Aug 28, 2014. /Lesprom Network/. The French association Le Commerce du Bois (LCB) noted that, after several delays, the French regulation establishing the EUTR enforcement regime in France is now expected to be passed September, ITTO reported.

The first checks on operators are expected to occur soon after. The sanctions regime will be extremely onerous, with fines of Euro 150,000 just for failure to implement adequate due diligence.

LCB has been requiring mandatory due diligence procedures for its members already for seven years so is hopeful that the new sanctions regime will not cause immediate disruption.

LCB has also formed a close working relationship with both the French Ministry of Agriculture, which will act as the EUTR Competent Authority, and with WWF which advises LCB on risk assessment and the status of legal documentation in supplying countries.