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Purchasing Guidance

 

Responsible Purchasing Of Wood Products

The Responsible Purchasing Policy (RPP) is a tool designed to assist TTF members to implement their commitment to due diligence as laid out in the TTF Code of Conduct. The RPP has been highly commended by a wide range of organisations, and is fast becoming the international industry benchmark for responsible timber buying. It has growing recognition from government, NGOs and other stakeholders, both in the UK and internationally. We are continually refining the RPP to ensure that it is cost-effective, credible, and market focused, to help promote individual Member companies and the timber trade in general.

TTF Members have signed up to the Policy or an approved equivalent, and are committed to responsible stewardship practices verified by independent auditing. We encourage the building industry to buy from suppliers with responsible purchasing policies for timber.

Supply Chain Management

TTF teamed up with The Forest Trust (TFT), to launch the Timber Trade Action Plan (TTAP) in 2005. This €7 million EU-funded programme offers TTF Members support to their tropical and Chinese suppliers in the form of a complete supply chain review, from stump through manufacture, to point of export to the UK. A 72% subsidy is available to help suppliers with timber tracking, forestry improvements etc, enabling Members to have peace of mind that their suppliers are working towards legally verified timber, a big step towards certified material. The TTF can offer advice on other environmental supply chain matters.

Country Guidance

A total of 18 Country Guides covering the major timber supplying countries to the UK have been published on the TTF website for the exclusive use of TTF Members. A further eight are due to be published this year. The Guides have been compiled using information from a range of third-party websites including national Government, NGO and timber trade organisations. These guidance notes are updated on a regular basis and provide straightforward advice to timber buyers on due diligence.

Climate Change

Climate change is now firmly fixed at the top of the political agenda. TTF provides briefings to Members on climate change issues such as Copenhagen, Stern Report and the implications for the timber trade. The TTF is involved in policy work that seeks to ensure that climate change programmes take account of trade initiatives. We are also able to provide advice to Members on how to develop carbon off-setting.

Chain of Custody

The TTF operates a service to Members to get them through the FSC or PEFC Chain of Custody audit. The service consists of site visits and paperwork assistance to enable any Member to meet the requirements.

A Simple Guide to CITES

Obtaining the paperwork surrounding the certification documents for importing timber can be complicated. In conjunction with DEFRA, we have now put together a TTF Guide that should help members to conform to what is required.