Britain consults on checks for forest-risk supply chains

The UK government opened a consultation on November 11 on mandatory checks for commodities associated with illegal deforestation. The proposed regime for Great Britain would cover supply chains involving products such as soy, palm oil, cattle, cocoa, coffee, rubber and timber.

The environment department wants businesses to examine whether their goods are linked to unlawful forest clearance overseas. The consultation also considers strengthening timber rules and using powers already provided by the Environment Act 2021.

The government is seeking views from businesses, environmental groups and international participants before settling the measures. It also says it wants the Great Britain system to work alongside Northern Ireland’s separate arrangements while avoiding unnecessary administrative burdens.