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Helveta today announced the launch of its latest online timber traceability software, Elements Wood. Elements Wood publishes a Digital Passport™ for every consignment heading towards the EU, USA or Australia. 

A German timber importer [get_bloginfo]url[/get_bloginfo]/files/currently the subject of an EU Timber Regulation _EUTR.css) investigation could lose timber worth a six-figure euro sum, according to the country’s industry publication Euwid.

Helveta UK, the global provider of supply chain and traceability software solutions, today announced the hire of Massimo Gentili to the executive team to develop further the company’s business strategy for global expansion.

Timbmet is working with UK tracking software specialist Helveta on a timber ‘Digital Passport’ system to enhance chain of custody monitoring and its ability to meet the due diligence risk assessment requirements of the EU Timber Regulation.

The ITRI Tin Supply Chain Initiative (iTSCi) announces another progressive step in implementation with the adoption of a technology solution designed to enhance data collection and traceability in this important minerals due diligence programme.

Helveta says its new online traceability platform will support importer[get_bloginfo]url[/get_bloginfo]/files/s_rsquo.css; due diligence. Keren Fallwell reports.

Increasing pressure is being exerted on the timber sector to improve accountability and compliance. This situation is due to the recent introduction of strict import regulations in the USA, Europe and Australia, most notably the Lacey Act, EU TR and the Illegal Logging Prohibition Bill. So how do importers and exporters respond to these changes in a sector that is hampered by poor infrastructure due to remote locations, ever decreasing margins, and a demand by consumers for greater transparency and sustainability in the supply chain?

The difficulties the new European Union Timber Regulation has faced are well known and well-documented – mostly recently in the BBC Panorama programme, ‘Jungle Outlaw[get_bloginfo]url[/get_bloginfo]/files/s_rsquo.css;, that was broadcast last month. Although member states had just over two years to put the legislation into effect, progress has been slower than hoped, and there is still a long way to go.

However, the fundamental principles of the EUTR should not be forgotten: it is still vitally important, both for the environment and for business security that we are able to establish sustainable, transparent timber supply chains, and Helveta believes that this can be achieved quickly and simply.

The used cooking oil supply chain continues to be under the spotlight and debates persist in the corridors of Brussels over the controversial EU counting incentive. Legitimate UCO collectors face a deadline to be ISCC certified before July 25^th, illegitimate UCO collectors may currently be losing the UK more than £25m (€29.4 million) a year in lost duty through the theft of UCO according to a recent article published on the BBC website.

So what is all the fuss about and what are the real problems that need to be solved for this feedstock to become a vibrant force in the Biofuels arena?