Visit the NEPCon website for full information about the draft standard, the consultation process and how you can participate.
Says Legality Programme Manager, Christian Sloth, about the standard, "Our LegalSource standard for certifying due diligence has been developed based on experience gained from working with industry organisations and other stakeholders. We are very grateful for all the inputs we have received helping us to develop a robust and operational solution for companies seeking to ensure the legal origin of timber products.”
The LegalSource standard offers forest product traders, processors and forest managers the potential to receive 3rd party certification confirming that they exercise due care to reduce the risk of sourcing and trading illegally harvested forest products. Companies, which have been audited by NEPCon and found in compliance with the standard, can be issued a LegalSource certificate and sell products covered by the scope of the certificates as “NEPCon LegalSource Certified”.
NEPCon has carried out two pilot tests of the draft standard for leading organisations within the wood industry and retail sectors, as well as provided inputs and assistance to the European Timber Trade Federation (ETTF) and its member organisations around the development of a harmonised due diligence system available for timber trade organisations.
Based on pilot tests of the draft standard and inputs and assistance to the European Timber Trade Federation (ETTF) and its member organisations around the development of a harmonised due diligence system for timber trade organisations, NEPCon has made several substantial revisions to the standard. An overview of these changes, can be viewed here.
NEPCon are now asking stakeholders for feedback on the second draft of this standard.
To participate in the consultation
1. Comments about and edits to the draft standard can submitted directly to NEPCon's Legality Programme Manager Christian Sloth at cs@nepcon.net.
2. Call Christian Sloth directly (+ 45 31 58 79 81), if you wish to convey your comments verbally or to discuss or clarify any points.
3. Submit your comments using this online survey.
The consultation ends 4 December 2012 at noon CET.
For full information and to view the standard and access consultation documents visit NEPCon's website.