The Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) says it is “disappointed” about failing to win a sustainability assurance rating from the government’s Central Point of Expertise on Timber Procurement (CPET).
The MTCC scheme, along with the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes and Sustainable Forestry Initiative, was instead classed as evidence of “legal” timber sourcing.
It welcomed the legal rating but disagrees with CPET’s view that the scheme has inadequate involvement of relevant stakeholders. MTCC said regional and national consultations held to develop its forest management standards involved representatives of all stakeholder groups.
MTCC said its scheme uses a phased approach, with the second phase being implemented in 2005 and involving a new standard based on the principles and criteria of the Forest Stewardship Council.
It plans to work with the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and CPET during the next six months to seek further clarification and provide additional information on specific issues, as well as progress its phased approach.
An MTCC spokesperson said: “MTCC is optimistic that through such means, its scheme will be accepted as providing an assurance of both legal and sustainable timber by the UK government.”
