On 6 April 2010 a group of 4 leading European retailers have launched the Timber Retail Coalition (TRC) to support measures to curb illegally harvested timber.  Kingfisher, Marks & Spencer, IKEA and Carrefour Group, all members of the European Retail Round Table, are the founding members.  The TRC is committed to tackling global deforestation linked to climate change.  By providing a single platform for engaging with politicians and policymakers at national and EU levels, the TRC will significantly enhance this effort.

The Timber Retail Coalition is not:

• a certification accreditation body
• a certification or verification body
• a stepwise programme towards certification
• an official government voice on any matters related to illegal timber

Press

Measures to ban illegal timber backed by major European retailers, 17 June 2010: download

Comments on the outcome of the Environmental Committee vote, 4 May 2010: download

Timber Retail Coalition launched, 6 April 2010: download

Members

Sustainable sourcing: Marks & Spencer IKEA Kingfisher Carrefour Group

Useful links

Forest Legality Alliance: http://www.wri.org/fla/

European Parliament position, 7 July 2010: download

Illegal logging:  European Commission WWF

Documents

TRC Terms of Reference: download

TRC views on certification and legality: download

For further information, please contact Paul Skehan, Director, ERRT, acting Secretariat to the TRC: