PEFC UK is pleased to invite all interested parties to the PEFC UK Inaugural Stakeholder Meeting entitled "Purchasing forest products: Reducing risk and increasing confidence". The event takes place on 26 June 2012 from 14:15-18:00 at the Auditorium of the Society of Chemical Industries at Belgrave Square, London.

Forests contain some of the most valuable and biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. If they are to continue to deliver the full range of benefits that people and nature depend on, they need to be conserved and managed responsibly. Governments around the world are therefore introducing legislation to ensure that the products which come from them are legally sourced.

In 2008, the US Government extended the Lacey Act to include forest products. In Europe, March 2013 will see the introduction of the EU Timber Regulation which imposes a requirement on companies first placing timber on the EU market to ensure that appropriate ‘due diligence’ systems are in place. Companies trading in timber and timber products will need to keep track of where they purchased from and where applicable,who they sold to. The Regulation will apply to everyone trading forest products in the EU, including paper, furniture and wood fuel, therefore bringing thousands of companies into its scope.

Are you aware of the risks involved of not implementing or understanding your responsibilities behind the purchasing of sustainable wood products?

Are you confident that you have the correct knowledge and expertise to deal with the introduction of this new legislation and what it means for your business and its supply chain?

To highlight the responsibilities that UK industry needs to be fully aware of, PEFC UK has decided to make the theme of its inaugural stakeholder meeting – mitigating risk in the procurement of forest products. We have assembled a panel of knowledgeable, expert speakers from a number of industry sectors including timber, business consultancy, print and publishing and retailing to speak and share their experiences.

The afternoon will conclude with a moderated panel discussion where delegates will have an opportunity to pose questions to our panel. This will be followed by a drinks reception to provide delegates with networking opportunities.

Further information

• Registration form
• Event flyer