UK government public consultation now open for new law to stop illegal deforestation

In the United Kingdom, the government announced plans to clamp down on illegal deforestation as it consults on a new law to protect rainforests and clean up the UK’s supply chains. The consultation will run for six weeks and seeks views from UK and international stakeholders.

The proposals would prohibit larger businesses operating in the UK from using products grown on land that was deforested illegally. These businesses would be required to carry out due diligence on their supply chains by publishing information to show where key commodities – for example, cocoa, rubber, soy and palm oil – came from and that they were produced in line with local laws protecting forests and other natural ecosystems.

Businesses that fail to comply would be subject to fines, with the precise level to be set at a later date.

“This approach is designed to work in tandem with the existing efforts of governments, communities and business in producer countries to enforce national laws, benefiting law-abiding producers and companies. The proposed legislation makes clear that illegally produced commodities have no place in the UK market, as we build back greener from coronavirus,” according to their press release.