Defra launch consultation on the implementation of due diligence provisions in the Environment Act to help tackle illegal deforestation in UK supply chains.

2021-0228

Defra have today launched their consultation on the due diligence provisions set out in the Environment Act to help tackle illegal deforestation in UK supply chains.

The consultation will seek views on:

which commodities will be in scope of regulations
which businesses will be subject to provisions
what businesses in scope will be required to undertake and report on regarding their due diligence exercise

how the requirements will be enforced

The consultation will run for 14 weeks (closes 11^th March 2022) and the consultation pack, including the feedback form, is available at this link:

https://consult.defra.gov.uk/international-biodiversity-and-climate/implementing-due-diligence-forest-risk-commodities/

AIC will study the consultation documents in detail and will prepare some draft responses to the questions which we will share with members well in advance of the end of the consultation period.

Members are encouraged to submit their own responses to the consultation and we confirm that AIC will also submit a response on behalf of members, following further discussion and engagement.