As highlighted in this week’s TTJ, the focus of the programme was a French timber importer and its African supplier.
"We are extremely proud that, after six months of research by the BBC, there was no allegation of impropriety or wrongdoing against any TTF member or indeed any UK company in tonight’s programme," said David Hopkins, TTF head of communications and external affairs. "We were never in any doubt about this."
The BBC had interviewed six TTF members during their six months’ research, with one – Robbins Timber -being shown on the programme.
Reporter Raphael Rowe asked Robbins managing director Richard Bagnall about okoumé-cored plywood decking, on the basis Robbins had previously sourced products from a French customer of the main company highlighted in the programme – La Rochelle-based EdWood.
But there were no allegations of links between the small quantities of product Robbins had previously sourced and alleged mismarked tropical timber highlighted in the programme.
Mr Hopkins applauded the aims of the programme but said there was a danger that responsible, certified and legal firms operating in tropical forest areas could get tarred with the same "jungle outlaws" brush.
"Panorama also makes clear that the EU Timber Regulation needs consistent, high levels of enforcement throughout the EU," said Mr Hopkins.
"It would appear that this is not happening. We will be raising the names mentioned in this programme with trade bodies in other member states and at EU level."
