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) seeks to reduce illegal logging. It does so by strengthening sustainable and legal forest management, bettering how government and administrations make decisions for the forest sector, and promoting/encouraging the legal production and trade of timber.
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 a document that shows that a shipment of timber products has been produced in line with Guyana’s laws, as agreed in the VPA. These laws are already in existence in the case of Guyana.
What is the GTLAS?
The Guyana Legality Assurance System (GTLAS) verifies/confirms (checks) that the timber from the forest is legal throughout the supply chain. The supply chain begins from cutting trees to the point of final sale (local market) or export (shipment to EU).
When will the FLEGT Licensing begin?
FLEGT Licensing begins after the Guyana Legality Assurance System (GTLAS) is fully working. An examination by Guyana and the EU will confirm that the system meets the requirements set out in the VPA.
How will Guyana verify the legality of timber and timber products?
To get a FLEGT Licence, timber products must be in line with the laws set out in the legality definition. The Guyana-EU VPA says that legality means following the law, guidelines and regulations by a Forest Sector Operator (FSO) for timber coming from his/her operation. An FSO means a sawmiller, lumber yard, large or small concessionaire, exporter, Amerindian Village etc.
What products does the Guyana-EU VPA cover?
The VPA covers logs, sawn timber, railway sleepers, plywood, veneer and other timber products. Product list is found in Annex I and more products can be added over time.
Where is Guyana now with the VPA?
In November 2018, Guyana and the EU initialled the VPA. The VPA comes into effect after the EU and Guyana have signed and ratified/accepted the VPA. Work has begun to set up all systems and plan of actions necessary for implementing the VPA.
If I am not exporting to the EU, do I have to still comply with the VPA?
All Forest Sector Operators (sawmills, lumber yards, exporters, Amerindian Villages etc.) are required to comply with the VPA requirements because there is one system being used across the country.
What is the JIF?
JIF stands for Joint Implementation Framework and contains all the things which need to be done before the VPA is ready and Guyana can issue FLEGT licenses. The JIF is a 4-year plan and focuses on all stakeholders in the sector.
What is the benefit of the VPA to Guyana?
The VPA will benefit Guyana by allowing us to have access to the very large EU market. Another benefit will be the upgrades which allow for stakeholders to be able to have access to more information on forestry. It is expected that the VPA will make efforts to improve the quality and types of products 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.
