What are the most common compliance gaps in timber traceability?

The most frequently identified compliance gaps are: (1) Incomplete species identification — 'mixed tropical hardwood' is not acceptable; exact species (scientific name) must be documented. (2) Missing geolocation data — many suppliers have not yet provided GPS coordinates as required by EUDR.

The most frequently identified compliance gaps are: (1) Incomplete species identification — 'mixed tropical hardwood' is not acceptable; exact species (scientific name) must be documented. (2) Missing geolocation data — many suppliers have not yet provided GPS coordinates as required by EUDR. (3) Expired supplier certificates — CoC certificates have annual validity and must be re-verified. (4) Mixing certified and uncertified stock — physical separation and system controls inadequate. (5) Incomplete transaction records — delivery notes without species, grade, or origin information. (6) No formal risk assessment — due diligence conducted informally without documented methodology. (7) Inadequate record retention — records discarded before the 5-year minimum. (8) Sub-supplier opacity — knowing your direct supplier but not the upstream chain. Addressing these gaps proactively, before an audit or regulatory inspection, is essential for compliance.

Why this matters

This question relates to Timber Traceability for Tenders: Meeting Due Diligence Requirements, which covers the broader topic in detail. Understanding this specific aspect helps architects, builders, and timber dealers make informed specification decisions.

For full context and additional technical detail, see our comprehensive guide:

→ Timber Traceability for Tenders: Meeting Due Diligence Requirements

Related questions

• What does timber traceability mean in practice?
• What are the EUDR requirements for timber traceability?
• Who is responsible for EUDR compliance in the timber supply chain?

About this answer

This answer is part of the PuurModulair Knowledge Base — comprehensive timber specification guidance for architects, builders, and dealers across the UK, EU, and Scandinavia. All technical content is reviewed by qualified timber technologists before publication.