On 10 September 2025, Timber Development UK welcomed members to the St Giles London Hotel for a Learning Day focused on current regulatory challenges facing the timber supply chain. Presentations and workshops covered the UK Timber Regulations (UKTR), the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). The programme brought together auditors, regulators, and technical experts to provide updates and practical guidance.
A consistent theme throughout the day was that compliance requirements are becoming more stringent, with increasing emphasis on systems, traceability, and accurate product information.
From preventing risks to enforcement
The morning session concentrated on the UK Timber Regulations. Maggie FitzHerbert and Imogen Terry of the Soil Association presented auditor observations and risk alerts before leading a group exercise on due diligence. Their session highlighted both areas of progress and areas where risks remain, emphasising that UKTR compliance requires active processes, not just documentation.
This was followed by a presentation from Samuel Ross of ZSL on timber testing. He outlined how scientific methods are being used to verify species and origin claims, underlining the growing importance of reliable data in demonstrating compliance and credibility across supply chains.
The morning concluded with an update from the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) on UKTR enforcement. The OPSS is the product regulator for almost every product on the market, “anything from a chainsaw to a toaster”, as Matthew Burns explained. The only things OPSS are not responsible for regulating is food safety, cars and medicine.
Matthew Burns explained OPSS’s “find, fix, tell” approach: identifying non-compliance, ensuring corrective action, and publishing outcomes. The OPSS team set out the range of actions businesses may face, including information requests, test purchases, announced visits, and unannounced inspections. One official stated: “We are regulating now…we do visits, announced and not, and we are checking the market.”
Collaboration in the face of complexity
The afternoon session turned to the EUDR. Members were divided into breakout groups to examine issues including the collection of geolocation data, the position of Northern Ireland, and the challenges of working with suppliers and customers.
The group discussions underlined the scale of the regulation’s data requirements and the practical difficulties businesses face in implementing them. Participants noted that while individual companies may struggle to meet these requirements in isolation, collaborative approaches and shared learning can strengthen industry readiness.
Feedback from the groups also pointed to the need for clearer guidance from government and DEFRA to ensure that businesses can comply effectively.
Duties, standards, and the lessons of Grenfell
The final sessions of the day focused on the Construction Products Regulation. The OPSS team outlined their role as the UK regulator for construction products and explained how timber fits into the wider supply chain framework. They emphasised the critical role of accurate declarations of performance (DoPs) and highlighted the points in the supply chain that are subject to regulatory oversight.
They also highlighted a real-life inspection case involving plywood treatment, using it to explain non-compliance and highlighting the importance of accurate product information.
Nick Boulton, TDUK’s Head of Technical and Trade Policy, then provided a detailed overview of CPR obligations. “The way that I look at it,” he said, “is that it’s a law requiring construction products to declare their performance characteristics. In all simplicity, that’s the bottom line.” He reminded members that products covered by designated standards are subject to legal duties under the CPR, adding: “If you’re selling a product, go away and check if it has a designated standard…if the answer is yes, then you have to comply with the CPR.”
The discussion reinforced that inaccurate or incomplete product information is not only a compliance failure but can create significant safety risks. Robust and transparent information is essential for both regulatory and safety purposes.
Across the day’s sessions, speakers stressed that regulatory compliance is tightening, the role of data and traceability is increasing, and regulatory frameworks continue to evolve. Members were also reminded that industry collaboration and engagement with regulators are important in meeting these challenges.
Closing the event, Nick Boulton advised: “Go away from today, look at the product portfolio, see which ones are covered by designated standards, and make sure you’re meeting your obligations.”
The Learning Day provided members with a clear overview of current requirements, insight into enforcement practice, and an opportunity to share experiences in preparing for forthcoming regulatory changes.
