Export of wood and wood products to the UK – FLEGT and CITES [2026]

Apart from the mentioned ISPM 15 (for packaging), wood itself as a product is subject to regulations. The UK replaced the EU EUTR with a British system UKTR (UK Timber Regulation)The aim is to combat illegal logging.

Due Diligence

Anyone introducing wood to the UK market for the first time (importer) must conduct Due Diligence. As an exporter from Poland, you must provide your client with:

• Information on wood species (Latin name).
• Country of origin (and logging region).
• Documents proving legality (e.g. FSC/PEFC certificate, although the certificate alone is insufficient – a chain of custody is required).

Endangered species (CITES)

If you export furniture made of exotic wood (mahogany, rosewood), check if it is on the CITES list. If so, you need special export and import permits. Without them, the goods will be confiscated.

What the current official guidance means in practice

For operational work, the current procedural rules, declaration fields and relief conditions should be checked directly against the official guidance. For this topic, the core reference points are European Commission, GOV.UK / HMRC.

Operational watch-outs

Most delays come from inconsistent data between the commercial invoice, packing list, tariff classification, reference numbers and transport assumptions. Before shipment release, confirm who is responsible for clearance, whether the data set is complete and when the declaration must be filed.

Documents and data to prepare

The minimum working pack worth preparing before speaking to customs support or filing a declaration includes:

• commercial invoice with a complete goods description
• packing list with quantities, weight and package count
• HS/CN code and origin information
• EORI number and the party responsible for the declaration

Practical notes for UK-PL operators

For regular flows, keep a stable data template: goods description, HS code, origin, Incoterms, carrier details and source documents. This shortens response time and reduces border corrections.

Official sources

• EU Commission (Customs procedures) — European Commission, 2026-03-04
• UK GOV (Importing into the UK) — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-03-04
• GOV.UK: Customs Declaration Service — GOV.UK / HMRC, 2026-03-04