Sep 03, 2010. /Lesprom Network/. China Timber and Wood Products Circulation Association (CTWPCA) (former China Timber Circulation Association) has applied to establish a Special Committee for Timber Imports. The initiative came from the timber and wood product importing companies which have been facing more challenges since China became one of the world’s leading timber importers, ITTO reported. CTWPCA has listed four main challenges faced by the importers which the new committee will address. The first challenge is to cope with the new environmental protection requirements for combating illegal timber logging and trade in illegal timber. These international requirements are proliferating and there is a high risk of failing to meet some of them. In this regard, an organisation is needed to offer guidance and support for traders, and also to monitor changes and law enforcement. The second challenge is that currently there is neither adequate statistics nor a system for stock evaluation at the national level that would help prevent over or under stocking in the country. The third challenge is to address corruption in the timber importing trade. The fourth challenge is to set a responsible procurement system for timber imports. The association would also aim at promoting and developing the Chinese timber importing and trade to international standards.