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Report from
Europe
Wide ranging issue discussed at ETTF General
Assemby
Key trade issues, from anti-dumping duty, to latest CITES
developments, product standards and potential breaches of
EU sanctions on Russian Birch plywood were addressed at
the 2026 European Timber Trade Federation (ETTF)
General Assembly held 2 June at the Carrefour
International du Bois exhibition in Nantes.
ETTF national federation heads discussed latest anti-
dumping measures on Chinese hardwood plywood. The
meeting also addressed the EU measures on Brazilian
softwood plywood.
The ETTF Assembly heard that the CITES Appendix II
listing of Cumaru continues to be a key trade issue. Wood,
furniture and textile Federation Fedustria in particular has
highlighted problems in Belgium where customs are
requiring individual species level identification on
imports. This is proving nearly impossible so effectively
eliminating Cumaru from the market. The General
Assembly heard this “risked turning CITES from ‘a specie
protection mechanism into a trade barrier”.
The ETTF has sent a letter to authorities in Belgium, the
Netherlands, Germany, France, Denmark and to the EU
itself highlighting trade concerns. Fedustria reports that
the first reaction to this has been positive. Meanwhile, a
Brazilian forestry study is underway into differentiation of
Cumaru at tree level, which could go some way to
resolving the problem.
The meeting heard that no CITES II listing of Azobé (
Lophira alata) or the Meliaceae Mahogany family
(Entandrophragma spp) is currently being considered.
According to Franck Monthe of the International Tropical
Timber Technical Association (ATIBT), “while CITES
listing of Okoumé is not on the table either at the moment,
the situation should also be monitored given ‘international
attention due to concerns on traceability and forest
governance”.
In Mr Monthe’s view, there is a risk of more tropical
species being added to EU CITES Annex D, so requiring
an EU import notification.
A watching brief on this is also advised, as EU Annex D
is considered by some as an ‘entry portal to stricter listings
and the EU does not need to consult prior to listing’. In
fact, shortly after the ETTF General Assembly an ETTF
news bulletin reported the announcement from the Dutch
CITES authority (RVO) that Shorea spp, Anthoshorea
spp, and Entandrophragma spp would be added to EU
CITES Annex D from 29 June 2026. Also see story below.
The introduction of the EU formaldehyde regulation for
wood-based panels on 6 August 2026 also came up in
discussion. This will cut product emission levels from 0.1
ppm to 0.05ppm. It was highlighted that non-compliant
old stocks cannot be placed on the market after
implementation date, but exclusively exterior-use products
are exempt.
On sanctions against Russia, it was noted that offers of
birch plywood were still circulating in the EU from
Turkey, Georgia, Kazakhstan and China, the suspicion
being that they comprise wood originating from Russia. It
was noted that the ETTF needs to ‘reiterate its position’
against any illegal trade in Russian material via third
countries to the European Commission. Such activity, it
was stated, allows ‘Russia to continue generating money
from log or veneer exports to third countries’.
The meeting also heard the latest news on the EUDR-
Assistant software developed by German Timber Trade
Association GD Holz. This tool is designed to submit an
EUDR due diligence statement for every sales transaction.
It has been a major undertaking and taken longer than
expected, the meeting was told. But now a user manual,
FAQ document, information about necessary compliance
documentation and training resources are being prepared.
A first version of the contract for ETTF members to use it
is also nearly ready. The tool will be regularly updated,
including through use of AI, and technical details for a
white label version are currently in discussion with
developers. The plan is that the Assistant will be available
to ETTF members in Q3 2026.
See – www.ettf.info
and
https://www.gdholz.net/articles-for-newsletter-ettf/new-listings-
on-eu-annex-d.html?nlorigin=440_118263
Additional genera listed in EU Annex D
The European Commission has added a range of tropical
timber genera to EU CITES Annex D.
As of 29 June the following were included; Anthoshorea
spp. (White Meranti), Doona spp., Neohopea spp.,
Pentacme spp. (White Lauan), Richetia spp. (Yellow
Meranti), Rubroshorea spp. (Dark Red Meranti, Light Red
Meranti, Red Balau), Shorea spp. (Bangkirai),
Entandrophragma spp. (Sapele/Sapelli, Sipo/Utile, Tiama,
Kosipo).
“The products covered are logs, sawn wood, veneer sheets,
plywood and transformed wood,” reports the European
Timber Trade Federation (ETTF). “Transformed wood
corresponds to HS heading 4409 and includes, for
example, decking boards.
Being included in EU CITES Annex D means that EU
requires an import notification for these species. This must
be presented to Customs during customs clearance.
Annex D is not a CITES Appendix in the strict sense, but
rather a monitoring category under the EU Wildlife Trade
Regulations no CITES documents are required for the re-
export of Annex D timber.
See - https://www.gdholz.net/articles-for-newsletter-
ettf/additional-genera-listed-in-eu-annex-
d.html?nlorigin=440_118852
and
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202601383
and
https://www.gdholz.net/articles-for-newsletter-ettf/additional-
genera-listed-in-eu-annex-d.html?nlorigin=440_118852
Mixed market picture from ETTF federations
Market reports from ETTF member federations at the
organisation’s General Assembly, presented a mixed
picture.
The Belgian timber sector saw continued modest recovery
in 2025. Wood product exports were stable, with 75%
destined for other EU countries. The second half of 2026
is expected to be more difficult. There are also reports that
embargoed Russian birch continues to enter the market,
but also that European birch producers are increasing
capacity.
Danish importers were reported to have had a ‘fairly good’
2025, while the country’s softwood exports rose. Denmark
has low inflation and employment and the Danish market
overall, including construction is reported to be in good
shape into 2026. It was reported that there is some
nervousness about the new left leaning government, but
the trend to ‘green’ housing and increased demand for
home energy efficiency construction work is adding to
market positivity.
In Greece, wood is facing competition from alternative
materials and there is still low awareness of the EUDR
among smaller businesses. But the Greek economy is
reported to be in good shape, with strong construction
activity and inward investment. In another indicator for the
state of the market, timber imports from the US are also
up.
The wider market in Italy is slow, it was reported, with
private spending constrained by market uncertainty.
Timber-based construction is being held back by a lack of
skills and wood windows are facing competition from
uPVC products.
The Italian economy is forecast to grow 0.5% this year by
the EU Economy and Finance Directorate, but the timber
sector is facing some contraction. The longer-term
outlook, however, is more upbeat. Another positive sign
is a buoyant level of imports of engineered wood products
from Austria. At the same time, Russian plywood is still
reported to be readily available on the market in breach of
EU trade sanctions.
In the Netherlands, 65,000 new homes were delivered last
year against a government target of 100,000. But timber-
based housing increased its share of new build to 7%,
stimulated by measures to increase use of bio-based
materials in construction. There are also regional
initiatives driving this trend. The Dutch economy is
forecast to grow 1% this year.
Spain is enjoying robust economic growth, with GDP
expected to rise 2.4% this year. Latest reports put annual
housing completions at around 120,000. Imports of US
hardwoods have shown recovery and imports from Brazil
are also up. Tropical imports are reported down 10% over
the past year, although there was an increase in tropical
plywood (okoumé) as a birch plywood alternative. Panel
products are seeing strong price inflation, with MDF and
chipboard up dramatically.
The German economy is predicted to grow between 0.3%
and 0.8% this year, with inflation under control. Wages
are also growing ahead of inflation, delivering rising
purchasing power. Downside risks are a weak global
economy (reflected in the poor performance of the
German car industry). But positives include infrastructure
and defence investment. The ETTF Assembly were told
that German timber trade is expected to bottom out this
year and start picking up, albeit from ‘very low levels’.
So, 2026 is billed as a year of transition though rather
than recovery.
Address competitiveness, EPF Milan assembly urges
EU
The European Panel Federation General Assembly held in
Milan from 10-12 June addressed key challenges facing
the industry, including mounting international
competition, notably from China, stagnant consumption
and energy costs.
The market landscape was described by Assopannelli
President Paolo Fantoni. He said the message the panel
sector is sending to the EU is the need to support European
industry competitiveness. It is, he said, the decisive factor
in safeguarding its future business.
“The sector is facing persistent stagnation in consumption,
reduced profitability , high energy costs and growing
competition, with China increasingly establishing itself as
a direct and indirect competitor,” said Mr Fantoni.
“We call on Europe to adopt policies consistent with the
goal of strengthening the continent’s industrial base and
maximizing the value of business investment.”
In particular, said Mr Fantoni, the panel sector wants to
see the effects of the Carbon Border Adjustment
Mechanism (CBAM) mitigated. Currently, he maintained,
it results in higher costs for the European industry’s
products in an already complex geopolitical context. He
said the sector strongly urged the European Commission
that CBAM’s effects be mitigated in coming months and
that an ‘exemption clause’ proposed by the European
Commission be confirmed to this effect.
The message was acknowledged in a video message to the
General Assembly by Italian Economy and Finance
Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti. “We must support
[European] businesses with pragmatic and realistic
policies, recognising that when global demand weakens,
the single market can and must be part of the response,”
he said.
Italy’s wood-panel sector was described as a strategic
component of the country’s wood to furniture supply
chain. In 2025 the sector was worth over €2.3 billion, up
2% on 2024. Production for the Italian market, which
takes 58% of total output, was ahead 3%, exceeding €1.3
billion. Exports rose 1.1% to €979 million. Imports rose
14% to €1.4 billion.
See - https://europanels.org/category/news/
and
https://www.federlegnoarredo.it/
and
https://www.federlegnoarredo.it/associazioni/assopannelli
and
https://www.confindustria.it/en/
Swiss Timber Trade Ordinance: less bureaucracy
same protection
The Swiss Federal Council is planning a revision of
Switzerland’s Timber Trade Ordinance (TTO) to simplify
import of timber and timber products from the EU. The
objective is to reduce administrative burdens for Swiss
companies without weakening efforts to combat illegal
timber trade.
The TTO has been in force since 2022. It requires
companies to comply with extensive due diligence
obligations regarding origin and legality of timber
products. In the future, a simplified regime will apply to
timber and wood products that have already been lawfully
placed on the EU market. As proof of compliance, a
confirmation from the EU supplier stating that relevant
European regulations have been observed will be
sufficient.
The Swiss Wood-Based Materials Association (HWS)
welcomes this adjustment. On the introduction of the
TTO, it advocated for a level playing field in the EU to
avoid competitive disadvantages for Swiss companies. It
emphasized that additional regulatory requirements
inevitably entail administrative effort and associated costs.
“More than 90% of Swiss timber imports originate from
the EU.
Accordingly, the potential for reducing administrative
burdens on companies involved in the timber and wood-
based materials trade is substantial,” says the HWS. “We
therefore strongly support the TTO revision and consider
it an important contribution to strengthening the
competitiveness of the Swiss timber and wood-based
materials sector.”
See - https://hwsschweiz.ch/
Danish timber building grows, but too slowly
The use of timber in Danish construction is increasing, but
not fast enough, according to new figures from the
Partnership for Danish Timber Construction. The latest
assessment shows that timber’s share of residential
construction in Denmark rose from 11% in 2020 to 14% in
2025. Across the construction sector as a whole, timber
accounted for 9% in 2025.
The partnership points out that increased use of timber and
other bio-based materials will be important if the sector is
to meet Denmark’s stricter climate requirements for
buildings. However, the development is still held back by
barriers such as documentation requirements and a lack of
pre-accepted solutions, particularly in timber buildings
above two storeys where fire-safety documentation can
make projects more complex.
The Partnership for Danish Timber Construction therefore
calls for clearer and more practical regulatory frameworks
that make it easier to use timber and other biobased
materials at scale.
The partnership consists of the three organizations Træ i
Byggeriet (Wood in Construction), the Danish Timber
Trade Federation and Træ- og Møbelindustrien (the
Danish Wood and Furniture Industry).
See - https://traeibyggeriet.dk/
and
https://dktimber.dk/english/
and
https://www.danskindustri.dk/medlemsforeninger/foreningssites/t
mi/
BMRC presented at Lao PDR event
The activities and aims of the Broader Market Recognition
Coalition (BMRC) were presented at a Lao PDR forest
policy event on3 June 3, reports the BMRC’s latest
newsletter.
Dr. Krisdianto Sugiyanto, Indonesian Co-Chair of the
BMRC and Director of Forest Revenue and Forest
Products Administration at the Indonesian Ministry of
Forestry, spoke at the ‘Forest Policy Dialogue on Timber
Value Chains and Business’. The event was organised by
the Protection and Sustainable Use of Forest Ecosystems
and Biodiversity (ProFEB) project. This is a joint initiative
of the Lao Government, Germany, and the EU which is
coordinated by the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and
Environment (MAE).
Dr Sugiyanto shared the ‘vision and mission of the
BMRC’. The coalition currently comprises six tropical
timber producers Cameroon, Ghana, Guyana, Indonesia,
Liberia and the Republic of the Congo. A number of other
‘associate’ countries are reported to be interested in
joining, while Gabon and Papua New Guinea are involved
as observers.
As a member-led initiative, Dr Sugiyanto said BMRC’s
mission focusses on encouraging, endorsing, and
promoting robust national systems in international
markets. At the same time, it facilitates knowledge
sharing to strengthen forest governance and foster
continuous improvement.
The BMRC’s core values, he added, include nationally
mandated legality, robust integrity, local ownership,
transparency, inclusivity, and trade-driven recognition –
collectively provide a pragmatic and cooperative
framework for promoting sustainable forest management
globally.
To support this, a modular framework is currently under
development to help member countries effectively
showcase their National Forestry Systems. Concurrently.
The BMRC also continuously engages with markets and
relevant stakeholders in the global trade of timber and
forest products through active participation in global
forums and events.
The wider aim of the Lao PDR policy dialogue, reports
the BMRC newsletter, was ‘to bring stakeholders together
to build a shared understanding of timber supply and
demand in the country’. Participants included members of
the Lao PDR Forestry Sub-Sector Working Group
(FFSSW), comprising government stakeholders, timber
companies, small and medium enterprises, trade
associations, civil society organisations, academia, and
relevant development partners.
“Lao PDR is making significant progress in sustainable
forest development, guided by key policies and strategies
such as the updated Forestry Strategy 2035 and the Wood
Processing Sector Export Roadmap (2021-2025),”
reported the BMRC newsletter.
See - https://forestgovernance.org/bmrc-at-the-forest-policy-
dialogue-on-timber-value-chains-and-business-in-lao-pdr-3-june-
2026/
and
https://mailchi.mp/0ac409170aa9/bmrc-newsletter-may-june-
2026?e=a90834b3ec
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