PEFC Designates Wood From Russia and Belarus as “Conflict Timber” Not to Be Used in Any PEFC-Certified Products

Following a meeting of PEFC (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) organization’s board last week, wood from Russia and Belarus have been designated as “conflict timber” and banned from use in all PEFC-certified products following the invasion of Ukraine.

A statement from PEFC read:

“PEFC is extremely concerned about the Russian government’s attack on Ukraine. The military invasion is in direct opposition to our core values. This aggression causes unspeakable and unacceptable pain and death to innocent people, including women and children. It also has an immediate and long-term destructive impact on the environment, on forests, and on the many people that depend on forests for their livelihoods.”

“The clarification that timber from Russia and Belarus is conflict timber follows an extraordinary meeting by the PEFC International Board to discuss Mr. Putin’s military aggression against Ukraine and its implications for PEFC and PEFC-certified forest owners and companies.”

Since Russia invaded its neighbor last month, thousands of people have lost their lives and millions displaced. It’s also had an impact on the timber industry, with forecasts of a stable year reined in amid the ongoing uncertainty.

A number of forestry firms have suspended all trade with Russia.