The new EU Timber Regulation comes into force this month. Jim Hardisty, Managing Director of Goplasticpallets.com, explains what this means for timber pallet users, the legal obligation, penalties and the increasingly attractive alternatives.
Illegally harvested timber is something the entire supply chain needs to play their part in stopping. For that reason, the new EU Timber Regulation, which comes into force on 3rd March, is easily abided by in theory. It is perhaps not surprising that companies have been preparing for this change by buying plastic pallets rather than tackle due diligence processes and face potential penalties when, in practice, things can go wrong.
For timber pallet users, knowing what you are buying is more crucial than ever and if illegal timber slips through the net and into your pallet stock, you could be liable for a fine, seizure of goods or suspension of trade.
The regulation makes it illegal to place illegally harvested timber and timber products on the EU market. Operators must have as much information as possible about their timber products including the species, country of harvest and name and address of supplier. They must carry out a risk assessment to show where problematic supplies could enter the chain. Traders must be able to identify who they have bought timber from and who they have sold to.
Plastic pallets have numerous benefits timber pallets cannot offer and are far more than a convenient way to escape the additional paperwork the new regulation will entail, even if operators and traders go to the expense of using an external monitoring body.
A plastic pallet has a potential life span of up to, and even exceeding, ten years. When compared with a wooden pallet, this extended life could be as much as ten times longer and they provide consistent size and strength throughout their long life.
Made in Polyethylene or Polypropylene, plastic pallets are suitable for hygienic areas and are easily cleaned. The possible cross contamination from the mould and dust inherent in wooden pallets is avoided with all types of plastic pallets. In addition, the specialist Hygienic Pallets have totally smooth sealed enclosed surfaces, removing any possibility of impurities accumulating in the pallet’s structure. This makes them suitable for the food processing industry, where companies have long had to abide by a multitude of standards and legalities.
Companies in Australia and New Zealand have to stick to rules on the treatment of wood to protect their woodlands against potential infestations and contamination. Plastic pallets were an obvious choice for companies facing the AQIS requirements for treated wood, as use of plastic pallets avoids the risk of consignments being quarantined on arrival for contamination checks.
For more information on the benefits of plastic pallets, go to www.goplasticpallets.com and click on About. Companies interested in converting their pallet stock to plastic from wooden now the EU Timber Regulation is in force can ask our advice on pallet suitability for their specific needs by calling 01323 744057.
Goplasticpallets.com
Jim Hardisty, MD
Tel: 01323 744057
Email: jim@goplasticpallets.com
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