At the Illegal Logging Conference at Chatham House on 20th January the Secretary of State announced that CPET guidance on Government timber procurement is now to include consideration of social criteria in qualifying certification schemes. FSC UK have been involved in the CPET consultation on this issue and greatly welcome the inclusion of social criteria in UK government procurement criteria.

The update of the guidance will also consist of a general update and the addition of two new clarifying guidance criteria on ‘Conversion; and ‘National level application’. CPET is inviting all stakeholders to submit views and comments on the inclusion of these new clarifying guidance criteria.

If you wish to comment, please respond direct to CPET using the comments form available from the CPET website. FSC UK will comment in due course in its own right, after consultation with the International Centre. Please note that CPET requires comment by 10th March at the latest.