The London Hardwood Club
The London Hardwood Club

8th July 2015

The meeting with Michael Worrell, the EUTR Enforcement Manager from

the NMRO, proved very successful amongst members, which testified once again

the importance of the subject.  

As a result of the large turnout, of around 60 members and guests, the meeting

was moved to the RAF Club in Piccadilly, another venue of historical and

prestigious value.

The presentation after lunch informed members of the work that is being carried

by the NMRO and related findings of the projects undertaken to date as well as the

status of the implementation of the EU regulation in the UK and developments in

the European context.

Mr Worrell explained that the team uses a risk-based approach and has up till now

been working on 15 projects covering different types of timber and timber

products. Some of the findings revealed flaws in companies’ due diligence

systems and their application. Common mistakes indentified included

over-reliance on supplier statements, the lack of an adequate risk assessment,

presentational issues, and the misapplication of risk mitigation due to inadequate

risk assessments and failure to identify what risks are being mitigated. However,

he also said that they have found some very good due diligence practices in place

and a collaborative approach from many UK timber companies.

At the EU level, Mr Worrell said that a proactive stance is being taken and that

sanctions have been applied already in other EU states. The UK has also taken the

lead by chairing an ad-hoc working group on EUTR enforcement matters, working

in close collaboration with Dutch counterparts. On 3rd party certification,

Mr Worrell explained to the audience that it can have a role in mitigating risks

identified in the risk assessment process and can be used in the risk assessment

itself, it does not indicate compliance with the regulation. However it is for

individual operators to utilise 3rd party certification in their due diligence

processes and when used correctly will greatly assist in the mitigation of

identified risks.

 

We are located at:

Our meetings are held at the following location or via zoom while Covid 19 restrictions apply :

The Globe
83 Moorgate 
London 
EC2N 6SA

Contact us today!

If you have any queries or wish to make an appointment, please contact one of the team

 

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