From:Packaging News

Asia Pulp & Paper Group (APP) has received the first Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) license in Indonesia for the Pindo Deli pulp and paper mills.

FLEGT licensing was introduced to boost trade between Indonesia and EU by automatically demonstrating proof of legal origin and compliance with the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR).

European businesses will be able to use FLEGT licenses as proof of legality of origin to meet the requirements of the 2013 EUTR, replacing the extensive due diligence previously required and still required for imports from other countries not covered by a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the EU.

Aida Greenbury, managing director for Sustainability at APP, said: “We congratulate the Government of Indonesia and the European Union for creating the FLEGT licensing scheme, as it shows the world that Indonesia is serious about supporting its timber industry to help tackle illegal logging. This is not just about a new bureaucratic system or paperwork but a real change on the ground that will provide opportunity for thousands of Indonesian and European businesses alike by making it much simpler to import Indonesia’s valuable timber products.”