NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, France, May 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Bureau Veritas Certification has launched a dedicated Due Diligence Solution for the forest, pulp and paper, packaging and wood products industries in response to the recent entry in application of the European Union Timber Regulation 995/2010 (EUTR).

Forty clients in key areas such as China, South East Asia and Europe have already implemented the Due Diligence Solution.

The aim of this new regulation is to eradicate illegal wood products on the European market (similar to measures taken in the USA and Australia). Illegal logging and deforestation is therefore a global problem resulting in negative environmental, social and economic impacts.  In some tropical areas, illegal timber harvesting accounts for 50 - 90 per cent of all timber harvested. The trade of illegally harvested timber has been estimated to generate at least USD $11 billion, comparable to the production value of the drug market, estimated at around USD $13 billion (source Interpol).

To tackle this issue, the EUTR regulation mandates all actors importing wood based products into Europe to demonstrate that the wood from these products has been harvested in compliance with the local regulations in the country of origin.

Outside Europe, global suppliers are therefore required to demonstrate the legal origin of their products in order to access the European Market.

As the world's leading certification body with over 10 years of experience in wood legality services, Bureau Veritas Certification has designed a first-class Due Diligence System, specifically to fulfill requirements of the EUTR in a cost-effective manner. This solution is completely adapted to the needs and potential risks of each supply chain. To extend its force, the solution is supplemented by a team of 300 local experts in 60 countries with in-depth knowledge of local regulations. Companies entrust Bureau Veritas Certification to provide consistent risk analysis and, when need be, the rapid deployment of local teams to conduct on-site field audits.

"The Bureau Veritas Certification Due Diligence Solution gives access to our network of expertise and provides organizations with a competitive package that combines both the on-line and on-site field assessments you need todemonstrate the compliance and integrity of your global timber supply chainanywhere in the world." Etienne Casal - Vice President Certification Business Line.

Bureau Veritas Certification can deliver EUTR services as a stand-alone package or to complement current certification services such as FSC® PEFC™, SFI, OLB (Origine et Légalité des bois) and American Tree Farms System certification audits.

To learn more about the European Timber Regulation 995/2010 and Bureau Veritas Certification Due Diligence Solution please visit http://eutr.bureauveritas.com to download our complimentary white paper.

About Bureau Veritas Certification

An expansive global footprint in more than 100 countries serving 100,000 clients, Bureau Veritas Certification is the world's leading certification body.

Along with a thorough offer for Quality, Health & Safety and Environmental services, Bureau Veritas Certification is at the forefront of today's Sustainability schemes such as launching the "Origine et Légalité des Bois" scheme recognized for over ten years in Africa, and other recent programs to address biodiversity topics.

Bureau Veritas Certification is the independant certification body of Bureau Veritas.

Bureau Veritas is a world leader in conformity assessment and certification services. Created in 1828, the Group has almost 59,000 employees in around 1,300 offices and laboratories located in 140 countries. Bureau Veritas helps its clients to improve their performances by offering services and innovative solutions in order to ensure that their assets, products, infrastructure and processes meet standards and regulations in terms of quality, health and safety, environmental protection and social responsibility.

Bureau Veritas is listed on Euronext Paris and belongs to the Next 20 index (Compartiment A, code ISIN FR 0006174348, stock symbol: BVI).

http://www.bureauveritas.com

SOURCE Bureau Veritas Certification