A phased introduction of forest risk commodities misses the opportunity to set early and clear expectations that deforestation is not welcome in any UK supply chains. While the Government’s announcement that four major commodities will be brought within initial scope of the Schedule 17 regime is welcome, the failure to include commodities such as maize, rubber and coffee within this scope does not demonstrate the level of urgency required to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation b...

A phased introduction of forest risk commodities misses the opportunity to set early and clear expectations that deforestation is not welcome in any UK supply chains. While the Government’s announcement that four major commodities will be brought within initial scope of the Schedule 17 regime is welcome, the failure to include commodities such as maize, rubber and coffee within this scope does not demonstrate the level of urgency required to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030. (Paragraph 81) The UK’s contribution to tackling global deforestation 49 Type: conclusion | Number: 21 | Response status: under_consideration Government response: collaboration to support this agenda, including our trade negotiations. In line with our international obligations, the UK will continue to uphold our high environmental standards in all our trade agreements. The Government shares the public’s high regard for the UK’s environmental protections and h