The TTF set out its advice in a trade note on birch plywood issued to the UK timber products trade.
The UK imported around 200,000m3 of birch plywood in 2021, of which about a third came directly from Russia, while Finland represents the largest supply source.
Birch plywood is a high-quality consistent throughout product used in a very diverse range of end use applications, ranging from transport, shop and office fit out, to furniture, die-cut manufactured components and specialist packaging containers.
The TTF said it endorsed the view of the FSC and PEFC chain of custody certification schemes that goods from Russia and Belarus be classified as “conflict timber” and as ineligible for certification or responsible trade.
However, the TTF also recognises that there are already considerable stock of birch ply in the UK or in transit, which had already been paid for prior to the conflict starting, therefore making them valid for trade.
“There are concerns that birch product from Russian sources is being sold into China and other countries, processed into plywood, and offered back for sale to UK and EU markets,” said David Hopkins, TTF managing director.
“Members are reminded that, whatever route Russian timber may take, it is still classified as conflict timber and ineligible for placing on the market.”
