The Indonesian government in Jakarta has spearheaded an initiative to create certificated timber clearing houses in a bid to eradicate illicit loggers from decimating local forestry. This could have serious implications for the future of hardwood exports and Hardwood Floors Sanding, so this legislation is key to the industry around the world.

 Under this bold new legislation it will become mandatory for every retailer of lumber and wood products in the country to purchase wood only from a legal wood terminal outlet. Concise guidelines on the clearing houses themselves as well as clear regulations on the sale and purchase of Indonesian timber will make it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for wood suppliers to purchase wood for export which has been illegally obtained.

 Lumber accepted into the clearing houses will be stamped with origin, species, date of logging and registration number. Any timber which does not have this information clearly visible will be considered as contraband. Driven to carry out this initiative, Indonesia already has one such terminal building in operation on the island of Java with others planned in Sumatra, Sulawesi and Kalimantan within the next 5 years. It is of course hoped that other Far Eastern producers of hardwoods such as China, Malaysia and Thailand will follow suit.

The Indonesian logging initiative is run in compliance with the EU’s Forest Law Enforcement, Government & Trade Action Plan which rolls out in March 2013. The Indonesian government and the EU are now working towards import agreements with Europe and the rest of the world. These agreements will include pricing quotas so that the new legislation does not imperil the industry by pricing itself out of business.

Authenticity trail

One of the objectives of the clearinghouses is that a trail of authenticity can be traced from point of origin to final destination, providing end-users with accurate information about the hardwood they have purchased. Whilst this plan is applauded by eco-enthusiasts the world over, it is less popular with those who want to pay a rock bottom price for real hardwood timber.

However UK consumers may not necessarily have to absorb a huge price hike in Indonesian sourced timber, although it is possible that some increase will be likely. On the plus side, clearing houses will bring an increase in stable employment throughout the Indonesian islands, offering local people a long-term alternative to the mainstay fishing industry.

With true hardwood Floor Sanding one can expect it to last more than a lifetime so UK home owners who consider the purchase of authentic wood flooring as a one-off expense will see this investment provide enhanced value to the home as it stands as well as to its resale value.

Another reason to buy only responsibly sourced wood is that the product will come fully guaranteed and certified which, in the instances of hardwood flooring in particular, will add significant resale value to the home if the certificate of authenticity has been preserved and is turned over to the new home owners.

 Legally logged timber will also be correctly treated at source to bring peace of mind to the end-user and making it a joy to lay for the wood floor installer. Hardwoods which have been subjected to government controlled treatment and conditioning are much more likely to last for the duration and beyond. When hardwoods become scratched, scraped or become subject to natural wear and tear they require only a refinishing which the handy DIY-er can undertake themselves or have a wood flooring specialist company to professionally restore all types of hardwoods to their former pristine glory.

 All in all, purchasing legitimate wood from clearinghouses may cost a little more at the onset but the positives far outweigh the negatives in terms of longevity, eco-awareness and quality.