The European Commission has published the results of an investigation showing the illegal import of Russian birch plywood into the EU through Kazakhstan and Turkey. These imports were carried out with the aim of evading anti-dumping duties and avoiding sanctions imposed on Russian timber. It is expected that the revelation of this scheme will entail additional measures from national authorities and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).
As part of an in-depth investigation, the commission made visits to Kazakhstan and Turkey, where evidence of circumvention of the law was found. As a result, it was decided to extend anti-dumping duties of 15.8% to all imports of birch plywood from these countries starting August 22, 2023. These measures will be retroactive and will affect both past and future shipments.
Given the seriousness of the violations, it is likely that control over the import of birch plywood will be strengthened. The commission's findings indicate the possible existence of customs fraud and sanctions violations, which could lead to criminal liability for implicated importers, traders and users. Relevant legislative and criminal measures in various countries provide for severe penalties for perpetrators.
