According to Interpol estimates, between 15% and 30% of the timber traded globally originates from illegal activities, generating an annual value of approximately 150 billion US dollars. To combat illegal timber trade in the European market, the European Parliament approved Regulation (EU) 995/2010, known as EUTR, on October 20, 2010. This regulation came into force on March 3, 2013.

The EUTR requires anyone placing timber products on the European market to develop, implement, and maintain a system to trace the timber’s origin. This system must minimize the risk of marketing timber and derived products of illegal origin. Public entities, such as forest owners or managers, who sell timber from their forests must also ensure traceability and transparency.

In this context, the Forestas agency, operating in Sardinia, regularly carries out forestry activities in areas it owns or manages. These activities produce timber and cork intended for sale through auctions. As a result, Forestas must comply with the requirements set by the EUTR Regulation.

The Forestas agency has a well-established presence in Sardinia, with several local offices managing forestry operations using diverse procedures and methods. To ensure compliance with the EUTR Regulation and transparency in the timber supply chain, a unified system is required to certify the origin of the sold timber, supported by documentary evidence.

Etifor played a key role in supporting Forests in compliance with the EUTR Regulation. After consulting with technical representatives from the local offices in the first phase, Etifor analyzed and categorized Forestas’ various operations involving timber and cork production, identifying those subject to the regulation.
Subsequently, Etifor organized specific training courses for staff in both central and local offices. This work culminated in creating an operational manual, which serves as the foundation for the traceability system of timber produced by Forests.