Malaysia Sabah has exported its first container shipment of EUDR-compliant plywood to Poland on September 29.

This milestone shipment, comprising 45.73 cubic meters of plywood, was produced by Integrated Wood Processing Sdn Bhd in Tawau and exported to Poland, according to the Sabah Forestry Department in a press release on Monday.

The raw materials were responsibly sourced from Sapulut Forest Development Sdn Bhd, a Sustainable Forest Management License Agreement (SFMLA) licensee, under the Sabah State Government’s jurisdiction and the oversight of the Sabah Forestry Department.

The EUDR, introduced in 2022 and set to take effect on 30th December 2024, mandates that timber products entering the EU must be free from deforestation or forest degradation after 31st December 2020. It also requires comprehensive traceability through geolocation data and a due diligence statement, ensuring products meet strict environmental criteria.

“This pioneering shipment reflects Sabah’s readiness to meet stringent international environmental standards, positioning its timber industry for greater market access and competitiveness in Europe. It also underscores the strong collaboration between the Sabah Forestry Department, local timber industry stakeholders, and international partners in promoting sustainable and responsible forestry.

“This achievement is a testament to Sabah’s commitment to sustainable forest management and our proactive approach to meeting global market demands,” said Datuk Frederick Kugan, Chief Conservator of Forests for the Sabah Forestry Department.

“Through compliance with the EUDR, we are not only enhancing the credibility of Sabah’s timber products but also contributing to global efforts in combating deforestation and climate change. Our success in delivering the first EUDR-compliant shipment to Europe amid ongoing debates over the regulation is a reflection of our dedication to preserving our natural resources and advancing Sabah’s forestry sector.”

Exporting EUDR-compliant products presents significant challenges, as the entire
supply chain must undergo rigorous re-evaluation, including implementing new data collection and tracking systems. The Sabah Forestry Department has been instrumental in this effort, enhancing its capacity to provide the geolocation and traceability data required by the EUDR. This improvement facilitates better monitoring of forest activities and ensures transparency in timber supply chains, aligning with international environmental standards.

The foundation for this success is Sabah’s Sustainable Forest Management License Agreement (SFMLA) policy, which has been in place since 1997. This policy balances social, economic and environmental development, requiring Natural Forest Management (NFM) practices and Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) techniques that protect biodiversity, reduce soil erosion, and preserve ecosystem functions. These sustainable practices are closely aligned with the EUDR’s objectives of preventing deforestation and forest degradation globally.

To further demonstrate its commitment to sustainability, Sabah has also developed the Sabah Timber Legality Assurance System (Sabah TLAS), a mandatory third-party audited system that ensures legality and transparency across the entire timber supply chain.

The Sabah TLAS, first introduced in 2009, has been a critical tool in establishing the due diligence procedures required by the EUDR.

Looking ahead, Sabah is poised to strengthen its efforts with the ongoing EU-FDS project to upgrade the Sabah TLAS to fully meet EUDR requirements. This initiative, slated for completion by February 2025, will integrate sustainability, environmental protection, and social responsibility into the system. The project involves consultations with key industry stakeholders, including the Implementing Agencies Coordination Committee (IACC), Sabah Timber Industries Association (STIA), and the Timber Association of Sabah (TAS), among others.

“Sabah remains committed to enhancing its environmental governance and ensuring that our timber products continue to meet the highest international standards,” added Kugan.

“Through continued collaboration with our international partners and industry stakeholders, we are ensuring that Sabah remains at the forefront of sustainable forestry practices, and the system also factors in the current state development agenda and plans.”

This historic shipment signals Sabah’s leadership in sustainable forest management and opens new doors for its timber industry to thrive in an increasingly eco-conscious global market.

Source: theborneopost.com