HomeRequirementsTimber → European Union
Requirements · 2026

Timber export requirements for European Union

The compliance checklist for exporting timber from West Africa to European Union — 6 requirements across 2 categories. Market risk: Very High.

Last reviewed 29 July 2026 · verify against official sources before shipment.

The checklist

What you need for European Union

EUDR Compliance

Plot-level geolocation for harvest origin required

GPS coordinates at forest compartment level. Satellite imagery strongly recommended. EUDR requires precise polygon data.

⏱ ~30 days ≈ $500–$5000 Issuer: Ghana Forestry Commission
Due Diligence Statement (DDS) per batch required

Must be submitted before entry into EU market. Includes risk assessment and all supporting documentation.

⏱ ~7 days ≈ $0–$1000 Issuer: EU TRACES NT
FLEGT Licence (Ghana VPA) required

Ghana has an active FLEGT VPA with the EU. FLEGT licence satisfies the legality requirement under EUDR for timber products.

⏱ ~14 days ≈ $200–$800 Issuer: Ghana Forestry Commission — FLEGT Licensing Authority
FSC or PEFC chain-of-custody certification recommended

Preferred by EU buyers. Demonstrates sustainable forest management. Significantly eases EUDR compliance burden.

⏱ ~180 days ≈ $2000–$15000 Issuer: FSC / PEFC via accredited certification body
CITES permit (for Appendix II/III species) recommended

Required for controlled timber species including Afrormosia (Pericopsis elata), Wenge, and Rosewood.

⏱ ~21 days ≈ $200–$1000 Issuer: Ghana Forestry Commission / CITES Management Authority Ghana

Phytosanitary & Quality

Phytosanitary Certificate (ISPM 15 compliance) required

Required to prevent spread of wood pests. Packaging materials must comply with ISPM 15 treatment requirements.

⏱ ~7 days ≈ $100–$400 Issuer: Ghana PPRSD
This checklist is generated from Passmark’s live rules engine and reviewed regularly, but regulations change — always confirm current requirements with official sources and your buyer before shipment.
FAQ

Timber → European Union questions

Do I need a plot-level geolocation for harvest origin to export timber to European Union?

Yes — Plot-level geolocation for harvest origin is one of the required items for the Timber → European Union lane. This page lists the full checklist, and you can check your own status free.

Is timber to European Union covered by EUDR?

Yes — this lane includes EU Deforestation Regulation requirements (geolocation, due-diligence statement and deforestation-free evidence). See the EUDR items above.

How long does it take to become compliant for timber → European Union?

Individual items range from a few days to a few weeks; the longest single item here is around 180 days, so start well ahead of your shipment. Indicative total document cost is on the order of a few hundred to a few thousand US dollars.

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