According to the Romania Journal, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) has recently decided to place the Schweighofer group on probation period after voices that this company was involved in illegal logging operations in Romania.
Everything started when WWF Germany complained against Schweighofer Group’s forestry related business operations in Romania. Then, an independent panel appointed in March 2016 conducted very detailed investigation.
Moreover, the Romanian Environment Minister Gratiela Gavrilescu, in an interview with Europa FM, said that the Environment inspectors found more than 50 ‘ghost traders’ who worked with Holzindustrie Schweighofer, which disappeared in the meantime so she notified the Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime.
According to FSC, it is the best way to ensure that the the largest processor and exporter of wood in Romania, engages in actions to fully address any involvement in irregularities and illegalities in its timber trade operations and in illegal logging by its Romanian forest enterprise.
By the next meeting of the FSC International Board of Directors to be held from 7th to 10th February 2017, the Schweighofer Group is required to meet a number of conditions. Otherwise, the FSC Board will decide for disassociation with Schweighofer.
Main photo: Rafal Chudy