Six companies have been suspended by The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) for failing to meet its March 31 deadline for implementing due diligence procedures.
Despite having to suspend the companies, TTF chief executive John White was upbeat that the vast majority of members have implemented procedures.
And he left the door open for the six suspended members by saying that they would continue to receive support to help set up or formalise a due diligence system until the end of the year, even though they could not call themselves TTF members.
A further small number of companies which were unable to comply have already left The Federation.
“Members have found that the process isn’t as daunting as they first thought and it has in fact augmented their business offer to their customers,” said Mr White.
“With wood being bought now that could still be in the yard when the EU Timber Regulation takes effect, ensuring robust risk assessment and traceabilty is already becoming business critical and I am proud of the way TTF members are rising to the challenge.”
