation’s activities, keeping the Kerhout logo and the board of experts. It will decide whether a certificate qualifies for the Kerhout logo on the basis of the minimum requirements of the Dutch authorities.
NTTA managing director André de Boer said the takeover fits in with the association’s current policy. He added: “During the next two months we will be focusing on developing and implementing the new inspection facility in our organisation.”
