Netherlands debates recognition of MTCS

The Dutch Parliament has scheduled three sessions in January and February 2011 to debate sustainable forestry practices, wood procurement and recognition of the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS). These parliamentary debates will occur after the Dutch Timber Procurement Assessment Committee (TPAC) in The Hague rescinded its recognition of the MTCS in late October 2010. This approval had only been granted at the start of the year. A final decision about whether MTCS-certified wood and wood products can be used under the Netherlands’ sustainable procurement policy will probably be made after the third session.