Key members of the UK importing trade have met a Malaysian delegation to debate forest product developments in the Asian country, especially certification standards.

The London meeting, which involved representatives from the Malaysian Timber Council, Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC), members of The Timber Trade Federation (TTF), was chaired by TTF president Geoff Rhodes.

The MTCC said its new certification standards, currently undergoing consultation, are to be based on the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Criteria and Indicators, and will be released in January 2005. Certification next year will involve a transition between old and new standards.

It aims to receive FSC endorsement within two to three years and will push for Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) approval next year.

TTF members were asked whether they would pay the extra cost of verified legal timber. The consensus was that most customers do not currently pay higher prices but that growing demand for the product will lead to a change.

&#8220We discussed opportunities for greater co-operation between the TTF, the MTC and the MTCC. We had a full agenda and built on our already positive relations with Malaysia”

Andy Roby, TTF corporate social responsibility adviser

Andy Roby, TTF corporate social responsibility adviser, said discussions included the EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade process, the TTF code of conduct and the implications for the Malaysian timber industry.

He said: “We also discussed opportunities for greater co-operation between the TTF, the MTC and the MTCC. We had a full agenda and built on our already positive relations with Malaysia.”

The TTF recommended that Malaysia look to hire an NGO to monitor the country’s forestry system in order to gain more market acceptance.