BLE Has Seized Two of Three Known Lots of Allegedly Illegal Wenge Deliveries

Germany's EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) competent authority BLE has seized two of three known lots of allegedly illegal Wenge deliveries from the Kongo amid ongoing investigations. The timber was discovered on the premises of a sawmill in northern Germany and is currently in the process of being kiln-dried or steamed. The current stage of processing has not been interrupted, according to BLE. However, an injunction on the rights of disposal was imposed on the importers, meaning that the timber cannot be processed any further or sold. Moreover, the drying and steaming is done at the importers' risk, i.e. the importers will have to pay for it even if the timber should eventually be confiscated by the BLE. Inspection of the third partial Wenge shipment is due next week.