Government gets tough on illegal wood
Thursday 27 December 2012
The maximum punishment for timber merchants caught with illegally-felled wood will go up to two years in jail or a fine of €79,000 from March, the economic affairs ministry said on Thursday.
In addition, traders risk having their businesses closed down, the ministry said in a statement.
The change in regulations stems from European law aimed at combating illegal forestry. From March 3, traders will have to prove they bought their timber legally. Joinery firms will also have to provide proper certification for their wood on request.
Some 5,000 firms fall under the new Dutch rules.
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''In addition, traders risk having their businesses closed down'' that should be the first punisment.Fines and threats of jail do not stop theses people.
By jason buttle | 27 December 2012 3:14 PMI think Netherlands shouldn't be in the business of controlling the origin of foreign (non-EU) forestry product. If some country wants to sell forest non-managed wood, so be it.
By A.L. | 28 December 2012 12:36 PMThe certification schemes are based in developing countries, and are riddled with coruption and forgeries.
By Mark Holden | 29 December 2012 2:23 PMGenuine plantation wood which should be certified can't afford the high cost; great old trees stolen from the rain forest can.
Regulations need extreme overhaul before this level of enforcement begins.