According to Non Governmental Organization – Environmental Investigations Agency (NGO-EIA), 9 companies from 5 EU countries had failed to meet the EU Timber Regulation, regarding a legal import of teak from Myanmar.
Teak (Tectona grandis) or also known as the “Burmese teak” is a tropical hardwood species, which is particularly valued for its durability and water resistance. It is used for exterior construction, veneer, beautiful furniture or boat building. Burmese teak is native to southeast Asia, and is very common in countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmarand and Bangladesh.
Recently, EIA released a report, where representatives from few firms in the EU explicitly admitted that they are not able to proof that the imported teak to their companies comes from legal sources only.
Among these 9 countries, which failed to meet obligation to pinpoint the source of the teak, were timber business operating in the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Denmark and Germany.
In addition, Peter Cooper – EIA forests campaigner, said to Mongabay:
“It’s not just these nine companies”
Among others, P. Cooper, cited a 2013 WWF report, which found that 85% of timber leaving Myanmar should be considered illegal.