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FLEGT licensing scheme for imports of timber into the EU: aligning the Regulation with the TFEU (Commission delegated and implementing powers)

2013/0010(COD)

The European Parliament adopted by 604 votes to 7, with 12 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Regulation (EC) No 2173/2005 on the establishment of a FLEGT licensing scheme for imports of timber into the European Community.

Parliament adopted its position at first reading under the ordinary legislative procedure. The amendments adopted in plenary are the result of an agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council. They amended the proposal as follows:

Review of the exemption: timber products of species listed in Annexes A, B and C to Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade should be exempt from the requirement laid down in this amending Regulation. It is provided that the Commission should review that exemption, taking into account market developments and the experience gained in the implementation of this Regulation, should report on its findings to the European Parliament and to the Council and, if necessary, should come forward with appropriate legislative proposals.

Implementing acts: in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 2173/2005, the Commission should, by means of implementing acts, adopt the procedural modalities and the documents of a standard format, including their possible means (electronic or paper format) in relation to the FLEGT licensing scheme.

Delegated acts: the duration of the delegation of power conferred on the Commission should be limited to five years, this period could be tacitly extended for an identical period.

A delegated act should enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or the Council within a period of two months. That period should be extended by four months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council. The reporting period by the European Parliament should be six months (two plus four).