FAQ
This section answers the most common questions on the FLEGT Licence, timber products for export to the EU, the Timber Legality Assurance System and more. You can contact us for more information or visit the Resources section of our website.
What is FLEGT?
Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) is a European Union (EU) Action Plan that seeks to reduce illegal logging by promoting sustainable and legal forest management. It supports governments in making informed decisions for the forest sector and encourages the legal production and trade of timber and timber products.
What is the VPA?
The Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) is a legally binding, bilateral (two-sided) trade agreement between the EU and a country that sells timber and timber products to the EU, like Guyana.
Is trading timber products from Guyana to the EU important?
The International Timber Trade Organization (ITTO) reports that Guyana produced approximately 549,000 cubic meters (M3) of primary timber products between 2014 and 2018. The country’s timber exports are mostly logs and, to a smaller extent, Sawn wood. The main timber products destined for the EU are sawn timber and Roundwood.
According to the GFC, between 2015-2018, the total value of log, Sawn wood, Roundwood, veneer and plywood exports averaged 40.4 million US dollars per annum. In 2018, Sawn wood exports accounted for US$15.21M, while Roundwood exports increased in volume and value in that year.
Should a local FSO decide to export to the EU to benefit from this market, FLEGT licences automatically meet the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) requirements. FLEGT-licensed products are also more attractive to EU buyers.
What is a FLEGT licence?
A FLEGT Licence is an official document confirming that a shipment of timber or timber products was produced in line with Guyana’s laws and regulations, as set out in the VPA. These laws already exist in the case of Guyana.
What is the GTLAS?
The Guyana Legality Assurance System (GTLAS) verifies (confirms through checks) that the timber from the forest is legal throughout the supply chain. The supply chain starts when trees are cut and ends with the final sale, whether in the local market or through export to the EU.
Where is Guyana now with the VPA?
In November 2018, Guyana and the EU initialled the VPA. Guyana and the EU signed the VPA in December 2022, and it was ratified (made officially valid) nationally in 2023. The VPA is now in its implementation phase.
When will the FLEGT Licensing begin?
FLEGT Licensing begins after the Guyana Legality Assurance System (GTLAS) is fully working. Guyana and the EU will examine and confirm that the system meets the requirements set out in the VPA.
How will Guyana verify the legality of timber and timber products?
Forest Sector Operators (FSOs) must meet all relevant and existing national laws, guidelines, and regulations. These requirements are outlined in the VPA’s legality definition. An FSO can be a sawmiller, lumber yard, concession holder (large or small), exporter, Amerindian village, or similar operator.
What products does the Guyana-EU VPA cover?
The VPA covers logs, sawn timber, railway sleepers, plywood, veneer and other timber products. The product list is found in Annex I. More products can be added over time.
If I am not exporting to the EU, do I have to still comply with the VPA?
Yes. Compliance is not just a legal obligation—it is the national standard. All Forest Sector Operators (sawmills, lumber yards, exporters, Amerindian Villages, etc.), whether selling locally or internationally, must meet national legal requirements.
What is the JIF?
JIF stands for Joint Implementation Framework. It contains all the actions and activities to be completed before the VPA is considered ready and FLEGT licences are issued. The JIF is a multi-year plan focusing on all stakeholders in the sector.
What is the benefit of the VPA to Guyana?
The VPA will benefit Guyana by opening access to the large and valuable EU market. It will also bring important upgrades to the forestry sector, such as better access to information for stakeholders and improved systems. The VPA is also expected to enhance the quality and variety of timber products available on the market.
Can I export to the EU before Guyana begins issuing FLEGT licences?
Timber products exported to the EU will use the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) due diligence process until Guyana begins issuing FLEGT licences. The EUTR prohibits illegal timber from entering the EU market and requires trading companies to assess and mitigate the risk of illegal timber entering their supply chain.
Once FLEGT licensing begins, FLEGT-licensed products automatically meet the EUTR requirements, and no due diligence is required.
What is the difference between PEFC, FSC and FLEGT Licence?
All certifications and licences aim to help local wood producers with cost-effective mechanisms that improve their competitiveness and market access globally, including the EU market. FSOs who comply with all the sustainability and legality requirements and processes will be issued a PEFC Certificate or FLEGT License, depending on the destination market. The FLEGT Licence is the only acceptable document for exporting to the EU. In Guyana, the FSC Controlled Wood certification covers the production and distribution of lumber and outdoor furniture. The certificate also covers a verification programme for the control of wood sources from identified supply areas in Guyana and the sale of FSC Controlled Wood. To learn more about how they complement each other here.
