ETTF
International tropical timber trade federation
ETTF underlines due diligence for only legal and sustainable import of timber products. The European Timber Trade Federation (ETTF) is one of the leading timber lobby groups in Europe and emphasizes the importance of legality and sustainability of timber products.
About
ETTF (The European Timber Trade Federation)
Who we are
The ETTF promotes the interests of the timber trade across Europe, representing key national federations for importers, merchants and distributors.
What we do
The ETTF liaises with and lobbies government and governmental bodies at national and international level, engages with environmental and other NGOs and provides a discussion and networking forum for the EU timber trade on key issues, from legislation and the environment, to sustainable timber promotion and best practice.
Members
All members of ETTF are obliged to meet the targets of the EUTR (European Timber Regulation) which entered into force in 2013. That means that all timber importers of ETTF are experienced, professional and well trained in performing due diligence. Across Europe, operators for timber imports are obliged to only import timber from legal sources. Regarding the initiative of the EU Commission to launch a new legislation for deforestation free commodities (timber is included), ETTF members are 8 years ahead with their experience concerning the obligations of that new legislation. Thomas Goebel, Secretary General for ETTF says: „Nobody is better prepared for a new legislation than our importers. The impact of the EUTR is not to be underestimated in the countries of origin, and that in the end is due to the successful due diligence of ETTF members and operators. They play a positive and decisive role in fighting against illegal logging.“ Important elements in a successful due diligence are certification systems like FSC© or PEFC, this must be continued in the same way in the new legislation. Sustainability certification is a very adequate measure for risk mitigation, it plays a vital role in protecting the world’s forests and consequently must be endorsed in any new legislation in the EU.