20/07/2006 Belgian Federal Public Procurement Policy on Timber and Timber Products

20/07/2006 Overview 2003: Federal Government’s Agreement Green public procurement policy on timber, based on the Ministerial Conference of Helsinki 2004: Federal Plan on Sustainable Development 2005: Priority in the policy note of the Minister of Environment

20/07/2006 Belgian Procurement Policy Basis: Advice of the Federal Council on Sustainable Development (8 th of July 2005) -the Belgian Woodworking and Furniture Industry -the National Timber Trade Organisation -the academic world -the employer’s organisation -the unions -the NGO’s -the consumer’s organisation Form: Administrative circular Approved on 18 th of November 2005 at ministerial level Operational on 18 th of March 2006

20/07/2006 Belgian Public Procurement Policy Paper is not covered by the circular Compulsory to all federal administrations and organisations of public interest (buildings agency, federal planning bureau, Belgian Institute for Standardisation, etc.) Definition “Wood from sustainable forest management as certified by an independent body based on internationally recognised criteria.”  further translated in 11 criteria

20/07/2006 Belgian Public Procurement Policy Certification systems that fulfill criteria: -FSC certification -PEFC country certification, only if exists a strongly developed social dialogue and respect for the rights of indigenous populations -Equivalent certification (independent body, international criteria and guarantee SFM)  Assessment of PEFC and Equivalent certification is done by Expert Group

20/07/2006 Belgian Public Procurement Policy Expert Group -the Belgian Woodworking and Furniture Industry -the Belgian federation of wood importers -the environmental organisations -the trade unions -the federal ministry of foreign affairs and development’s cooperation -the federal ministry of environment  No consensus (within the time limit)

20/07/2006 Belgian Public Procurement Policy Compromise (interim) FSC and PEFC certification is accepted -Two positive lists for PEFC certification (1 st and 2 nd ) -Preference for FSC and PEFC schemes of the 1 st list

20/07/2006 Belgian Public Procurement Policy Annual update of the country lists Biannual independent in-depth evaluation of the circular and the certification schemes Procurement policy is supported by -public awareness campaign on sustainable timber -Guide for purchasing administrations