Wednesday 26 August 2020

Government launches consultation regarding fines for businesses that contribute to deforestation

The UK Government is considering the introduction of a new law which would see businesses hit with fines for contributing to illegal deforestation around the world.

It suggests in order to build a greener, fairer and more resilient global economy, as well as tackling climate change, it is necessary to prevent forests and other important natural areas from being converted illegally into agricultural land.

It notes many of the products bought in the UK use ingredients that have been produced in countries where there is a high risk of deforestation and says the new law would require a "relatively small number" of larger businesses to ensure that the ‘forest risk’ commodities they use have been produced legally -the firms involved would have to prove they have taken proportionate action to ensure this is the case.

The government says companies who do not comply would be subject to fines and stresses the aim of the consultation is to ensure future legislation is designed in the right way.