The EU Parliament adopted legislation banning products from logged forests
BRUSSELS: The European Parliament on Wednesday adopted a law banning the export of products that contribute to deforestation, Anadolu Agency reported.
With 552 votes in favor, 44 against and 43 abstentions, EU lawmakers approved a new act that only allows products to be sold in the EU if suppliers can prove that “the product does not come from forests that have been cut down or have led to forest degradation” through an “assessment justified”, the EU legislature said in a statement.
The new legislation applies to commodities such as coal, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soy and timber and cattle.
It also includes goods made from, containing or having been fed with the products mentioned above, such as leather, chocolate, furniture and printed paper products.
At the request of the European Parliament, the company also has to testify that the goods are produced in accordance with the country’s own legislation, including respect for human rights and protection for the Orang Asli.
The European Commission will set criteria for “due diligence” certification based on the classification of low, standard and high-risk deforestation in the country of origin.
Companies that falsify certifications or fail to comply with EU regulations can face penalties of up to 4 percent of their annual turnover.
EU member states have yet to officially use the law.
According to the United Nations, more than 420 million hectares of forest were cleared for agriculture between 1990 and 2020.
Consumption by the EU accounts for about 10 percent of global deforestation.
