Illegal logging

European imports of tropical hardwood products increased during the first months of 2013. According to the espertiexperts,, European traders imported as much tropical wood as they can before the imminent enforcement of the EU Timber Regulation on 3 March 2013. European stocks of tropical wood products were very low at the start of the year following low import volumes in the second half of 2012, and importers decided rebuild stocks before being subjected to the new law. European importers will be now liable for prosecution if the European authorities are able to demonstrate that the wood is from an illegal source, or that the imp