Asia Pulp & Paper Group (APP) has received the first Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) license in Indonesia for the Pindo Deli Pulp and Paper Mills. FLEGT licensing will increase trade between Indonesia and EU by automatically demonstrating proof of legal origin and compliance with the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR).
APP is the first pulp and paper group to obtain FLEGT licensing and was chosen to represent the sector in a license-awarding ceremony at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry on 24th November. In addition to the Pindo Deli mills, APP Group’s other mills have also received FLEGT licenses following the system coming into effect on 15th November.
The FLEGT license improves the ease with which all products manufactured by APP in Indonesia – including the Extra print wood free uncoated graphical paper range, speciality paper brand Impressions 2000 and the Sinar Lux range of cast-coated papers – can be shown to comply with the requirements of the EUTR.
The license follows the announcement of the start of the FLEGT licensing scheme earlier this month. It offers a potential boost to Indonesia-EU trade, as it will streamline the process of importing paper products into the EU as well as other timber-based products produced by other FLEGT-licensed businesses.
European businesses will be able to use FLEGT licenses as proof of legality of origin to meet the requirements of the 2013 EUTR, replacing the extensive due diligence previously required and still required for imports from other countries not covered by a Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) with the EU.
Aida Greenbury, Managing Director for Sustainability at APP, said: “We congratulate the Government of Indonesia and the European Union for creating the FLEGT licensing scheme, as it shows the world that Indonesia is serious about supporting its timber industry to help tackle illegal logging. This is not just about a new bureaucratic system or paperwork but a real change on the ground that will provide opportunity for thousands of Indonesian and European businesses alike by making it much simpler to import Indonesia’s valuable timber products.”
