On behalf of Timber Development UK (TDUK) – the trade association for the timber supply chains in the UK – and its members we would like to thank Friends of the Earth for their latest report, “Tainted Timber” and for raising these concerns with us.
The timber industry has been a pioneer in developing due diligence procedures for its supply chains. All TDUK operators, including those named in the report, are signatories to our Responsible Purchasing Policy (RPP), a risk management framework aligned to the UK Timber Regulations. We take all allegations of misconduct within global supply chains entering the UK very seriously and we are engaging with our members, their suppliers, and other stakeholders about the matters raised in this report.
It is notable that the Friends of the Earth report does not accuse any of our member companies of wrongdoing or illegal conduct. Indeed, in comments back from the researcher many were commended for the quality of their due diligence.
Reports of this nature, along with regular NGO alerts, are useful tools for UK Operators and members to improve their own due diligence. TDUK regularly shares NGO updates with members and shared previous concerns raised by Friends of the Earth with members in 2023 to support this continuous improvement process.
We note that the issues in the “Tainted Timber” Friends of the Earth report had not been the subject of prior regulatory findings known to TDUK or its members. None of our members had reported hearing anything about the incidents alleged in this current report prior to this investigation being conducted. Therefore, we have now raised the points made in the report with key stakeholders, including the UKTR enforcement team (OPSS), Malaysian Timber Council (MTC), the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC), and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and are seeking further clarification.
TDUK works closely with each of these partners and has always recognized the role that voluntary certification schemes and national governance systems play in supporting sustainable forest management and social safeguards.
Similar concerns regarding Malaysian timber sourcing were raised in the Netherlands in 2022, including questions relating to MTCC certification. In response, the Dutch Government initiated a formal and independent review through its Timber Procurement Assessment Committee (TPAC).
- Final Judgement detailed research MTCS
- Netherlands Government Upholds Recognition of the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) Following Conclusive TPAC Review
This process included desk research and field verification visits to Malaysia in February 2025. Following TPAC’s assessment, the Government of the Netherlands reaffirmed its recognition of MTCS and PEFC International under its national timber procurement policy in November 2025. This provides additional context that such concerns have previously been examined through an official government-led process within established procurement and certification frameworks.
TDUK understands that further follow-up actions by PEFC International and MTCC agreed as part of its 2025 field mission are now taking place in Malaysia and will wait for the outcome of these processes.
The report “Tainted Timber” includes recommendations directed at industry groups, including the need to ensure members understand the risks of relying on certification schemes and support more robust sourcing practices.
We agree that voluntary certification should not be a substitute for due diligence. In line with the UKTR, certification is not treated as an automatic assurance of compliance. Operators are required to assess risk and apply mitigation measures proportionate to identified risks. Where elevated risk is identified, additional traceability and verification may be required as part of a robust due diligence system.
TDUK also monitors environmental and governance risk developments through member briefings, webinars and ongoing background research on sourcing countries and supply chains. We will remain committed to supporting responsible sourcing and will continue to engage with stakeholders, including NGO groups, review emerging risk information, and provide guidance to members where appropriate.
Timber Development UK is the largest, most comprehensive supply chain organisation for timber in the UK, committed to growing your connections, knowledge, and influence – to build a better world with wood.
Our three core missions are to connect the supply chain, lead best practice, and accelerate a low-carbon future, by creating the tools, training, and guidance to support the sustainable timber supply chain to lead as a net zero industry.
