Implementing due diligence on forest risk commodities
We are consulting on the implementation of world-leading due diligence provisions in the Environment Act to help tackle illegal deforestation in UK supply chains. The UK Government introduced these provisions in November 2020 following widespread support to our previous public consultation. The due diligence provisions will make it illegal for larger businesses operating in the UK to use key forest risk commodities produced on land illegally occupied or used. Businesses in scope will also be required to undertake a due diligence exercise on their supply chains and to report on this exercise annually. To ensure transparency, information about businesses' due diligence exercises will be published. Businesses in scope that do not comply with these requirements may be subject to fines and other civil sanctions. Secondary legislation is required to implement these provisions, and we will also publish guidance to businesses on how