Fordaq – The Indonesian SVLK legality verification system and FLEGT licensing makes Indonesia a low risk source of tropical timber in the UK.
Between November 2016 to September 2020, Indonesia reported 27,500 documents for 730,000 certified timber shipments worth US$1 billion exported to the UK according to the Charge d’Affaires Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) London, Adam M. Tugio.
Adam said FLEGT is an important hallmark for retailers in the UK as it ensures transparency. Today, more British consumers are adopting ethical purchasing and demand proof of legality for the wood products they purchase along with assurances that the products purchased have not resulted in deforestation.
Adam explained that British consumers appear willing to buy certified sustainable products at a premium price. This change in behavior has given importers hope that the British government can provide incentives for the use of sustainable wood by the UK timber industry.
In related news, Deputy Minister of Environment and Forestry, Alue Dohong, in his remarks on a webinar ‘UK Market Update for FLEGT Timber Product: Indonesia’s Timber as Sustainable Partner for UK Market’ held on 23 September said that that the SVLK won the trust of international buyers because Indonesian wood products come from legal sources.
In the webinar, Lord Goldsmith, UK Minister of State for Pacific and the Environment, said that the commitment to, and legality standards of Indonesian wood products makes it easier for UK importers and consumers and that he appreciates the cooperation between Indonesia and the UK over the past two decades in developing strong compliance standards for sustainable wood.