As global efforts to combat deforestation gain momentum, the timber trade between Cameroon and the European Union (EU) is facing increasing scrutiny. To support stakeholders in meeting these new legal requirements, TRAFFIC and FODER have developed a practical step-by-step guide to help verify the legality of timber exported from Cameroon.
A Key Tool for Compliance with New EU Regulations
The guide was designed to support importers, exporters, and oversight authorities in complying with:
the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), and
the recently adopted EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
Initially developed as a resource for EUTR enforcement authorities, the guide is also valuable for private sector actors and stakeholders across the forest sector.
Cameroon: Exporter and Transit Country
Cameroon is not only a timber-exporting country—it also serves as a transit hub for timber from:
the Central African Republic (CAR),
the Republic of the Congo,
Gabon,
the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),
and Equatorial Guinea.
To support verification beyond Cameroon, TRAFFIC has developed detailed Timber National Legality Frameworks for each of these countries. These tools are designed to help importers and regulators assess the legality of timber and timber products exported to the EU and other global markets.
What’s in the Guide?
The guide includes:
an overview of legal and procedural requirements in Cameroon’s forestry sector,
verification steps for ensuring timber traceability,
guidance on identifying and mitigating legality risks,
and practical tools to support due diligence and legality audits.
Relevant Beyond the EU
While the guide is tailored to the EU context, it is equally relevant to international markets committed to responsible timber sourcing. It offers a robust foundation for importers seeking transparency, legality, and sustainability in their supply chains.
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