Forestry in Scotland after Brexit (importing and exporting)

Last updated: 24 November 2020

The UK left the European Union on 31 January 2020. This process is often known as 'Brexit'.

We're now in a transition period (also known as the implementation period) that's likely to last until the end of December 2020. This means the UK is currently still following EU rules.

In January 2021 the transition period will end and our new relationship with the EU will begin. There will be effects on some areas of life in Scotland.

This may include changes to forestry and the trading of wood and timber.

The UK is now in the Brexit transition period. This means many of the details about what Brexit will mean are not yet known. This page gives the latest facts, but it will be updated as more details are confirmed. Please keep checking back for new information.

Importing and exporting wood and timber products

If you import or export certain wood or timber products to or from the UK, you'll have to follow plant health regulations, restrictions and requirements.

These are in place to make sure each country's natural environment and plant-based industries are protected from any harmful organisms that may be found in wood, including certain types of:

  • insects
  • bacteria
  • fungi

The UK Government has more information and guidance on important and exporting wood and timber products.

There are different rules if you're exporting wood packaging.

There are also rules that will apply to buying and selling timber and timber products from the 1 January 2021. These rules require traders to show the timber was harvested legally.

Forest Reproductive Materials

Forest reproductive materials (FRM) is the name given to materials used when setting up a forest, including:

  • seeds
  • cones
  • cuttings
  • planting stock

If you're involved in buying or selling FRM you should find out what you need to do to legally market or collect it. This includes how to:

  • register as a supplier
  • get master certificates and licences

The UK Government has more information on FRM.

Importing and exporting plants and plant products

You can find further information from the UK government on the rules for importing and exporting plants and plant products (including trees and timber) from 2021.

The content on this site is correct as of today's date and is based on the information available at this time. Regular updates will be made as the Brexit process develops. In the event of a 'no deal', additional advice and information will be given on this site. Please continue to check back for updates.