The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) says it is disappointed at the introduction of increased charges by the Forestry Commission in relation to inspections at ports.
The rise in the cost of inspections of consignments of controlled timber entering Great Britain from third countries (including Plant Health checks) is, according to the TTF, ill-timed and too high.
But the Forestry Commission said it had no choice but to increase the fee it charges for plant health inspections on imported timber, with the inspection fee per container of timber increasing from £22.83 to £38.
“While we understand that sometimes prices have to rise, the Forestry Commission has picked an incredibly difficult time to introduce theirs,” said the TTF’s Nick Llewellin.
“Like all sectors of the construction trade, the timber industry is having a tough time and to be faced with rises of this magnitude really doesn’t help.
“At the very least, it would have been useful to have had a much longer lead-time before these charges were introduced.
“Our membership is understandably concerned at the introduction of additional costs to their businesses at this very difficult time.”
Following the consultation period on higher charges earlier this year, the commission said the charges may be reduced again, depending on the UK’s import levels and the number of inspections it undertakes.
