European Union · Wood and Paper

EU FLEGT Licensing

A practical guide to EU FLEGT Licensing for wood and paper sold in the European Union: who it applies to, what to prepare, and the mistakes that cause rejection.

Who needs it

Importers of timber, paper, and wood-based products; Brands selling furniture or packaging made from wood

Authority

European Commission

Legal basis

Regulation (EC) 2173/2005

Local representative

The importer is responsible for due diligence

Timeline

Before placing on the market

Cost

Due diligence and certification costs vary by volume

If you do not comply

Shipment refusal, fines, and listing removal

Who needs this

Importers of timber, paper, and wood-based products
Brands selling furniture or packaging made from wood

Documents you need

Timber species and origin documentation
Due diligence statement
Certification evidence where available
Supplier declarations

Compliance checklist

Tick each item as you collect it. Saved in this browser only.

Timber species and origin documentation
Due diligence statement
Certification evidence where available
Supplier declarations

How to comply

Map species and harvest origin
Run due diligence on the supply chain
File the required statement
Keep records for audits

Brief for your lab or agent

Copy this into an email, then edit the product and channel.

Request: EU FLEGT Licensing — European Union
Product category: Wood and Paper
Authority: European Commission
Legal basis: Regulation (EC) 2173/2005

Documents we already have:
  1. Timber species and origin documentation
  2. Due diligence statement
  3. Certification evidence where available
  4. Supplier declarations

Questions:
  1. Does our product fall under EU FLEGT Licensing in the European Union?
  2. Which test standards or evidence do you accept?
  3. What is the current fee and lead time?
  4. Is a local representative required, and can you act as one?

Cost and timeline

Before placing on the market.

Due diligence and certification costs vary by volume.

Common rejection reasons

Origin not documented
Due diligence incomplete
Species not declared
Supplier evidence missing

Registration, notification, or certification is not the same as approval. Keep the technical file current and make sure the label, listing, and submitted data match.

Official sources

FAQ

Who needs EU FLEGT Licensing in the European Union?

Importers of timber, paper, and wood-based products. Brands selling furniture or packaging made from wood. The importer of record normally holds the evidence.

What documents do I need for EU FLEGT Licensing?

Timber species and origin documentation; Due diligence statement; Certification evidence where available; and supplier declarations.

What is the first step for EU FLEGT Licensing?

Map species and harvest origin, then run due diligence on the supply chain. Before placing on the market.

How long does EU FLEGT Licensing take?

Before placing on the market.

How much does EU FLEGT Licensing cost?

Due diligence and certification costs vary by volume.

What happens if I sell without it?

Shipment refusal, fines, and listing removal.

Who regulates EU FLEGT Licensing in the European Union?

European Commission.