The European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR) comes into force in March 2013 and will prohibit the placing and trade of illegally harvested timber and timber products within the EU.<br> <br> The obligation will be with "first placers" or operators to adopt a due diligence system to minimise the risk of illegal timber being imported. However, all traders further down the supply chains will be required to keep records of who they buy timber products from, in order that items can be traced back to the original operator. The best way to avoid any penalties or fines will be to purchase only compliant materials.<br> <br> Timbmet says that it has been operating a due diligence system since 2007, vetting suppliers' credentials for many years. The company's Red Grandis product is the only plantation grown, FSC 100% TRADA and BRE tested red hardwood in the UK – exclusively from Timbmet and entirely EUTR compliant, the company claims.<br> <br> www.timbmet.com