Russian companies are circumventing European Union sanctions on timber exports by routing shipments through China, Kazakhstan, and Turkey, according to an investigation by the non-governmental organisation Earthsight. The organisation revealed that since July 2022, over 500,000 cubic metres of Russian birchwood have entered the EU, with Poland, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Estonia among the main recipients.
Photo: Dreamstime.
Earthsight estimates that the illegal operation, worth €1.5 billion, mainly benefits manufacturers of flooring and furniture. The group has urged the Portuguese government to investigate the issue, highlighting that more than 30,000 cubic metres of Russian birch, valued at over €100 million, have entered Portugal alone.
Polish media previously reported that plywood falsely labelled as originating from Kazakhstan was being imported into the country. One of the companies allegedly involved was based in Pomerania, and the matter was under investigation by the Gdańsk prosecutor's office.
Earthsight's findings indicate that Russian plywood has been used in Poland by the Werxal furniture factory, with finished products later sold in Black Red White showrooms. Black Red White stated that it was 'surprised' by the claims and could not confirm them.
The ongoing circumvention of sanctions raises concerns about enforcement and highlights the need for stricter controls to prevent Russian timber from entering the European market.
Source: www.money.pl