The European Parliament approved a new law to fight climate change and biodiversity loss. This decision will ensure that products sold in the EU have not led to deforestation, making companies comply with a so-called “due diligence” statement confirming that the product does not come from deforested land or has led to forest degradation.

While there is not a ban on any product or country, the European Commission issued a list with the products affected by this new law, including wood and many derived products. The list can be found here.

Boatbuilders are among those who will need to comply with the additional due diligence statement, proving that the timber used by them complies with the new regulation. This may include keeping more detailed records of timber sourcing and supply chain. However, this new regulation provides a new opportunity for companies of the boating industry to demonstrate their commitment and support towards sustainability.

To read more about this new law, click here.