COUNCIL DECISION on the conclusion of a Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Central African Republic on forest law enforcement, governance and trade in timber and derived products to the European Union (FLEGT) Proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION on the conclusion of a Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Central African Republic on forest law enforcement, governance and trade in timber and derived products to the European Union (FLEGT)
Date: 2011-05-20
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: Central African Republic, cooperation agreement (EU), forestry holding, surveillance concerning imports, trading operation, wood industry, wood product

EUROPEAN COMMISSION 

Brussels, 20.5.2011 
COM(2011) 282 final 

2011/0127 (NLE) 

Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

on the conclusion of a Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union 
and the Central African Republic on forest law enforcement, governance and trade in 
timber and derived products to the European Union (FLEGT) 

 
 
  
 
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 

The Action Plan on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT)1, endorsed by 
the  Council  in  20032,  proposes  a  set  of  measures  that  include  support  for  timber-producing 
countries, multilateral collaboration to tackle trade in illegal timber, support for private-sector 
initiatives  and  also  measures  to  discourage  investment  in  activities  that  encourage  illegal 
logging.  The  cornerstone  of  the  Action  Plan  is  the  establishment  of  FLEGT  partnerships 
between the EU and timber-producing countries aimed at stopping illegal logging. In 2005 the 
Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 2173/20053 which establishes a licensing scheme and a 
mechanism to verify the legality of timber imports into the EU. 

In  December  2005  the  Council  authorised  the  Commission  to  negotiate  partnership 
agreements  with  timber-producing  countries  in  order  to  implement  the  EU  Forest  Law 
Enforcement,  Governance  and  Trade  Action  Plan,  and  in  particular  to  encourage  trade  in 
verified legal timber imports into the EU from such partner countries4. The Agreement with 
the  Central  African  Republic  is  the  fourth  such  agreement  to  be  negotiated,  following  the 
agreements with Ghana, Congo and Cameroon. 

into  negotiations  with 

the  Central  African  Republic 

The  Commission  entered 
in 
October 2009.  Negotiations  proceeded  over  14  months  and  involved  four  face-to-face 
sessions  and  18  technical  working  level  meetings.  Throughout  the  negotiations  the 
Commission has been assisted in this task by Member States. The Commission has kept the 
Council updated on progress with reports to the Working Party on Forests, and to EU Heads 
of  Mission  and  representatives  in  the  Central  African  Republic.  After  each  negotiating 
session,  the  parties  held  public  meetings  to  keep  stakeholders  informed  of  progress.  In 
addition,  the  Central  African  Republic  adopted  a  participatory  approach  by  involving  civil 
society and the private sector in the drafting of the Agreement. 

The Agreement addresses all elements of the Council negotiating directives. In particular, the 
Agreement  establishes  the  framework,  institutions  and  systems  of  the  FLEGT  licensing 
scheme.  It  sets  out  the  supply  chain  controls,  legal  compliance  framework  and  independent 
audit requirements for the system. These elements are set out in the annexes to the Agreement 
and provide a detailed description of the structures that will underpin the assurance of legality 
afforded by the issuing of a FLEGT licence. The Central African Republic has developed its 
applicable  legislation  by  consulting  the  stakeholder.  It  includes  laws  and  regulations  on  the 
granting  of  logging  rights  and  the  registration  of  undertakings,  forest  management, 
environmental and labour legislation, taxation, social obligations such as involvement of local 
communities,  indigenous  people  and civil society, other obligations laid down in legislation 
concerning the transport and marketing of timber, and export requirements. 

The  Agreement  goes  beyond  the  limited  product  coverage  proposed  in  Annex II  to 
Regulation (EC)  No 2173/2005  on  the  FLEGT  scheme:  it  covers  all  timber  and  exported 
timber products. The Central African Republic is thus committed to establishing a system that 
will provide assurance to the EU that all timber products from the Central African Republic 
are legally produced and so contribute positively to the Central African Republic’s growth. 

1 
2 
3 
4 

COM(2003) 251. 
OJ C 268, 7.11.2003, p. 1. 
OJ L 347, 30.12.2005, p. 1. 
Restricted Council document 15102/05. 

EN 

2 

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The  Agreement  makes  provision  for  import  controls  at  the  EU’s  borders  as  provided  for  in 
Regulation  (EC)  No 2173/2005  on  the  FLEGT  scheme  and  Regulation  (EC)  No 1024/2008 
laying down detailed measures for its implementation. The Agreement includes a description 
of  the  Central  African  Republic's  FLEGT  licence,  which  uses  the  format  prescribed  in  the 
above-mentioned Implementing Regulation. 

The  Agreement  establishes  a  mechanism  for  dialogue  and  cooperation  with  the  EU  on  the 
FLEGT  scheme,  by  means  of  the  Joint  Agreement  Implementation  Committee.  It  also 
establishes principles of stakeholder participation, social safeguards and transparency, and the 
monitoring of and reporting on the Agreement's implementation. 

The Agreement sets out a time frame and the procedures for entry into force of the Agreement 
and  for  applying  the  licensing  scheme.  Since  the  Central  African  Republic  will  adapt  its 
regulatory and information management system, introduce more comprehensive supply chain 
controls and establish independent verification of legal compliance, it will take several years 
to develop and test the new systems and to build capacity on the part of the government, civil 
society  and  the  private  sector  for  the  tasks  envisaged.  The  FLEGT  licensing  scheme  is 
expected to be fully operational by 2014. The licensing scheme will be assessed against the 
criteria laid down in the Agreement before the EU begins accepting FLEGT licences. 

EN 

3 

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2011/0127 (NLE) 

Proposal for a 

COUNCIL DECISION 

on the conclusion of a Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and 
the Central African Republic on forest law enforcement, governance and trade in timber and 
derived products to the European Union (FLEGT) 

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular the first 
subparagraphs of Article 207(3) and (4), in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a)(v) and Article 218(7) 
thereof, 

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission, 

Having regard to the consent of the European Parliament5, 

Whereas: 

(1) 

(2) 

In  May  2003  the  European  Commission  adopted  a  Communication  to  the  European 
Parliament  and  to  the  Council  entitled  ‘Forest  Law  Enforcement,  Governance  and  Trade 
(FLEGT):  Proposal  for  an  EU  Action  Plan’6  which  called  for  measures  to  address  illegal 
logging  through  the  development  of  voluntary  partnership  agreements  with  timber-
producing  countries.  Council  conclusions  on  that  Action  Plan  were  adopted  in  October 
20037 and Parliament adopted a resolution on the subject on 11 July 20058. 

In  accordance  with  Council  Decision  2011/XXX  of  […]9,  the  Voluntary  Partnership 
Agreement  between  the  European  Union  and  the  Central  African  Republic  on  forest  law 
enforcement,  governance  and  trade  in  timber  and  derived  products  to  the  European  Union 
was signed on […], subject to its conclusion. 

(3) 

The Agreement should be concluded. 

5 
6 
7 
8 
9 

OJ C […], […], p. […]. 
COM(2003) 251. 
OJ C 268, 7.11.2003, p. 1. 
OJ C 157E, 6.7.2006, p. 482. 
OJ L [...], […], p. […]. 

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4 

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HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 

Article 1 

The  Agreement  between  the  European  Union  and  the  Central  African  Republic  on  forest  law 
enforcement, governance and trade in timber and derived products to the European Union is hereby 
concluded.  

The text of the Agreement is attached to this Decision. 

Article 2 

The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person empowered on behalf of 
the European Union to make the notification provided for in Article 30 of the Agreement, in order 
to express the consent of the European Union to be bound. 

Article 3 

The  European  Union  shall  be  represented  by  representatives  of  the  Commission  in  the  Joint 
Agreement Implementation Committee set up in accordance with Article 19 of the Agreement.  

The Member States may participate in meetings of the Joint Agreement Implementation Committee 
as members of the European Union delegation.  

Article 4 

For  the  purpose  of  amending  the  annexes  to  the  Agreement  in  accordance  with  Article 26  of  the 
Agreement,  the  Commission  is  authorised,  in  accordance  with  the  procedure  laid  down  in 
Article 11(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2173/2005, to approve any such amendments on behalf of the 
European Union. 

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.  

Article 5 

Article 6 

This Decision shall be published in the Official Journal of the European Union.  

Done at Brussels, […] 

For the Council 
The President 
[…] 

5 

   EN 

EN 

 
 
 
 
VOLUNTARY PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE EUROPEAN UNION 
AND THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC ON FOREST LAW ENFORCEMENT, 
GOVERNANCE AND TRADE IN TIMBER AND DERIVED PRODUCTS TO THE 
EUROPEAN UNION (FLEGT) 

THE EUROPEAN UNION, hereinafter ‘the Union’, of the one part, 

and 

THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, hereinafter ‘the CAR’, of the other part, 

hereinafter referred to jointly as ‘the Parties’, 

HAVING  REGARD  TO  the  close  cooperation  relations  between  the  Union  and  the  CAR, 
particularly the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific 
Group  of  States,  on  the  one  hand,  and  the  European  Community  and  its  Member  States,  on  the 
other,  signed  in  Cotonou  (Benin)  on  23  June  200010,  revised  in  Luxembourg  on  25  June  2005, 
hereinafter referred to as the ‘Cotonou Agreement’; 

HAVING  REGARD  TO  Council  Regulation  (EC)  No 2173/2005  of  20  December  2005  on  the 
establishment of a FLEGT licensing scheme for imports of timber into the European Community11; 

the 
CONSIDERING 
European Parliament  on  an  EU  Action  Plan  for  Forest  Law  Enforcement,  Governance  and  Trade 
(FLEGT)12 as a first step towards tackling the urgent issue of illegal logging and associated trade; 

the  communication 

the  Council  and 

the  Commission 

from 

to 

REFERRING  to  the  Ministers'  Yaoundé  Declaration  of  16  October  2003  on  Forest  Law 
Enforcement and Governance; 

REFERRING to the 1992 Non-Legally Binding Authoritative Statement of Principles for a Global 
Consensus on the management, conservation and sustainable logging of all types of forests, and the 
recent adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of the Non-Legally Binding Instrument on 
all types of forest13; 

AWARE of the importance of the sustainable forest management principles set out in the 1992 Rio 
de  Janeiro  Declaration  on  Environment  and  Development  in  the  context  of  the  sustainable 
management  of  forests,  and  in  particular  of  Principle  10  concerning  the  importance  of  public 
awareness and participation in environmental issues and of Principle 22 concerning the vital role of 
indigenous peoples and other local communities in environmental management and development; 

REFERRING to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and 
Flora (CITES) and, in particular, the requirement that CITES export permits issued by the Parties 
for  specimens  of  species  listed  in  Annex I,  II  or  III  be  granted  only  under  certain  conditions, 
including that these specimens were not obtained in contravention of the laws of that State for the 
protection of fauna and flora; 

10 
11 
12 
13 

OJ L 317, 15.12.2000, p 3. 
OJ L 347, 30.12.2005, p 1. 
COM(2003) 251 final, 21.5.2003. 
A/RES 62/98, 31.12.2008. 

EN 

6 

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RESOLVED  to  seek  to  minimise  any  adverse  impacts  on  indigenous  and  local  communities  and 
poor people which may arise as a direct consequence of implementing this Agreement; 

REAFFIRMING  the  importance  attached  by  the  Parties  to  development  objectives  agreed  at 
international level and to the UN Millennium Development Goals; 

REAFFIRMING the importance attached by the Parties to the principles and rules which govern the 
multilateral  exchange  systems,  in  particular  the  rights  and  obligations  laid  down  in  the  1994 
General  Agreement  on  Tariffs  and  Trade  (GATT)  and  in  the  other  multilateral  agreements  in 
Annex IA of the Marrakesh Agreement of 15 April 1994 establishing the World Trade Organisation 
(WTO), and the need to apply them in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner; 

CONSIDERING the CAR’s desire to work for the sustainable management of its forest resources, 
in accordance with the partnership objectives of the Congo Basin Forest Partnership of which it is a 
member, founded in January 2003 following the World Summit on Sustainable Development held 
in Johannesburg in 2002, with the September 2003 Fora on Water, Forests, Hunting and Fisheries, 
with  international  agreements  and  treaties,  in  particular  the  Treaty  on  the  Conservation  and 
Sustainable  Management  of  Forest  Ecosystems 
the 
Central African Forests Commission (COMIFAC) of 5 February 2005, and with the provisions of 
Law 008.22 of 17 October 2008 on the Forestry Code in the CAR; 

in  Central  Africa  and 

to  establish 

CONSIDERING that the Central African Republic’s system for verifying the legality of timber and 
derived products applies to all exports, and not only those destined for the Union, 

HEREBY AGREES AS FOLLOWS: 

EN 

7 

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Article one 

Objective 

In  accordance  with  the  common  commitment  of  the  Parties  to  sustainably  manage  all  types  of 
forest,  the  objective  of  this  Agreement  is  to  provide  a  legal  framework  aimed  at  ensuring  that  all 
imports into the European Union from the CAR of the timber and derived products covered by this 
Agreement have been legally produced or acquired and, this being so, to promote the trade in said 
timber and derived products. 

This  Agreement  also  provides  a  basis  for  dialogue  and  cooperation  between  the  Parties  aimed  at 
facilitating and promoting its integral implementation and at strengthening the enforcement of forest 
regulations and governance. 

Article 2 

Definitions 

For the purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply: 

a) 

b) 

c) 
d) 

e) 

f) 

g) 

‘Import  into  the  Union’:  the  release  for  free  circulation  of  timber  and  derived 
products  into  the  Union  within  the  meaning  of  Article  79  of  Regulation  (EEC) 
No 2913/92  of  12  October  1992  establishing  the  Community  Customs  Code14,  and 
which cannot be qualified as ‘goods of a non-commercial nature’ as defined in point 
6  of  Article  1  of  Commission  Regulation  (EEC)  No 2454/93  of  2 July 1993  laying 
down  provisions  for  the  implementation  of  Regulation  (EEC)  No  2193/92 
establishing the Community Customs Code15; 
‘Export’:  the  physical  leaving  or  taking  out  of  the  territory  of  the  CAR  timber  and 
derived products produced or acquired in the CAR, with the exception of timber and 
derived products in transit through the territory of the CAR under the control of the 
customs authorities of the CAR; 
‘Timber and derived products’: the products listed in Annex I; 
‘HS code’: a four- or six-digit code as set out in the nomenclature of the Harmonised 
Commodity  Description  and  Coding  System  established  by  the  International 
Convention  on  the  Harmonised  Commodity  Description  and  Coding  System  of  the 
World Customs Organisation, in conformity with the combined nomenclatures of the 
European  Union  and  the  Economic  and  Monetary  Community  of  Central  Africa 
(CEMAC); 
‘FLEGT licence’: a licence that refers to the shipment of legally produced timber or 
derived products; 
‘Licensing  authority’:  the  authority  designated  by  the  CAR  to  issue  and  validate 
FLEGT licences; 
‘Competent  authorities’:  the  authorities  designated  by  the  Member  States  of  the 
European Union to receive, accept and verify FLEGT licences; 

14 
15 

OJ L 302, 19.10.1992, p 38. 
OJ L 253, 11.10.1993, p 1. 

EN 

8 

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h) 

i) 

‘Shipment’: a quantity of timber and derived products covered by a FLEGT licence 
that is sent by a consignor and which is presented for release for free circulation at a 
customs office in the Union; 
‘Timber  that  is  legally  produced  or  acquired’:  harvested  or  imported  timber  and 
derived products, produced in accordance with the legislation specified in Annex II. 

Article 3 

FLEGT licensing scheme 

A Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade Licensing Scheme (hereinafter referred 
to  as  the  ‘FLEGT  licensing  scheme’)  is  hereby  established  between  the  Parties  to  this 
Agreement.  This  scheme  establishes  a  set  of  procedures  and  requirements  aimed  at 
verifying  and  attesting,  by  means  of  FLEGT  licences,  that  timber  and  derived  products 
shipped to the Union have been legally produced or acquired. In accordance with Council 
Regulation (EC) No 2173/2005, the Union shall accept such shipments from the CAR for 
import into the Union only if they are covered by FLEGT licences. 

The  FLEGT  licensing  scheme  shall  apply  to  the  timber  and  derived  products  listed  in 
Annex I. 

The  Parties  agree  to  take  all  measures  necessary  to  implement  the  FLEGT  licensing 
scheme, in accordance with the provisions of Article 12 of this Agreement. 

Article 4 

Licensing authority 

The CAR shall designate the FLEGT licensing authority and notify its contact details to the 
European Commission. Both Parties shall make this information available to the public. 

The  licensing  authority  shall  verify  that  timber  and  derived  products  have  been  legally 
produced or acquired, in accordance with the legislation given in Annex II. It shall issue 
FLEGT  licences  covering  shipments  of  timber  and  derived  products  that  are  legally 
produced  or  acquired  in  the  CAR  and  destined  for  export  to  the  Union  and,  where 
appropriate,  the  necessary  documentation  for  timber  and  derived  products  in  transit 
through the territory of the CAR under the control of the customs authorities of the CAR. 

The licensing authority may not issue FLEGT licences for any timber and derived products 
that are composed of, or include, timber and derived products imported into the CAR from 
a third country in a form prohibited for export under the laws of the country concerned, or 
for which there is proof that this timber or these derived products have been produced or 
acquired in violation of the laws of the country where the trees were harvested. 

The  licensing  authority  shall  maintain  and  make  publicly  available  its  procedures  for 
issuing  FLEGT  licences.  It  shall  also  retain  the  records  of  all  shipments  covered  by 
FLEGT licences and, in accordance with national data protection legislation, shall provide 
these records for the purposes of an independent audit, whilst preserving the confidentiality 
of the information on exporters’ industrial patent rights. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

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9 

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Article 5 

Competent authorities of the Union 

The European Commission shall inform the CAR of the contact details of the competent 
authorities  designated  by  the  Member  States  of  the  Union  and  their  respective  territorial 
areas of competence. 

The competent authorities shall verify that each shipment is the subject of a valid FLEGT 
licence prior to releasing that shipment for free circulation in the Union. This release for 
free  circulation  may  be  suspended  and  the  shipment  held  if  there  is  any  doubt  as  to  the 
validity of the FLEGT licence. The procedures governing the release for free circulation in 
the Union of shipments covered by a FLEGT licence are described in Annex III. 

The competent authorities shall maintain and publish annually a record of FLEGT licences 
received. 

According to national legislation on data protection, the competent authorities shall grant 
the persons or bodies designated by the CAR as independent auditors access to the relevant 
documents and data. 

The  Union’s  competent  authorities  shall  refrain  from  undertaking  the  action  described  in 
Article  5(2)  with  regard  to  timber  and  derived  products  from  species  listed  in  the 
Appendices  to  the  Convention  on  International  Trade  in  Endangered  Species  of  Wild 
Fauna  and  Flora  (CITES)  insofar  as  these  products  are  covered  by  the  examination 
procedures laid down in Regulation (EC) No 338/97 of 9 December 1996 on the protection 
of  species  of  wild  fauna  and  flora  by  regulating  trade  therein16.  The  FLEGT  licensing 
scheme nevertheless provides an assurance that the products in question have been legally 
harvested. 

Article 6  

FLEGT licences 

FLEGT  licences  shall  be  issued  by  the  licensing  authority  as  a  means  of  attesting  that 
timber and derived products have been legally produced or acquired. 

FLEGT licences shall be provided on a form written in French. 

The Parties may, by agreement, establish electronic systems for the issuing, transmission 
and receipt of FLEGT licences. 

The procedure for issuing FLEGT licences and the technical specifications are laid out in 
Annex IV. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

Article 7  

Definition of legally produced wood 

16 

OJ L 302, 19.10.1992, p 1. 

EN 

10 

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For  the  purposes  of  this  Agreement,  a  definition  of  timber  that  is  legally  produced  or  acquired  is 
given in Annex II. This Annex sets out the CAR’s national regulations that must be complied with 
for  timber  and  derived  products  to  be  given  a  FLEGT  licence.  It  also  includes  documentation 
containing  the  criteria,  indicators  and  verifiers  serving  to  prove  compliance  with  the  regulations, 
known as the ‘legality matrix’. 

Article 8  

Verifying the legality of the timber produced or acquired 

1. 

The  CAR  shall  establish  one  or  more  systems  for  verifying  that  timber  and  derived 
products  intended  for  shipment  have  been  legally  produced  or  acquired  and  that  only 
shipments verified as such are exported to the Union. The system or systems for verifying 
legality  shall  include compliance  checks in order  to provide an assurance that the timber 
and  derived  products  destined  for  export  to  the  Union  have  been  legally  produced  or 
acquired,  and  that  FLEGT  licences  have  not  been  issued  for  shipments  of  timber  and 
derived products that have not been legally produced or acquired, or that are of unknown 
origin. The system or systems shall also include procedures to ensure that timber of illegal 
or unknown origin does not enter the supply chain. 

2. 

The  system  or  systems  for  verifying  that  shipments  of  timber  and  derived  products  have 
been legally produced or acquired is/are described in Annex V. 

Article 9  

Consultation on the validity of FLEGT licences 

1. 

2. 

In  the  event  of  doubt  about  the  validity  of  a  FLEGT  licence,  the  competent  authority  in 
question may ask the licensing authority for additional information. 

If the licensing authority fails to reply within 21 calendar days of the date of receipt of the 
request, the competent authority shall proceed pursuant to the national legislation in force 
and  shall  not  accept  the  licence.  If  it  emerges  from  the  additional  information  that  the 
information appearing on the licence does not correspond to the shipment, the competent 
authority  shall  act  pursuant  to  the  national  legislation  in  force  and  shall  not  accept  the 
licence. 

3. 

In  the  event  of  disagreement  or  persistent  difficulties  in  consultations  regarding  FLEGT 
licences, the case may be submitted to the Joint Implementation Committee. 

Article 10  

Independent auditor 

The  CAR  shall  engage  the  services  of  an  independent  auditor,  in  consultation  with  the 
Union, for the purposes of the tasks listed in Annex VI. 

The  independent  auditor  shall  be  a  body  with  no  conflict  of  interest  resulting  from  an 
organisational or commercial relationship with the Union or with the CAR’s forestry sector 

11 

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1. 

2. 

EN 

 
3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

regulatory  authorities,  its  licensing  authority  or  any  body  given  the  responsibility  of 
verifying  the  legality  of  timber  production,  or  any  operator  exercising  a  commercial 
activity in its forestry sector. 

The  independent  auditor  shall  operate  in  accordance  with  a  documented  management 
structure,  and  with  published  policies,  methods  and  procedures  that  correspond  to 
internationally accepted best practices. 

The  independent  auditor  shall  refer  complaints  arising  from  its  work  to  the  Joint 
Implementation Committee. 

The  independent  auditor  shall  regularly  produce  the  full  and  summary  reports  noted  in 
Annex VI. 

The Parties shall facilitate the work of the independent auditor, ensuring in particular that it 
has access to the territory of each Party to the information necessary for the performance of 
its functions. In accordance with their respective national legislation on data protection, the 
Parties may nonetheless refrain from disclosing information that they are not permitted to 
communicate. 

Article 11  

Irregularities 

The  Parties  shall  inform  each  other  of  their  suspicions  or  observations  with  regard  to  any 
circumvention of, or irregularity in, the FLEGT licensing scheme, in particular regarding: 

a) 

b) 

c) 

a circumvention of trade, particularly via the redirection of trade from the CAR to the 
Union via a third country when there is reason to believe that this is done with the 
intention of avoiding licensing; 
FLEGT licences being issued for timber and derived products that include imports of 
suspect sources from third countries; or 
fraud in the obtaining or use of FLEGT licences. 

Article 12  

Date of introduction of the FLEGT licensing scheme 

1. 

2. 

The Parties shall notify each other through the Joint Implementation Committee when they 
feel they have made the necessary preparations for the FLEGT licensing scheme to become 
fully operational. 

The  Parties  shall,  through  the  Joint  Implementation  Committee,  commission  an 
independent evaluation of the FLEGT licensing scheme on the basis of the criteria set out 
in  Annex  VII.  The  evaluation  shall  determine  whether  the  legality  assurance  system 
underpinning the FLEGT licensing scheme as described in Annex V adequately fulfils its 
functions and whether the systems in place for receiving, verifying and accepting licences, 
as set out in Article 5 and Annex III, are in place in the Union. 

EN 

12 

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3. 

4. 

On  the  basis  of  the  recommendations  of  the  Joint  Implementation  Committee,  the  two 
Parties shall agree on a date on which the FLEGT licensing scheme should commence full 
operations. 

The two Parties shall consider the recommendation and notify each other in writing of their 
approval of the recommendation. 

Article 13  

Application of the legality assurance system to timber and derived products not exported to the 
Union 

The CAR shall use the legality assurance system or systems described in Annex V for timber and 
derived products exported to markets outside of the Union. 

Article 14  

Schedule for implementation of this Agreement 

The Parties agree to the implementation schedule set out in Annex VIII. 

Through the Joint Implementation Committee, the Parties shall evaluate progress made in 
implementation with reference to the schedule set out in Annex VIII. 

Article 15  

Supporting measures 

The Parties have identified the areas referred to in Annex IX as those in which there is a 
need for additional technical and financial resources in order to implement this Agreement. 

The provision of such additional resources shall be subject to the normal procedures of the 
Union  and  its  Member  States  for  programming  aid  to  the  CAR  and  to  the  budgetary 
procedures of the CAR itself. 

The  Parties  shall  envisage  the  need  for  a  joint  arrangement  whereby  the  financing  and 
technical contributions of the European Commission and the Member States of the Union 
are coordinated to support these processes. 

The CAR shall ensure that capacity building for the implementation of this Agreement is 
included in national planning instruments, such as the poverty reduction strategies. 

The Parties shall ensure that activities associated with implementation of  this Agreement 
are  coordinated  with  the  relevant  development  programmes  and  initiatives,  current  or 
future. 

The provision of these resources shall be subject to the procedures governing Union aid, as 
set  out  in  the  Cotonou  Agreement,  and  to  those  governing  the  bilateral  aid  given  to  the 
CAR by each of the Union's Member States. 

1. 

2. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

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Article 16  

Stakeholder involvement in the implementation of this Agreement 

The  CAR  shall  involve  the  stakeholders  in  implementation  of  this  Agreement,  in 
accordance  with  the  guidelines  of  the  Central  Africa  Forests  Commission  on  the 
involvement  of  non-governmental  organisations,  local  communities  and  indigenous 
peoples. 

The  Union  shall  hold  regular  consultations  with  the  European  stakeholders  on  the 
implementation of this Agreement, bearing in mind its obligations under the 1998 Aarhus 
Convention on access to information, public participation in the decision-making process 
and access to justice in environmental matters. 

Article 17  

Social safeguards 

In  order  to  minimise  possible  adverse  impact,  the  Parties  agree  to  develop  a  better 
understanding of the livelihoods of potentially affected local and indigenous communities, 
including those engaged in illegal logging. 

The  Parties  shall  monitor  the  impact  of  this  Agreement  on  those  communities,  taking 
reasonable  and  appropriate  steps  to  mitigate  any  adverse  impact.  The  Parties  may  agree 
additional measures to counter any such adverse impact. 

1. 

2. 

1. 

2. 

Article 18  

Market incentives 

Bearing in mind its international obligations, the Union shall strive to promote favourable access to 
its  market  for  the  timber  and  derived  products  covered  by  this  Agreement.  Such  efforts  shall 
include: 

a) 

b) 

the encouragement of public and private procurement policies that recognise efforts 
to ensure a supply of legally harvested forest products; and 
the  promotion  of  FLEGT-licensed  timber  and  derived  products  on  the  Union’s 
market. 

Article 19  

Joint Implementation Committee 

1. 

2. 

3. 

The Parties shall establish a Joint Implementation Committee  to  facilitate the monitoring 
and review of this Agreement. 

Each  Party  shall  appoint  its  representatives  to  the  Joint  Implementation  Committee.  The 
Committee shall take its decisions by a consensus. 

The Joint Implementation Committee shall facilitate dialogue and an effective and regular 
exchange  of  information  between  the  Parties  in  order  to  optimise  the  functioning  of  this 

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14 

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Agreement,  and  may  consider  any  issues  relating  to  its  effective  operation.  The  detailed 
functions of the Joint Implementation Committee are given in Annex X. 

4. 

The Joint Implementation Committee: 

a) 
b) 

c) 
d) 

e) 

shall meet at least once a year on a date agreed by the Parties; 
shall  produce  the  agenda  and  terms  of  reference  for  joint  actions  on  a  collegiate 
basis; 
shall establish its own rules of procedure; 
shall preside over its meetings either in turns, by representatives of each Party, or by 
a co-chair arrangement; 
shall  ensure  that  its  work  is  as  transparent  as  possible  and  that  information 
concerning its work and its decisions is accessible to the public; 

f)  may establish working groups or other subsidiary bodies for areas of work requiring 

specific expertise. 

The Joint Implementation Committee shall publish an annual report. Details regarding the 
content of this report can be found in Annex XI. 

In  the  period  between  signing  of  this  Agreement  and  its  entry  into  force,  a  joint 
consultation  and  review  mechanism  shall  be  established  in  order  to  facilitate  the 
implementation of this Agreement.   

Article 20 

Communication on implementation of this Agreement 

The  representatives  of  the  Parties  responsible  for  official  communications  concerning 
implementation of this Agreement are: 

a) for the CAR: the Minister for Water, Forests, Hunting and Fisheries; 
b) for the European Union: the Head of the EU Delegation in the CAR. 

The  Parties  shall  provide  each  other  with  the  necessary  information  to  implement  this 
Agreement. 

Article 21  

Reporting and public disclosure 

Provision of information to the public is a key element in strengthening governance under 
this  Agreement.  Publishing  information  facilitates  the  implementation  and  monitoring  of 
the system by making it more transparent. The provision of information also enables better 
accountability  and  greater  responsibility  on  the  part  of  the  different  actors  involved.  The 
information to be disclosed and made public is listed in Annex XI. 

Each  Party  shall  consider  the  most  appropriate  mechanisms  (media,  documents,  Internet, 
workshops,  annual  reports)  by  which  to  disseminate  the  information  to  the  public.  In 
particular, the Parties shall endeavour to make reliable and relevant information available 
to the different stakeholders involved in the forestry sector in real time. These mechanisms 
are described in Annex XI. 

5. 

6. 

1. 

2. 

1. 

2. 

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Article 22  

Confidential information 

1. 

Each  Party  undertakes,  within  the  limits  of  its  laws,  not  to  disclose  confidential 
information  exchanged  under  this  Agreement.  Neither  Party  shall  disclose  to  the  public, 
nor  permit  its  authorities  to  disclose,  information  exchanged  under  this  Agreement  that 
constitutes a trade secret or confidential commercial information. 

2. 

Subject to paragraph 1, the following information shall not be considered confidential: 

a) 

b) 

the number of FLEGT licences issued by the CAR and received by the Union and the 
volume of timber and derived products exported from the CAR and received by the 
Union; 
the names and addresses of licence holders and importers. 

Article 23  

Territorial application 

This  Agreement  shall  apply  to  the  territory  in  which  the  Treaty  on  the  functioning  of  the 
European Union is applied under the conditions laid down in that Treaty, on the one hand, and to 
the territory of the CAR, on the other. 

Article 24  

Settlement of disputes 

1. 

2. 

The  Parties  shall  endeavour  to  resolve  any  dispute  concerning  the  application  or 
interpretation of this Agreement by means of prompt consultations. 

If a dispute has not been settled by consultation within three months from the date of the 
initial consultation request, each Party may submit the dispute to the Joint Implementation 
Committee,  which  shall  endeavour  to  resolve  it.  The  Committee  shall  obtain  all 
information relevant to an in-depth examination of the situation with a view to finding an 
acceptable solution. To this end, it is required to examine all possible ways of maintaining 
the good functioning of this Agreement. 

3. 

In  the  event  that  the  Joint  Implementation  Committee  cannot  resolve  the  dispute,  the 
Parties may: 

a) 
b) 

jointly seek the good offices of, or request mediation by, a third Party; 
go  to  arbitration.  In  the  event  that  it  is  not  possible  to  resolve  the  dispute  in 
accordance with paragraph 3(a), either Party may notify the other of the appointment 
of  an  arbitrator;  the  other  Party  must  then  appoint  a  second  arbitrator  within 
30 calendar  days  of  the  appointment  of  the  first  arbitrator.  The  Parties  shall  jointly 
appoint  a  third  arbitrator  within  two  months  of  the  appointment  of  the  second 
arbitrator.  The  arbitrators’  decisions  shall  be  taken  by  a  majority  vote  within 
six months of the appointment of the third arbitrator. The arbitrators’ decisions shall 
be binding on the Parties, and shall be without appeal. 

4. 

The Joint Implementation Committee shall establish the methods of arbitration. 

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Article 25  

Suspension 

1. 

2. 

3. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

Either Party may suspend the application of this Agreement. The decision to suspend and 
the reasons for that decision shall be notified to the other Party in writing. 

The conditions of this Agreement shall cease to apply 30 calendar days after such notice is 
given. 

Application  of  this  Agreement  shall  resume  30  calendar  days  after  the  Party  that  has 
suspended it informs the other Party that the reasons for the suspension no longer apply. 

Article 26  

Amendments 

Either  Party  wishing  to  amend  this  Agreement  shall  submit  the  proposal  at  least  three 
months  before  the  next  meeting  of  the  Joint  Implementation  Committee.  The  Committee 
shall  discuss  the  proposal  and,  if  consensus  is  reached,  make  a  recommendation.  Each 
Party shall consider the recommendation and, if it agrees, approve it in accordance with its 
own procedures. 

Any amendment thus approved by both Parties shall enter into force on the first day of the 
month following the date on which the Parties notify each other of the completion of the 
procedures necessary for this purpose. 

The  Joint  Implementation  Committee  may  adopt  amendments  to  the  Annexes  to  this 
Agreement. 

Notification of any amendment shall be sent to the joint depositaries for this Agreement. 

Article 27  

Annexes 

The Annexes shall form an integral part of this Agreement. 

Article 28  

Duration and extension 

This  Agreement  shall  remain  in  force  for  a  period  of  six  (6)  years  and  shall  be  extended  for 
consecutive periods of six years (6 years) unless a Party renounces the extension by notifying the 
other Party in writing at least one (1) year prior to the expiry of this Agreement. 

EN 

Article 29  

Termination 

17 

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Notwithstanding Article 28, either Party may terminate this Agreement by notifying the other Party. 
This Agreement shall cease to apply twelve months after said notification. 

Article 30  

Entry into force 

1. 

2. 

This Agreement shall enter into force on the first day of the month following that in which 
the Parties notify each other in writing of the completion of the procedures necessary for 
this purpose. 

Notification shall be sent to the Secretary-General of the Council of the European Union 
and to the Office of the CAR's Prime Minister, who shall be the joint depositaries for this 
Agreement. 

Article 31  

Authentic texts 

This  Agreement  shall  be  drawn  up  in  duplicate  in  the  Bulgarian,  Czech,  Danish,  Dutch,  English, 
Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, 
Portuguese,  Romanian,  Slovak,  Slovenian,  Spanish  and  Swedish  languages,  each  of  these  texts 
being authentic. In case of divergence of interpretation, the French version shall prevail. 

EN 

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ANNEX I 

LIST OF PRODUCTS COVERED BY THE VOLUNTARY PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT 
(VPA) 

4401:  Fuel  wood,  in  logs,  in  billets,  in  twigs,  in  faggots  or  in  similar  forms;  wood  in  chips  or 
particles;  sawdust  and  wood  waste  and  scrap,  whether  or  not  agglomerated  in  logs,  briquettes, 
pellets or similar forms. 

4403: Wood in the rough, whether or not stripped of bark or sapwood, or roughly squared. 

4404: Hoopwood; Split poles; piles, pickets and stakes of wood, pointed but not sawn lengthwise; 
wooden  sticks,  roughly  trimmed  but  not  turned,  bent  or  otherwise  worked,  suitable  for  the 
manufacture of walking sticks, umbrellas, tool handles etc.; chipwood and the like. 

4406: Railway or tramway sleepers (cross-ties) of wood. 

4407:  Wood  sawn  or  chipped  lengthwise,  sliced  or  peeled,  whether  or  not  planed,  sanded  or 
finger-jointed, of a thickness exceeding 6 mm. 

4408: Sheets for veneering (including  those obtained by slicing laminated wood), for plywood or 
for other similar laminated wood and other wood sawn lengthwise, sliced or peeled, whether or not 
planed, sanded, spliced or end-jointed, of a thickness not exceeding 6 mm. 

4409:  Wood  (including  strips,  friezes  for  parquet  flooring,  not  assembled,  continuously  shaped 
(tongued,  grooved,  v-jointed,  beaded  or  the  like)  along  any  edge  or  face,  planed,  sanded  or 
finger-jointed or not. 

4410: Particle board, oriented strand board (OSB) and similar board (for example, waferboard) of 
wood or other ligneous materials, whether or not agglomerated with resins or other organic binding 
substances. 

4411: Fibreboard of wood or other ligneous materials, whether or not bonded with resins or other 
organic substances. 

4412: Plywood, veneered panels and similar laminated wood. 

441400: Wooden frames for paintings, photographs, mirrors or similar objects. 

4415:  Packing  cases,  boxes,  crates,  drums  and  similar  packings,  of  wood;  cable-drums  of  wood; 
pallets, box pallets and other load boards, of wood; pallet collars of wood. 

441600: Casks, barrels, vats, tubs and other coopers' products and parts thereof, of wood, including 
staves. 

441700: Tools, tool bodies, tool handles, broom or brush bodies and handles, in wood; boot or shoe 
lasts and trees, of wood. 

4418:  Builders' joinery and carpentry of wood, including cellular wood panels, assembled flooring 
panels, shingles and shakes. 

441900: Tableware and kitchenware of wood. 

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9403 30: Wooden furniture of a kind used in offices. 

9403 40: Wooden furniture of a kind used in kitchens. 

9403 50: Wooden furniture of a kind used in the bedroom. 

9403 60: Other wooden furniture. 

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ANNEX II 

DEFINITION OF LEGALLY PRODUCED WOOD 

Introduction 

This definition is given in the form of a ‘legality matrix’ comprising indicators grouped around 10 
main themes: 

1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 
6. 
7. 
8. 

9. 
10. 

The company has a legal existence; 
Legal access rights to forest resources in its area of operation; 
Compliance with environmental legislation; 
Rights of workers, local and indigenous communities; 
Legislation on forest logging; 
Processing of forest products; 
General and forest taxation; 
The  transport  and  traceability  of  timber  forest  products  is  in  accordance  with  the 
regulations; 
Compliance with contractual obligations; 
Relations with sub-contractors in activities other than timber production. 

The  different  logging  concessions  in  the  Central  African  Republic  that  are  concerned  by  this 
definition are the following: 

–  exploitation  and  land-use  permits  (PEAs)  that  are  allocated  to  companies  legally 
established in the Central African Republic for industrial logging in accordance with a 
land-use plan; 

–  logging authorisations for areas of reforestation also known as ‘plantations’. 

In addition, the Central African Republic’s Forest Code also establishes other logging concessions: 

–  artisanal permits, which are permits for an area of ten (10) ha or less, intended for award 

to private individuals of CAR nationality or local communities; 

–  community  forests  of  no  more  than  five  thousand  (5 000)  ha,  which  will  need  to  be 
covered by a management agreement between the Ministry responsible for forests and 
an organised village and/or indigenous community. 

Exploitation and land-use permits (PEAs), artisanal permits and community forests are allocated in 
production  forests  within  the  State’s  permanent  forest  domain,  located  in  the  south-west  of  the 
country. Plantations may be situated throughout the whole country. 

Since  the  enactment  of  the  new  Forest  Code,  namely  Law  No  08.022  of  17  October  2008  on  the 
Central  African  Republic’s  Forest  Code,  timber  exported  by  the  CAR  has  been  primarily  from 
PEAs. To this must be added timber originating under operating licences for old teak plantations. 

Given  the  practical  difficulties  in  implementing  and  monitoring  community  forests  and  artisanal 
permits, these  concessions are not  yet  operational in the Central African Republic. In  2010, there 
are no concessions relating to community forests or artisanal permits. 

Consequently,  the  legality  matrix  used  under  this  Agreement  applies  only  to  concessions  that  are 
currently  operational,  namely  PEAs  and  plantations.  The  legality  definition  will  be  completed  to 
take account of community forests and artisanal permits under the conditions given in Annex V on 
the legality assurance system, paragraphs 1.2 and 2.1. 

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The desire to negotiate a VPA along participatory lines entails respect for all those involved in the 
discussions. Three groups were thus formed, namely the public sector, the private sector and civil 
society. 

In order to best build a gradual understanding of the FLEGT process and best formulate proposals 
for negotiating it, two different kinds of consultations were held on the matrix, namely, consultation 
by  group  and  a  joint  consultation  of  the  three  groups  together.  Consultation  by  group  took  place 
internally within the different actors. The joint consultation enabled a comparison of the positions 
of each group in order to find a national position to serve as a basis for the team negotiating with the 
European Union. 

Given that the legality matrix needs to provide operational support to the process of issuing FLEGT 
licences,  the  CAR  and  the  European  Union  agreed  on  the  need  to  test  the  applicability  and 
relevance  of  the  draft  legality  matrix  on  the  ground  before  implementing  it  in  the  context  of  the 
VPA. During the negotiations, an international organisation called ‘The Forest Trust’ was therefore 
appointed  by  the  European  Forest  Institute  (EFI)  to  conduct  field  tests  involving  Central  African 
Republic representatives. 

Given that the wood coming from teak plantations is currently exported to the European market in 
the form of  logs, it was essential to consider these plantation products  in  the  legality  matrix.  The 
regulations  governing  plantations  are  less  developed.  This  matrix  was  produced  on  the  basis  of 
existing  regulatory  texts.  Other  texts  will  subsequently  be  produced  to  improve  the  regulations 
governing plantations. The legality definition will then, consequently, be updated. 

Clarification regarding the matrix indicators 

Some  indicators  have  no  regulatory  reference.  These  indicators  are  included  subject  to  the 
publication and content of the necessary references. For this reason, the references that need to be 
created are given in the Annex on supporting measures for Agreement implementation (Annex IX). 
The regulatory texts that will finally be adopted may entail amendments to the way in which these 
indicators are currently drafted. 

Some  indicators  apply  to  all  shipments,  whatever  the  origin  of  the  timber.  Others  apply  only  to 
shipments coming from PEAs or shipments coming from permits to log State reforested areas (State 
plantations) or to shipments coming from authorisations to log in a private domain (community or 
private  plantations).  The  last  column  ‘Concessions  concerned’  specifies  the  concession  (that  a 
shipment  has  come  from)  the  indicator  in  the  line  applies  to:  all,  PEA,  plantations  (covering 
reforested area authorisations, so-called State plantations, and private reforested authorisations for 
communities and individuals, so-called private plantations). 

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PRINCIPLE 1: THE COMPANY HAS A LEGAL EXISTENCE  

Criterion 1.1: The company is duly registered with the competent authorities, following a valid procedure.  

Indicator 

Verifiers 

Legislative or regulatory text 

Concessions 
concerned 

1.1.1:  Registration  with 

Indicator 
an 
economic  administration:  Ministry  of  Trade 
and Industry. 

Verifier  1.1.1.1:  Ministerial  decision  authorising  forest 
operations 

Ordinance  No  83.083  of  31.12.83  (Arts.  7 
and 8) 

All  (PEA  and 
Plantations) 

Verifier 1.1.1.2: Professional trader’s licence 

Decree No 83.550 of 31.12.83 (Arts. 1 to 7) 

Indicator  1.1.2:  Registration  with  the  tax 
administration  (Ministry  of  Finances  and 
Budget, General Department of Taxation). 

Verifier 1.1.2.1: Valid taxpayer’s card 

Registration Guide 

All 

Verifier  1.1.2.2:  Slip  bearing  tax  registration  number 
(NIF)  

General Tax Code v. 2009 (Art. 334) 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Art 176) 

Indicator 1.1.3: Registration with the National 
Social Security Office (CNSS). 

Verifier 1.1.3.1: Proof of CNSS registration 

Law No 06.035 of 28/12/2006 on the Social 
Security Code (Art. 31) 

All 

EN 

23 

EN 

Order No 
004/MEFPCI/DFB/CAB/SGF/DGID 
establishing the requirement to use an NIF 
(Arts. 1 and 2) 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indicator  1.1.4:  Registration  with  the  forest 
administration 
following  a  valid  award 
procedure. 

Verifier  1.1.4.1:  Report  of  the  PEA  award  committee 
under  the  responsibility  of  the  Ministry  responsible  for 
forests 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Art. 31) 

PEAs 

Decree No 09.116 of 27.04.2009 

Decree 09.118 of 28.04.2009 (Art. 17.6) 

Verifier  1.1.4.2:  Report  of  the  independent  observer 
under  the  responsibility  of  the  Ministry  responsible  for 
forests 

Verifier 1.1.4.3: Decree allocating exploitation and land-
use permits (PEAs) 

Indicator  1.1.5:  Registration  with  the  judicial 
administration  (Ministry  of  Justice,  Trade 
Court). 

Verifier  1.1.5.1:  Trade  and  Secured  Loans  Register 
(RCCM) 

Ordinance No 83.083 of 31.12.83 (Art. 12) 

All 

Verifier 1.1.5.2: Minutes of notarised formation 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Art. 93)  

Indicator  1.1.6:  Registration  with  the  labour 
and  employment  administration  (Ministry  of 
Work and Employment, Labour Inspectorate). 

Indicator 1.1.7: Registration with the consular 
chambers:  Chamber  of  Commerce  and 
Industry. 

Verifier  1.1.5.3: Clerk  to  the  Trade  Court  notifies 
registration number 

Verifier 1.1.6.1: Employer records numbered and signed 
off by the labour inspector for the administrative district 

Law  No  09.004  on  the  Labour  Code  (Art. 
331)  

All 

Verifier 1.1.7.1: Consular attestation 

Refer  to  Annex  IX:  legal  reference  to  be 
created 

All 

EN 

24 

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Indicator  1.1.8:  Registration  with  the  Central 
African  Agency  for  Vocational  Training  and 
Employment (ACFPE). 

Verifier  1.1.8.1:  Numbered  and  stamped  request  for 
employer’s registration 

Law No 99.008 of 19.05.1999 (Arts. 1 to 7)  All 

Criterion 1.2: The company is up-to-date with payment of its contributions.  

Indicator 1.2.1: Payment of CNSS contributions.  Verifier 1.2.1.1: CNSS certificate or receipt 

Copy of contribution payment receipts 

All 

Indicator 
contributions. 

1.2.2: 

Payment 

of 

ACPFE 

Verifier 1.2.2.1: Quarterly declaration of salaries paid 

Decree  00.068  establishing  the  system  for 
employer  contributions  to  ACFPE  (Arts.  2 
and 4) 

All 

Verifier  1.2.1.2:  Proof  of  payment  of  employer 
contributions 

Criterion  1.3:  The  company  is  not  subject  to  any  judicial  sentence  or  administrative  sanction  leading  to  the  temporary  or  permanent 
suspension of its activities.  

Indicator  1.3.1:  The  company’s  activities  have 
not been suspended following a court ruling. 

Verifier 1.3.1.1: Records of court rulings 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code, (Arts. 209 and 204(2)) 

All 

Verifier  1.3.1.2:  Registers  of  infringements  held  by 
the Ministry responsible for forests 

Order  No  09.020  of  30.04.09  (Arts.  92(2) 
and 93) 

Indicator  1.3.2:  The  company’s  activities  have 
not  been  suspended  following  an  administrative 
sanction. 

Verifier  1.3.2.1:  Registers  of  infringements  held  by 
the Ministry responsible for forests 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Art. 204(2)) 

Verifier  1.3.2.2:  Suspension  decision  of  the  Minister 
for the Environment 

Order  No  09.020  of  30.04.09  (Art.  92(2) 
and 93) 

Law  No  07.018  of  28.12.07  on 
Environment Code (Art. 114) 

the 

EN 

25 

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Criterion 1.4: The company complies in case of judicial sentence or administrative sanction. 

Indicator  1.4.1:  The  company  is  up-to-date  with 
payments  of  fines  and  penalties  for  the  noted 
infringements. 

Verifier 1.4.1.1: Receipt for payment of transaction or 
fine/penalty amount 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Arts. 208 to 233) 

All 

Law  No  07.018  of  28.12.07  on 
Environment Code (Arts. 114 to 143) 

the 

PRINCIPLE 2: LEGAL ACCESS RIGHTS TO FOREST RESOURCES IN ITS AREA OF OPERATION 

Criterion 2.1: The company holds the necessary concessions authorising it to log the forest resources 

the 

(informing 

the 
Indicator  2.1.1:  All  stages 
population,  tender,  application  for  concession, 
award  committee, 
independent 
including 
monitor)  leading  to  the  allocation  of  a  logging 
concession  have  been  properly  followed  by  the 
company, observing the deadlines set by the laws 
and  regulations  of  the  Central  African  Republic, 
before and after enactment of Law No 08.022 on 
the Forest Code. 

Verifier  2.1.1.1  Report  of  the  PEA  award  committee 
under  the  responsibility  of  the  Ministry  responsible 
for forests 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Arts. 31, 41 and 48) 

PEAs 

Verifier  2.1.1.2  Report  of  the  independent  monitor 
under  the  responsibility  of  the  Ministry  responsible 
for forests 

Verifier  2.1.1.3:  Decree  on  the  award  of  exploitation 
and land-use permits (PEAs) 

Decree 09.118 of 28.04.09 (Art. 17(6)) 

Order  No  0.19  of  05.07.06  approving 
national  rules  for  producing  land-use  plans 
(Volume 1) 

Order  No  09.026  of  28.07.09  approving 
national  rules  for  producing  land-use  plans 
(Volume 2) 

Verifier  2.1.1.4:  Provisional  agreement  in  the  three 
months following the signing of the decree 

Decree No 09.118 (Arts. 13 to 17) 

Verifier  2.1.1.5:  Final  agreement  in  the  three  years 

EN 

26 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
following the signing of the provisional agreement 

Indicator  2.1.2:  The  company  has  paid  all  the 
costs involved in each stage of the award process. 

Verifier 2.1.2.1: Proof of payment of the application’s 
administrative costs 

Decree 09.118 of 28.04.09 (Arts. 22 and 44) 

PEAs 

Verifier  2.1.2.2:  Proof  of  payment  of 
pre-recognition fee 

the 

Verifier  2.1.2.3:  Receipt  for  payment  of  3  years’ 
rental  within  15  days  of  notification  of  award  (for 
permits allocated after 2003) 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Arts. 179 to 189) 

Indicator  2.1.3:  In 
the  case  of  plantations 
belonging  to  a  private  individual  or  community, 
the individual or community has a property title. 

Verifier  2.1.3.1:  Land  title  in  the  name  of  the 
individual or community  

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code of the CAR (Art. 131) 

Private 
plantations 

Criterion 2.2: The company has all recurring regulatory authorisations enabling it to exercise its activities. 

Indicator  2.2.1:  The  company  has  an  annual 
felling  authorisation  duly  issued  by  the  Forests 
Administration.  

Verifier 2.2.1.1: Approval note for PEA management 
plans with final agreement. 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Arts. 107, 109 and 110, Art. 114) 

PEAs 

Verifier  2.2.1.2:  Approval  note  for  PEA  annual 
operational plans with final agreement 

Verifier 2.2.1.3: Provisional felling agreement signed 
by the relevant authority 

Decree 09.118 of 28.04.09 (Art. 17(4))  

EN 

27 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indicator  2.2.2:  In  the  case  of  State-owned 
plantations,  the  company  has  authorisation  from 
the  Ministry  responsible  for  forests  to  log  a 
plantation  

Verifier  2.2.2.1:  Agreement  of 
responsible for forests 

the  Ministry 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Arts. 62 and 64) 

Plantations 

Verifier 2.2.2.2: Exploration authorisation 

Order No 09.021 of 30.4.09 (Arts. 72 to 75) 

Verifier 2.2.2.3: Exploration report 

for 
Verifier  2.2.2.4:  Simple  management  plan 
plantations  of  50  ha  or  more  in  compliance  with  the 
General Conditions 

Refer  to  Annex  IX:  General  Conditions 
need to be created 

Indicator  2.2.3:  In 
the  case  of  plantations 
belonging  to  a  private  individual  or  community, 
felling 
the 
authorisations 

individual  or  community  has 

Verifier  2.2.3.1:  Felling  authorisation  issued  to  the 
operator  (owner  or  contracted  operator)  by  the 
Ministry 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code of the CAR (Art. 131) 

Private 
plantations 

for 
Verifier  2.2.3.2:  Simple  management  plan 
plantations  of  50  ha  or  more  in  compliance  with  the 
General Conditions  

Refer  to  Annex  IX:  General  Conditions 
need to be created 

Verifier  2.2.3.3:  Where  appropriate,  a  contract 
between  the  individual  or  community  and  logging 
company. 

EN 

28 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Criterion 2.3: After award of its logging concession, the company helps to inform all forest-resource management stakeholders in the area 
in question of this award. 

Indicator  2.3.1:  The  company  informs  the  local 
and indigenous communities, local authorities and 
all  interested  parties  of  the  signing  of  the 
provisional  agreement  and  the  opening  up  of  the 
provisional cutting area. 

Verifier  2.3.1.1:  Reports  of  awareness 
the  company  and 
meetings  written  by 
approved by the different stakeholders. 

raising 
jointly 

Order  No  09.026  of  28.07.09  approving 
national  rules  for  producing  land-use  plans 
(Volume 2) 

PEAs 

PRINCIPLE 3: COMPLIANCE WITH ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION 

Criterion 3.1: The company has conducted all impact assessments in line with the legal requirements. 

Indicator 
3.1.1: 
assessments have been conducted. 

Environmental 

impact 

Verifier  3.1.1.1:  Records  of  environmental  impact 
assessments  approved  for  each  production  site  (PEA 
+ sawmill (including living quarters)) 

Law  No  07.018  of  28.12.07  on 
Environment Code (Art. 87 and Art. 93(2)) 

the 

PEAs 

Verifier 3.1.1.2: Environmental compliance certificate 
issued by the competent authority  

to  Annex 
Refer 
regulations need to be created. 

IX: 

implementing 

Criterion 3.2: The company is implementing the environmental impact mitigation measures given in the assessments. 

Indicator  3.2.1:  The  measures  set  out  in  the 
approved 
to  protect 
biodiversity are being implemented. 

assessments 

impact 

Verifier  3.2.1.1:  Monitoring 
environmental administration 

reports  of 

the 

Law  No  07.018  of  28.12.07  on 
Environment Code (Art. 87) 

the 

PEAs 

EN 

29 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Criterion 3.3: The company is taking measures to safeguard the quality of the environment at its site, in line with legal provisions. 

Refer 
to  Annex 
regulations need to be created. 

IX: 

implementing 

Indicator 3.3.1: Waste (as defined in Art. 3 of the 
CAR’s  Environment  Code  and  implementing 
the  company’s 
regulations) 
activities 
legal 
the 
is 
requirements. 

resulting 
treated 

line  with 

from 

in 

Verifier  3.3.1.1:  Monitoring 
environmental administration 

reports 

from 

the 

the 
Law  No  07.018  of  28.12.07  on 
Environment  Code  (Arts.  3,  19  and  20,  43 
to 45) 

PEAs 

to  Annex 
Refer 
regulations need to be created. 

IX: 

implementing 

Indicator  3.3.2:  Legal  provisions  with  regard  to 
air and water pollution are being observed. 

Verifier  3.3.2.1:  Environmental  audit  report  from  the 
environmental administration 

Law  No  07.018  of  28.12.07  on 
Environment  Code 
106(2)) 

the 
(Arts. 15,  102  and 

PEAs 

Refer 
to  Annex 
regulations need to be created. 

IX: 

implementing 

PRINCIPLE 4: RIGHTS OF WORKERS, AND LOCAL AND INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES 

Criterion 4.1: The company helps to inform and educate its workers and fully respects their employment rights. 

Indicator 4.1.1: Freedom of union organisation is 
guaranteed within the company. 

Verifier  4.1.1.1:  Briefing  note  on  the  guarantee  of 
the 
freedom  of  union  organisation  stamped  by 
relevant authority and displayed 

Law  09.004  of  29.01.09  on  the  Labour 
Code (Arts. 12,17, 18, 30, 31, 33) 

All 

Verifier 4.1.1.2: Minutes of union meetings displayed 
(if employees are union members) 

EN 

30 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indicator  4.1.2:  Staff  delegates,  elected 
in 
accordance  with  current  legislation,  have  the 
necessary skills to fulfil their role. 

Verifier  4.1.2.1:  Report  of  the  general  assembly  at 
which  staff  delegates  were  elected,  stamped  by  the 
labour inspector of the administrative district 

Law  09.004  of  29.01.09  on  the  Labour 
Code (Arts. 58, 60, 67) 

All 

Verifier  4.1.2.2:  Training  certificates  stamped  by  the 
labour inspector of the administrative district  

Indicator  4.1.3:  The  company’s  employees  are 
informed  of  documents  relating  to  employment 
rights. 

Verifier 4.1.3.1: Briefing notes displayed 

Law  09.004  of  29.01.2009  on  the  Labour 
Code (Arts. 63 and 129) 

All 

Verifier  4.1.3.2:  Report  of  meetings  between  staff 
delegates and employees 

Verifier 4.1.3.3: Internal regulations displayed 

The  collective  agreement 
logging 
companies  in  the  Central  African  Republic 
(Art. 10(4)) 

for 

Criterion 4.2: The company respects workers’ rights as defined in current regulations. 

Indicator  4.2.1:  Relations  between  the  company 
and its staff are formally established according to 
the legal requirements. 

Verifier  4.2.1.1:  Copy  of  the  collective  agreement 
held  by  the  logging  company  and  by  the  staff 
delegates  

Law 09.004 on the Labour Code (Arts. 197 
to 201 and 331) 

All 

Verifier  4.2.1.2:  Employer  records  numbered  and 
the 
the 
signed  off  by 
administrative district 

inspector  of 

labour 

Indicator  4.2.2:  The  company’s  staff  are  paid  in 
accordance  with  current  regulations  for  their 
sector of activity, and without discrimination. 

Verifier 4.2.2.1: Pay slips and salary reports 

Law 09.004 on the Labour Code (Arts. 221 
to 230 and 94 to 99) 

All 

Verifier  4.2.2.2:  Employment  contract  signed  by  all 
parties 

Collective agreement for logging companies 

EN 

31 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indicator  4.2.3:  Workers’  health  and  safety 
conditions are in line with current legislation.  

Verifier  4.2.3.1:  Records  of  health  and  safety 
committee meetings 

Law  No  09.004  on  the  Labour  Code  (Arts. 
82 to 87) 

All 

Verifier  4.2.3.2:  Provision  of  staff  healthcare  and 
safety equipment 

Order  005/MFPESSFP/CAB/DGTEFP  of 
11  July  2004  on  the  establishment  and 
functioning of health and safety committees 
in  the  Central  African  Republic  (Arts.  1  to 
3; Arts. 9 to 17)  

Collective 
companies 

agreements 

for 

logging 

Labour  Office, 

International 
C155 
Occupational Safety and Health Convention 
1981 (Art. 12(a)(b), Art. 16), ratified by the 
CAR on 05.06.2006 

Indicator 4.2.4: The working hours applied by the 
company are in accordance with legal provisions. 

Verifier 4.2.4.1: Workers’ timekeeping system 

Law 09.004 on the Labour Code (Arts. 247 
to 251) 

All 

Indicator  4.2.5:  Staff  recruitment  is  in  line  with 
the  age  restrictions  established  by  national 
International  Labour 
legislation 
Organisation (ILO). 

and 

the 

Verifier 4.2.4.2: Workers’ timesheets 

Verifier 4.2.4.3: Company service notes displayed 

Verifier 4.2.4.4: Pay slips 

Verifier  4.2.5.1:  Employment  contracts  signed  by  all 
parties 

Law 09.004 on the Labour Code (Arts. 247 
to 249, Art 97) 

All 

Collective 
companies 

agreements 

for 

logging 

EN 

32 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Criterion 4.3: The company respects the rights of local and indigenous communities 

4.3.1: 

Indicator 
indigenous 
Local 
communities’  customary  rights  of  access  to  and 
use  of  forest  concessions  are  recognised  and 
respected by the company. 

and 

Indicator  4.3.2:  If  assets  belonging  to  local  or 
indigenous  communities  are  destroyed  by  the 
company, 
in 
accordance with current regulations.  

compensation 

provided 

is 

Verifier  4.3.1.1:  Land-use  plan  approved  by  the 
competent  authority  (the  socio-economic  report  in 
particular) 

Order  No  0.19  of  05.07.06  on  approving 
national  rules  for  producing  land-use  plans 
(Volume 1) 

PEAs 

Verifier 4.3.1.2: Provisional agreement signed by the 
competent authority (PEA provisional agreement) 

Order  No  09.026 of  28.07.09  on  approving 
national  rules  for  producing  land-use  plans 
(Volume 2) 

Verifier  4.3.1.3:  Report  of  findings  of  the  forest 
administration, countersigned by the parties 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Arts. 14 to 22, 107) 

Decree  09.118  of  28.04.09  (Arts.  17(4  and 
5)) 

Verifier 4.3.2.1: Official report read and approved by 
the parties 

Order  No 
Development of 09.07.73 

005/Ministry 

of  Rural 

PEAs 

Verifier 4.3.2.2: Proof of compensation 

EN 

33 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PRINCIPLE 5: TIMBER HARVESTING LEGISLATION 

Criterion 5.1: The company has been involved in informing all forest-resource management stakeholders AFTER the award of its logging 
concession in the area in question. 

Indicator  5.1.1:  The  local  communities,  local 
authorities,  NGOs,  decentralised  State  structures 
and  other  development  partners  interested  in 
in 
the  area 
forest  resource  management 
question are informed of the award of the PEA. 

in 

Verifier  5.1.1.1:  Minutes  of  awareness-raising 
meetings  written  by 
jointly 
approved by the stakeholders. 

the  company  and 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Art. 14) 

PEAs 

Order  No  09.026  of  28.07.09  approving 
national  rules  for  producing  land-use  plans 
(Volume 2) 

Criterion 5.2: The provisional agreement is adhered to. 

Indicator  5.2.1:  The  company  adheres  to  the 
provisions of the provisional agreement during its 
period of validity (3 years). 

Verifier 5.2.1.1: Administration’s monitoring report 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Arts. 102 and 107) 

PEAs 

Provisional land-use agreement 

Order  No  0.19  of  05.07.06  approving 
national  rules  for  producing  land-use  plans 
(Volume 1) 

Criterion 5.3: The land-use plan is designed and implemented according to the regulations. 

Indicator  5.3.1:  The  prior  studies  have  been 
conducted  according  to  the  rules  set  out  by  the 
forest administration.  

Verifier 5.3.1.1: Land-use inventory report(s) 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Arts. 102 to 105 and Art. 107) 

PEAs 

Verifier 5.3.1.2: Socio-economic study report 

Provisional land-use agreement - logging 

EN 

34 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Indicator  5.3.2:  The  land-use  plan  has  been 
produced  according  to  the  rules  set  out  by  the 
forest administration. 

Verifier  5.3.2.1:  Final  exploitation  and  land-use 
agreement 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Art. 103) 

PEAs 

Order  No  0.19  of  05.07.06  on  approving 
national  rules  for  producing  land-use  plans 
(Volume 1) 

Order  No  09.026 of  28.07.09  on  approving 
national  rules  for  producing  land-use  plans 
(Volume 2) 

Indicator  5.3.3:  The  management  plan  complies 
with the regulations. 

Verifier  5.3.3.1:  Letter  officially  approving 
management plan 

the 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Arts. 94, 103 and 114) 

PEAs 

Indicator 5.3.4: The annual operating plan (PAO), 
including maps, complies with the regulations. 

Verifier  5.3.4.1:  Letter  submitting  annual  operating 
plan to the office of the Minister for Forests 

Verifier 5.3.4.2: Letter officially approving the PAO 

Order  No  0.19  of  05.07.06  on  approving 
national  rules  for  producing  land-use  plans 
(Volume 1) 

Order  No  09.026  of  28.07.09  approving 
national  rules  for  producing  land-use  plans 
(Volume 2) 

Order  No  0.19  of  05.07.06  on  approving 
national  rules  for  producing  land-use  plans 
(Volume 1) 

PEAs 

Order  No  09.026 of  28.07.09  on  approving 
national  rules  for  producing  land-use  plans 
(Volume 2) 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Arts. 94, 103 and 114) 

EN 

35 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Indicator 5.3.5: A plantation or reforested area of 
50  ha  or  more  has  a  simple  management  plan  in 
line with current regulations. 

Verifier  5.3.5.1:  Simple  management  plan 
for 
plantations  of  50  ha  or  more,  and  this  is  in  line  with 
the General Conditions  

Art.  64  of  Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on 
the Forest Code of the CAR 

Plantations 

Verifier  5.3.5.2:  Letter  approving 
management plan  

the 

simple 

Arts.  72  to  75  of  Order  No  09.021  of 
30.04.09 

Refer  to  Annex  IX:  General  Conditions 
need to be created 

Criterion 5.4: The company has clearly defined the different forest sub-divisions and adheres to them. 

Indicator  5.4.1:  The  boundaries  of  the  annual 
cutting  area 
(AAC)  or  provisional  areas 
anticipated  on  the  maps  are  concretely  mapped 
out  and  adhered  to,  in  accordance  with  the 
regulations. 

Verifier  5.4.1.1:  Reports  of  forestry  administration 
inspection visits 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Art. 105) 

PEAs 

Order  No  09.026 of  28.07.09  on  approving 
national  rules  for  producing  land-use  plans 
(Volume 2) 

Criterion 5.5: The company is building service roads in accordance with current regulations. 

Indicator  5.5.1:  The  service  road  network  is 
planned  and  created  in  accordance  with  current 
regulations. 

Verifier  5.5.1.1:  Annual  operating  plan  approved  by 
the forest administration 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Arts. 94, 103 and 114) 

PEAs 

Verifier 5.5.1.2: Plan for the network of service roads 
for the provisional area 

Verifier 5.5.1.3: Administrative authorisation to open 
up  access  roads  (if  access  roads  required  outside  the 
AAC)  

Verifier  5.5.1.4:  Reports  of  forestry  administration 

Provisional logging agreement  

Final agreement  

EN 

36 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
inspection visits 

Verifier 5.5.1.5: Authorisation to open up paths for an 
AAC 

Criterion 5.6: The company chooses the trees to fell according to the rules set out in the Forest Code, the Development Plan and data from 
the Annual Operating Plan (PAO) 

Indicator 5.6.1: The minimum managed diameters 
(DMA)  for  final  agreements  or  the  minimum 
administrative 
logging  diameters  (DME)  for 
provisional  agreements  are  respected  during 
felling operations.  

Indicator 5.6.2: The species logged are authorised 
in  the  land-use  plan,  the  PAO  and  the  order 
applying  the  Forest  Code  or  the  Forest  Code 
itself. 

Verifier 5.6.1.1: Worksite books  

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Art. 105)  

PEAs 

Verifier 5.6.1.2: Inspection visit reports 

Final logging agreement 

Provisional logging agreement 

Verifier 5.6.2.1: Land-use Plan 

Order No 09.021 of 30.04.09 (Art. 53) 

PEAs 

Verifier 5.6.2.2: Worksite books 

Final agreement 

Verifier 5.6.2.3: ‘Timber movement’ form 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Arts. 186 and 190) 

Verifier 
unauthorised species 

5.6.2.4: 

Special 

authorisation 

for 

Criterion 5.7: The company adheres to all the provisions of the Forest Code on abandoning waste timber from logging. 

Indicator  5.7.1:  Timber 
is  felled  and 
abandoned  in  the  forest  is  in  line  with  current 
regulations. 

that 

Verifier 5.7.1.1: Worksite books  

Final logging agreement 

PEAs 

Verifier 5.7.1.2: Official reports on abandoned timber 
from the forest administration 

Provisional logging agreement 

Verifier  5.7.1.3:  Inspection  reports  from  the  forest 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 

EN 

37 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
administration 

Code (Arts. 201, 202 and 204) 

PRINCIPLE 6: PROCESSING OF FOREST PRODUCTS 

Criterion 6.1: The company establishes at least one processing facility in accordance with the provisions of the Forest Code. 

Indicator  6.1.1:  The  company  has  at  least  one 
the 
processing 
regulatory  provisions,  three  years  after  award  of 
the PEA. 

in  accordance  with 

facility 

Verifier 6.1.1.1 Processing facility licence  

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Art. 39) 

PEAs 

Provisional 
agreement 

exploitation 

and 

land-use 

Indicator 6.1.2: The company has proof that it is 
respecting the minimum annual processing quota 
(70%) set by the State. 

Verifier 6.1.2.1: ‘Timber movement’ form or statistics 
yearbook 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Art. 44) 

Criterion 6.2: The company ensures the legality of purchased timber or derived products, even when imported. 

Indicator  6.2: 1:  Logs  and 
timber  products 
imported for processing are registered in line with 
regulatory provisions. 

Verifier 6.2.1.1: Commercial import declaration 

Reference to be created: refer to Annex IX 

PEAs 

Verifier 6.2.1.2: ‘Timber movement’ form 

Indicator  6.2.2:  Logs  and 
purchased 
for  processing, 
imported, are of known and legal origin. 

timber  products 
including  when 

Verifier  6.2.2.1:  A  FLEGT  authorisation  from  the 
country of origin accompanies the imported products 

Reference to be created: refer to Annex IX 

PEAs 

Verifier  6.2.2.2:  Sustainable  management  certificate 

EN 

38 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
or certificate of legal origin 

PRINCIPLE 7: GENERAL AND FOREST TAXATION 

Criterion 7.1: The company makes forest tax declarations that are in accordance with its actual activity. 

Indicator  7.1.1:  The  declaration  of 
timber 
production  is  held  in  line  with  the  regulatory 
provisions of the Forest Code. 

Verifier 7.1.1.1: ‘Timber movement’ form 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Art. 190)  

All 

Indicator  7.1.2:  The  declaration  of 
timber 
processing  is  in  accordance  with  the  ‘timber 
movements’ forms. 

Verifier 7.1.2.1: ‘Timber movement’ form 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Art. 190)  

All 

Indicator  7.1.3:  Declarations  of  timber  sales  and 
export of products are kept in accordance with the 
regulatory provisions.  

Verifier 7.1.3.1: ‘Timber movement’ form 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Art. 190) 

All 

Finance Law for each financial year 

Verifier 7.1.3.2: Customs declarations 

Verifier  7.1.3.3:  Commercial  export  declaration 
(DEC) 

Decree 86.328 of 20.11.86 (Art. 2) 

Indicator  7.1.4:  Tax/customs  declarations  are 
made in line with the regulatory provisions. 

Verifier 7.1.4.1: Receipt for licence payment  

Finance Law for each financial year 

All 

EN 

39 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Verifier  7.1.4.2:  Receipt  for  IMF  (minimum  set  tax) 
payment  

Verifier 
Receipt 
7.1.4.3: 
(corporation/income tax) payment 

for 

IS/IR 

General  Tax  Code  (Arts.  120,  125,  140, 
204, 247, 248 and 257) 

Verifier  7.1.4.4:  Receipt  for  VAT  (value  added  tax) 
payment 

Criterion 7.2: The company pays all taxes due within the deadline. 

Indicator 7.2.1: All forest taxes and fees are paid 
within the stipulated deadlines.  

Verifier 7.2.1.1: Receipt for rental tax payment 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Arts. 179 to 193)  

PEAs 

Verifier 7.2.1.2: Receipt for felling tax payment 

Verifier 7.2.1.3: Receipt for reforestation tax payment 

Verifier  7.2.1.4:  Notification  stipulating  exceptional 
measures  relating  to  payment  of  company  taxes  and 
fees 

Finance Law for each financial year  

All 

All 

All 

Indicator  7.2.2:  All  fees  and  taxes  related  to 
timber exports are paid on time.  

Verifier 7.2.2.1: Receipt for DS (exit fees) payment 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Art 198)  

All 

Verifier  7.2.2.2:  Receipt  for  IMF  (minimum  set  tax) 
payment 

Instrument No 1/92-UDEAC-CD-SE1  

Finance Law for each financial year  

Verifier  7.2.2.3:  Receipt  for  REIF  (Ministry  of 
Finance tax on provision of computer tools) payment 

Instrument No 1/93-UDEAC-573-CD-SE1  

Arts.  12  and  22  of  the  CEMAC  Customs 
Code  

EN 

40 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indicator  7.2.3:  All  fees  and  taxes  related  to 
imports  of  equipment  used  by  the  company  are 
paid.  

Instrument No 7/93-UDEAC-556-CD-SE1  

Instrument No 16/96-UDEAC-556-CD-57  

Instrument No 5/89-UDEAC-491  

Verifier  7.2.3.1:  Receipt  DD  (import  customs  duty) 
payment 

Finance Law for each financial year  

All 

Verifier  7.2.3.2:  Receipt  for  value  added  tax  (VAT) 
payment 

Instrument No 1/92-UDEAC-CD-SE1  

Arts.  12  and  22  of  the  CEMAC  Customs 
Code  

Verifier  7.2.3.3:  Receipt 
integration tax) payment 

for  TCI 

(community 

Instrument No 1/93-UDEAC-573-CD-SE1  

Verifier  7.2.3.4:  Receipt 
integration contribution) payment 

for  CCI 

(community 

Instrument No 7/93-UDEAC-556-CD-SE1  

Instrument No 16/96-UDEAC-556-CD-57  

Verifier 7.2.3.5: Receipt for REIF (tax on provision of 
financial computer tools) payment 

Instrument No 5/89-UDEAC-491 

Verifier  7.2.3.6:  Receipt  for  OHADA  payment 
(OHADA fee) 

Verifier  7.2.3.7:  Receipt  for  CMF  payment  (Central 
Africa Forests Commission fee) 

Indicator  7.2.4:  The  company  has  repatriated  the 
‘free on truck’ (FOT) values of products declared 
for  export  outside  of  CEMAC  to  a  local  bank 
within  30  days  of  the  deadline  stipulated  in  the 

Verifier 7.2.4.1: Certificate of bank debit order 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Art. 200)  

All 

EN 

41 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
contract. 

Verifier 7.2.4.2: Fund transfer document 

PRINCIPLE  8:  THE  TRANSPORT  AND  TRACEABILITY  OF  TIMBER  FOREST  PRODUCTS  ARE  IN 
ACCORDANCE WITH THE REGULATIONS 

Criterion 8.1: The company may have its own means of transport 

Indicator 8.1.1: The lorries and other vehicles for 
transporting 
timber  products  are  correctly 
registered and licensed. 

Verifier 8.1.1.1: Vehicle registration documents 

Verifier 8.1.1.2: Technical data sheet  

Verifier 8.1.1.3: Insurance  

Verifier 8.1.1.4: Transport licence 

Verifier 8.1.1.5: Haulier’s authorisation 

–  Decree  No 

88.151 

of 

25.04.88 

(Art. R138, R138(1) and R 134(4)) 

–  CIMA Insurance Code (Art 200) 
–  2009 General Tax Code (Art 204) 

All 

When transporting forest products for 
export, there is an additional reference: 
Decree No 90.043 of May 1990 organising 
road transport in the CAR  

Indicator  8.1.2:  Transport  documents  for  timber 
and  derived  products  for  export  are  in  line  with 
current regulations. 

Verifier 8.1.2.1: Waybill or route map  

Verifier  8.1.2.2:  Dispatch  note,  accompanied  by: 
specifications,  D15,  commercial  export  declaration, 
invoice, certificate of origin 

Law No 08.022 of 17.10.08 on the Forest 
Code (Art. 93) 

All 

CEMAC Customs Code (Arts. 133 and 134) 

EN 

42 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indicator  8.1.3:  The  company  is  implementing 
measures to apply the ban on the transportation of 
persons. 

Verifier 8.1.3.1: Company’s internal regulations 

Decree No 90.043 of May 1990 organising 
road transport in the CAR  

All 

Verifier 8.1.3.2: Service note 

Criterion 8.2: The company is marking felled trees for monitoring and traceability according to recognised forest regulation methods. 

Indicator  8.2.1:  The  logs  and  stumps  of  felled 
trees  are  hammered  and  marked  in  line  with 
regulatory requirements. 

Indicator  8.2.2:  In  forest  depots, 
logs  are 
hammered  and  marked  according  to  current 
regulations.  

Verifier  8.2.1.1: Inspection  visit  report  from  the 
forestry administration  

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Arts. 93 and 96)  

All 

Verifier  8.2.2.1: Inspection  visit  report  from  the 
forestry administration 

Law No 08.022 of 17.10.08 on the Forest 
Code (Arts. 93 and 96)  
Interministerial Order No 82 of 13.07.04 

Indicator  8.2.3:  Log  transport  documents  are 
filled in prior to leaving the worksite. 

Verifier  8.2.3.1: Waybill  (also  known  as  a  delivery 
note or removal note) 

Indicator  8.2.4:  Log  and  log  bundle  documents 
are  filled  in  prior  to  leaving  the  log  depot  or 
factory. 

Verifier  8.2.4.1: Waybill  (also  known  as  a  delivery 
note or removal note) 

Refer  to  Annex  IX:  reference  needs  to  be 
created for the National Tracking System 

Interministerial Order No 82 of 13.02.04 

All 

All 

All 

PRINCIPLE 9: RESPECT FOR CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS 

EN 

43 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Criterion 9.1: The company respects the formal commitments made in the management plan (PG), the annual operating plan (PAO) and/or 
the provisional agreement for a better contribution to local development. 

Indicator  9.1.1:  The  amounts  allocated 
to 
community  budgets  are  regularly  paid  by  the 
company. 

Verifier 9.1.1.1: Proof of payment of revenue orders 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Arts. 177 to 192) 

PEAs 

Indicator 9.1.2: The social actions planned by the 
the  PAO  and 
company  and  appearing 
the  provisional 
management  plan  or 
agreements have been implemented.  

in 

in 

Verifier  9.1.1.2: Administrative  authorisation 
staggered payment of taxes 

for 

Verifier  9.1.2.1: PAO  approved  by 
forest 
administration  (each  PAO  includes  a  description  of 
the social activities undertaken the previous year) 

the 

Reference  to  be  created:  order  approving 
forest management rules underway, refer to 
Annex IX.  

PEAs 

Verifier  9.1.2.2: Provisional  agreement  signed  by  the 
company and the Ministry responsible for forests 

Law No 08.022 of 17.10.08 on the Forest 
Code (Arts. 50, 51) 

Criterion 9.2: The company observes the additional commitments made to the forest administration with regard to biodiversity conservation 
in its concession. 

Indicator  9.2.1:  The  commitments  made  by  the 
company  in  the  management  plan,  the  general 
conditions, the PAO or the provisional agreement 
in order to contribute to preventing poaching and 
illegal  logging  in  its  area  of  intervention  are 
respected. 

Verifier 9.2.1.1: Worksite inspection reports from the 
forest administration  

Reference  to  be  created:  order  approving 
forest management rules underway, refer to 
Annex IX.  

PEAs 

Verifier  9.2.1.2: Company  reports  on  information, 
education and awareness raising campaigns 

Law  No  08.022  of  17.10.08  on  the  Forest 
Code (Art. 90)  

EN 

44 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Verifier  9.2.1.3: PAO  approved  by 
administration 

the 

forest 

Order No 84.045 of 27.07.84 (Arts 34, 111 
and 112) 

Wildlife Protection Code  

Verifier 9.2.1.4: Internal regulations 

PRINCIPLE  10:  RELATIONS  WITH  SUB-CONTRACTORS  IN  ACTIVITIES  OTHER  THAN  TIMBER 
PRODUCTION  

Criterion 10.1: The company (and, in the case of private plantations, the individual or community) ensures that all its sub-contractors are 
operating legally. 

Indicator  10.1.1:  The  company  (and,  in  the  case 
individual  or 
of  private  plantations, 
community)  ensures  that  all  its  sub-contractors 
and  suppliers  are  authorised  to  exercise  their 
activity. 

the 

Verifier 10.1.1.1: Accreditation of valid profession 

Code  for  the  Registration  of  Stamps  and 
Curatorship (Arts 2 and 13) 

All 

Verifier 10.1.1.2: Sub-contracts registered 

Criterion 10.2: The company is paying its debts to its contractors. 

Indicator  10.2.1:  The  company  (and,  in  the  case 
individual  or 
of  private  plantations, 
community)  is  settling  payment  for  the  services 
anticipated in the contract. 

the 

Verifier 10.2.1.1: Invoices  

Civil Code (Arts 1101 and following) 

All 

Verifier  10.2.1.2:  Transfer  document  or  cheque  or 
receipt  proving  payment  of 
the  corresponding 
invoices 

EN 

45 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
List  of  laws,  principle  regulatory  texts,  regional  and  international  agreements  to  be 
considered in forest legality 

The texts noted in the context of this matrix are as follows: 

–  Orders (83.083 of 31.12.83; 84.045 of 27.7.84); 
–  Law No 08.022 of 17.10.08 on the Forest code of the Central African Republic and its 

different implementing regulations: decrees, orders, decisions and service notes;  

–  Law No 07.018 of 28.12.2007 on the Environment Code;  
–  Law No 09-004 on the Labour Code;  
–  The Law on the Civil Code in the CAR; 
–  The Law on the General Tax Code (including the law on the Code for Registration of 

Stamps and Trusteeship);  

–  Finance Law for each financial year; 
–  Law No 06.035 of 28.12.2006 on the Social Security Code; 
–  Law No 99.008 of 19.5.1999; 
–  CIMA Insurance Code;  
–  CEMAC Customs Code, implementing regulations for CEMAC’s Customs Code: 

•  Instrument No 1/92-UDEAC-CD-SE1 
•  Instrument No 1/93-UDEAC-573-CD-SE1; 
•  Instrument No 7/93-UDEAC-556-CD-SE1; 
•  Instrument No 16/96-UDEAC-556-CD-57; 
•  Instrument No 5/89-UDEAC-491. 

–  The agreements (collective agreements for logging companies in the CAR, International 
Labour  Office  Convention  C155  of  1981  on  workers’  health  and  safety,  final 
exploitation  and 
land-use 
agreements); 

land-use  agreements,  provisional  exploitation  and 

–  Wildlife Protection Code, Order No 84.045 of 27.7.84; 
–  Code for Registration of Stamps and Trusteeship; 
–  Civil Code; 
–  Decrees: 

•  Decree No 83.550 of 31.12.83; 
•  Decree No 09.116 of 27.4.09; 
•  Decree No 09.118 of 28.4.09; 
•  Decree No 00.068; 
•  Decree No 88.151 of 25.4.88; 
•  Decree No 90.043 of May 1990 on road transport; 
•  Decree 86.328 of 20.11.86. 

–  Ministerial and interministerial orders: 

•  Order No 004/MEFPCI/DFB/CAB/SGS/DGID; 
•  Order No 09.020 of 30.4.09; 
•  Order  No  019  of  5.7.06  on  approving  national  rules  for  producing  land-use 

plans (Volume 1); 

•  Order No 09.021 of 30.4.09; 
•  Order No 005/MFPSSSFP/CAB/DGTEFP of 11.7.04; 
•  Interministerial Order No 82 of 13.2.2004; 
•  Order 005/Ministry of Rural Development of 9.7.73; 
•  Order No 09.026 of 28.7.09 on approving national rules for producing land-use 

plans (Volume 2); 

EN 

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   EN

 
•  Interministerial Order No 82 of 13.2.04; 

–  Registration Guide 

EN 

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   EN

 
ANNEX III 

CONDITIONS GOVERNING THE RELEASE FOR FREE CIRCULATION INTO 
THE EUROPEAN UNION OF TIMBER AND DERIVED PRODUCTS EXPORTED 
FROM A PARTNER COUNTRY AND COVERED BY A FLEGT LICENCE 

General framework 

Regulation  (EC)  No  2173/2005  of  20  December  2005,  and  its  implementing  regulation, 
Regulation (EC) No 1024/2008 of 17 October 2008, laying down detailed measures for the 
entry  onto  the  European  market  of  timber  and  derived  products  covered  by  a  FLEGT 
licence  and  coming  from  the  Central  African  Republic.  The  procedures  laid  out  in  these 
regulations anticipate a possible adaptation to the national requirements of Member States 
and,  in  particular,  the  possibility  that  the  competent  authorities  responsible  for  accepting 
FLEGT licences during entry onto the European market may be the customs authority or 
another  administration.  For  this  reason,  the  description  of  the  process  anticipates  two 
stages in the verification: (1) documentary control of the licence and (2) a check that the 
shipment actually complies with the corresponding licence. 

This process established in the European Union aims to strengthen the controls put in place 
by  the  Central  African  Republic  and  verify  that  the  FLEGT  licences  presented  on  entry 
into Europe are indeed those that were duly issued and registered by the CAR’s licensing 
authority, and that they cover the shipments that the CAR’s authorities intended them to. 
The competent authorities do not have a mandate to question the CAR’s legality assurance 
system and the validity of licence award, these issues being considered, as necessary, by 
the Joint Implementation Committee. 

1. 

2. 

17 

18 

Article one 
Processing licences 

The FLEGT licence (hereinafter the ‘licence’) shall be submitted to the competent 
authority of the Member State in which the shipment17 covered by that licence is 
declared for release for free circulation18. 

Once  a  licence  has  been  accepted,  the  competent  authorities  indicated  in 
paragraph  1  shall  inform  the  customs  authorities,  in  accordance  with  current 
national procedures. 

Shipment is understood as meaning a quantity of timber or derived products as given in Annexes II 
and  III  of  Regulation  (EC)  No  2173/2005,  accompanied  by  a  FLEGT  licence,  that  is  sent  by  a 
consignor or  a  shipper on departure from  a  partner  country  and  which  is  presented for release  for 
free circulation at a customs office in the European Union. 
Release  for  free  circulation  is  a  customs  procedure  of  the  European  Union.  Release  for  free 
circulation involves: (1) the collection of any import duties due; (2) the collection, as appropriate, of 
other  charges,  according  to  the  relevant  provisions  in  force  in  this  regard;  (3)  the  application  of 
commercial policy measures, and prohibitions and restrictions, if these have not been applied at an 
earlier  stage  (in  fact,  it  is  within  these  measures  that  the  presence  of  a  FLEGT  licence  will  be 
verified); (4) the completion of other formalities laid down in respect of the importation of goods. 
Release for free circulation confers the customs status of Community goods on a non-Community 
product. 

EN 

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   EN

 
                                                 
1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

1. 

2. 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

Article 2 
Documentary control of licences 

Paper-based licences shall conform to the format set out in Annex IV. 

A  licence  submitted  on  a  date  past  its  expiry  date  shall  be  considered  null  and 
void. 

The licence may not include any deletions or alterations, unless these have been 
validated by the licensing authority. 

The  extension  of  the  validity  of  a  licence  shall  not  be  accepted  unless  that 
extension has been validated by the licensing authority. 

A duplicate or replacement licence shall not be accepted unless it has been issued 
and validated by the licensing authority. 

Article 3 

Request for additional information 

In  case  of  doubt  concerning  a  FLEGT  licence,  a  duplicate  or  replacement,  the 
competent  authority  may  request  additional  information  from  the  licensing 
authority. 

A  copy  of  the  licence,  duplicate  or  replacement  in  question  may  be  forwarded 
together with the request. 

Article 4 
Physical verification 

Checks shall be conducted by the competent authorities, as appropriate, to ensure 
that the shipment actually complies with the corresponding licence. 

If  the  competent  authorities  consider  it  necessary  to  further  verify  the  shipment, 
checks may be carried out to establish whether the shipment in question conforms 
to the information provided in the licence and to the records relating to the licence 
in question which are held by the licensing authority. 

Where  the  volume  or  weight  of  the  timber  products  contained  in  the  shipment 
presented for release for free circulation does not deviate by more than 10% from 
the volume or weight indicated in the corresponding licence, the shipment shall be 
considered  as  conforming  to  the  information  provided  in  the  licence  insofar  as 
volume or weight is concerned. 

The  costs  entailed  in  these  checks  shall  be  the  responsibility  of  the  importer, 
unless the national legislation of the Member States in question states otherwise. 

Article 5 
Prior verification 

EN 

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   EN

 
 
 
A licence lodged prior to the arrival of the shipment it accompanies may be accepted if it 
satisfies  all  the  requirements  stated  in  Annex  IV  to  this  Agreement  and  if  it  is  not 
considered necessary to undertake additional checks in accordance with Articles 3 and 4. 

Article 6 
Release for free circulation 

1. 

Reference  shall  be  made,  in  Box  44  of  the  Single  Administrative  Document  on 
which  the  customs  declaration  for  release  for  free  circulation  appears,  to  the 
number  of  the  licence  covering  the  timber  and  derived  products  subject  to  this 
declaration. 

Where the customs declaration is made via an electronic procedure, the reference 
shall be provided in the appropriate box. 

2. 

The timber and derived products shall only be released for free circulation when 
the procedure described in this Annex has been completed. 

EN 

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   EN

 
 
 
ANNEX IV 

CONDITIONS GOVERNING THE ISSUING OF AND TECHNICAL 
SPECIFICATIONS FOR FLEGT LICENCES 

SECTION 1: FORMALITIES RELATING TO FLEGT LICENCE APPLICATIONS 

Article 1 

Any timber company from the CAR that would like to export the products of its logging, 
processing  or  business  activities  to  the  European  Union  is  required  to  have  a  FLEGT 
licence  for  each  shipment  of  timber  products  and  for  each  destination  in  the  European 
Union.  The  FLEGT  licence  is  a  way  of  ensuring  that  timber  and  derived  products  have 
been legally produced. 

Article 2 

A  licence  is  issued  following  written  request,  in  hard  copy  format,  sent  to  the  licensing 
authority. The licence application must enable all the information noted in Appendix I to 
Annex 4 of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement to be complete. The licence application 
must  be  submitted  on  a  standard  template  that  will  be  circulated  by  the  forest 
administration. 

Article 3 

The  licensing  authority  is  a  body  appointed  by  the  Minister  for  Forests  and  under  his 
authority. The body is attached to the Minister’s office but is not a delegated function. It is 
a full structure in its own right. 

The composition and powers of this licensing authority shall be defined by an order from 
the Minister of Forests, to be issued during the Agreement implementation stage. 

Article 4 

The application must state in its subject line ‘FLEGT licence application’. 

It  must  include  the  name  of  the  concession,  the  number  of  the  concession  given  on  the 
forest register, the date of the application and the applicant’s signature. The applicant must 
expressly indicate if he wishes to receive the FLEGT licence in Douala. 

For logs, the applicant must also indicate the forest management unit (UFG). 

The  application  must  clearly  define  the  nature,  origin,  volume  and  destination  of  the 
product in question. 

This application must be supported by the following customs documentation: 

•  specification document from the body responsible for securing export revenue 

(BIVAC); 

•  commercial export declaration (DEC); 
•  EUR.1 form; 

EN 

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   EN

 
•  customs  clearance  receipt  (exit  fees,  minimum  set  tax,  fee  for  equipment  in 

financial computer tools). 

The  FLEGT  licence  application  form  shall  be  defined  during  the  development  of  the 
legality  assurance  system  (LAS)  and  then  communicated  by  the  licensing  authority  to 
interested parties, in particular exporters, and published. 

Article 5 

The application references shall be held in the files of the applicant company and must be 
the same as those submitted to the office of the licensing authority. 

Applications submitted by companies shall be recorded by the licensing authority, which 
shall, in return, send acknowledgement of receipt. 

Article 6 

Article 7 

Documents  submitted  by  the  applicant  company  (application  form  correctly  filled  in  and 
customs documents noted in Article 4) shall be passed on to the Central Inspectorate for 
Water  and  Forests  (ICEF),  which  shall  verify  the  legality  of  the  shipment  for  which  the 
licensing  application  has  been  made  and  issue  an  opinion  with  regard  to  its  compliance. 
The verification procedures to be followed are described in Annex 5. ICEF verification is 
compulsory. 

Article 8 

With reference to the ICEF recommendation, the licensing authority then issues: 

–  when  the  authorisation  is  sent  to  Douala,  notification  of  prior  acceptance  within  a 
reduced overall timeframe, around two working days from receipt of application, if the 
shipment  in  question  is  verified  to  be  legal,  according  to  the  procedure  described  in 
Annex V; 

–  when the authorisation is sent to Bangui, the licence within a reduced overall timeframe, 
around two working days from receipt of the application, if the shipment in question is 
verified to be legal, according to the procedure described in Annex V; 

The procedure followed in case of non-compliance is set out in Annex V. 

The verification results are communicated to the company and filed by the Forestry Data 
Centre (CDF) along with copies of the licences issued. A record is kept to this effect by the 
licensing authority. 

The  formalities  for  FLEGT  licence  applications  shall  be  scrutinised  during  the 
development  of  the  legality  assurance  system  (LAS)  and  then  communicated  by  the 
licensing authority to interested parties, in particular potential exporters, and published. 

SECTION 2: REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO FLEGT LICENCES 

A FLEGT licence may be in paper or electronic form. 

Article 9 

EN 

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   EN

 
The licence shall provide the information specified in Appendix 1, in accordance with the 
notes for guidance set out in Appendix 2. 

The FLEGT licence shall be valid from the day it is issued. 

Article 10 

The  period  of  validity  of  the  FLEGT  licence  shall  be  six  (6)  months.  The  date  of  expiry 
shall be indicated on the licence. 

After its expiry, the FLEGT licence shall be considered as void. In the case of duly noted 
‘force majeure’, a new application shall be made to the FLEGT licensing authority. 

In  the  event  that  the  timber  products  in  question  have  been  destroyed,  a  FLEGT  licence 
shall cease to be valid and shall be returned to the licensing authority. 

Licences in paper form shall comply with the format set out in Appendix 1. 

Article 11 

Article 12 

–  The paper to be used shall weigh 120 grams/m2. 

–  The paper size shall be 21/29 cm (A4). 

–  The colour of the paper used for the form shall be as follows: 

•  white for Form No 1, the ‘original’; 
•  yellow for Form No 2, the ‘copy for the European customs authority’; 
•  green  for  Form  No  3,  the  ‘copy  for  the  Central  African  Republic’s  customs 

authority’; 

•  blue for Form No 4, the ‘copy for the licensing authority’. 

Article 13 

–  Licences  shall  be  completed  in  typescript  or  by  computerised  means.  They  shall  be 

signed by hand. 

–  The  stamps  of  the  licensing  authority  shall  be  applied  by  means  of  a  metal  stamp, 
preferably made of steel. However, an embossing press combined with letters or figures 
obtained by means of perforation may be substituted for the licensing authority stamp. 
The  licensing  authority  shall  use  any  tamper-proof  method  to  record  the  quantity 
allocated in such a way as to make it impossible to insert figures or references. 

–  The  form  may  not  contain  any  deletions  or  alterations,  unless  they  have  been 

authenticated by the stamp and signature of the licensing authority. 

–  Licences shall be printed and completed in French. 

EN 

Article 14 

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   EN

 
–  The  licence  shall  be  drawn  up  in  four  copies,  two  of  which  shall  be  issued  to  the 

applicant. 

–  Once filled in, initialled, signed and dated by the licensing authority: 

•  the first copy, marked ‘Original’, shall be given to the applicant for submission 
to the competent authorities of the European Union’s Member State in which 
the shipment covered by that licence is declared for release for free circulation. 
•  the second copy, marked ‘Copy for the European customs authority’, shall be 
given to the applicant for submission to the customs authority of the Member 
State of the European Union in which the shipment covered by the licence is 
declared for release for free circulation; 

•  the third copy, marked ‘Copy for the CAR customs authority’, shall be given to 

the CAR customs authority. 

•  the fourth copy, marked ‘Copy for the licensing authority’, shall be filed with 

the CDF by the licensing authority. 

SECTION 3: FLEGT LICENCE LOST, STOLEN OR DESTROYED 

Article 15 

–  In  the  event  of  loss,  theft  or  destruction  of  the  ‘original’  and/or  the  ‘copy  for  the 
European  customs  authority’,  the  licence  holder  or  his  authorised  representative  may 
apply to the licensing authority for a replacement on the basis of the document(s) in his 
possession or submitted during the FLEGT licence application. 

–  In the event of loss, theft or destruction of the ‘copy for the  CAR customs authority’, 
the licence holder or his authorised representative may apply to the licensing authority 
for a replacement. 

–  The licensing authority shall issue the replacement(s) within 24 hours of receipt of the 

request from the licence holder. 

–  The replacements shall contain all the information and entries appearing on the licence 

they replace, including the licence number. 

–  The replacement document(s) shall bear the endorsement ‘duplicate’. 

–  If  the  replacement  document  is  lost,  stolen  or  destroyed,  no  further  replacement 

documents can be issued. 

–  If the lost or stolen licence is retrieved, it shall be null and void and must be returned to 

the licensing authority. 

SECTION 4: DOUBTS REGARDING THE VALIDITY OF A FLEGT LICENCE 

Article 16 

–  Where  there  is  doubt  regarding  the  validity  of  the  licence  or  a  replacement,  the 
competent authorities may ask for additional information from the licensing authority. 

EN 

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   EN

 
–  If considered necessary, the licensing authority may ask the competent authority to send 

a copy of the licence or the replacement in question. 

–  If the licensing authority considers it necessary, it shall withdraw the licence and issue a 
corrected  copy  bearing  the  endorsement  ‘duplicate’,  authenticated  with  its  seal,  and 
forward this to the competent authority. 

–  If  the  validity  of  the  licence  is  confirmed,  the  licensing  authority  shall  notify  the 
competent authority forthwith, preferably by electronic means, and return the copies of 
the  licence.  The  copies  returned  shall  bear  the  endorsement  'Validated  on…’, 
validated/authenticated by stamp. 

–  In the event that the licence in question is not valid, the licensing authority shall notify 

the competent authority, preferably by electronic means. 

APPENDICES 

1. Licence form 
2. Explanatory notes 

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Appendix 1 

Format of the FLEGT licence 

1 

1 Issuing authority 

2 Country of origin: CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC 

Name 

Nature of concession:............................................. 

Operator:.............................................. 

Concession Nos.:................................................... 

Address 

Forest Management Unit (UFG):................................... 

Contract No:........................................................... 

E101 No:.............................................................. 

L
A
N
I

G
I
R
O

1 

3 FLEGT licence number 

4 Date of expiry 

5 Country of export 

7 Means of transport 

6 ISO Code 

8 License holder (name and address) 

9 Trade name of timber or derived products 

10 HS headings 

11 Common or scientific name(s) 

12 Countries of harvest 

13 ISO Codes 

14 Volume(s) (m3) 

15 Net weight (kg) 

16 Number of units 

17 Distinguishing marks 

18 Signature and stamp of issuing authority 

Place and date 

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2 

1 Issuing authority 

2 Country of origin: CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC 

Y
T
I
R
O
H
T
U
A
S
M
O
T
S
U
C
N
A
E
P
O
R
U
E
E
H
T
R
O
F
Y
P
O
C

2 

Name 

Nature of concession:............................................. 

Operator:................................................. 

Concession Nos.:................................................... 

Address 

Forest Management Unit (UFG):................................... 

Contract No:........................................................... 

E101 No:.............................................................. 

3 FLEGT licence number 

4 Date of expiry 

5 Country of export 

7 Means of transport 

6 ISO Code 

8 License holder (name and address) 

 Trade name of timber or derived products 

10 HS headings 

11 Common or scientific name(s) 

12 Countries of harvest 

13 ISO Codes 

14 Volume(s) (m3) 

15 Net weight (kg) 

16 Number of units 

17 Distinctive signs: 

18 Signature and stamp of issuing authority 

Place and date 

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3 

1 Issuing authority 

2 Country of origin: CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC 

Y
T
I
R
O
H
T
U
A
S
M
O
T
S
U
C
R
A
C
E
H
T
R
O
F
Y
P
O
C

3 

Name 

Address 

Nature of concession:............................................. 

Operator:.............................................. 

Concession Nos:....................................................... 

Forest Management Unit (UFG):................................... 

Contract No:........................................................... 

E101 No:.............................................................. 

3 FLEGT licence number 

4 Date of expiry 

5 Country of export 

7 Means of transport 

6 ISO Code 

8 License holder (name and address) 

9 Trade name of timber or derived products 

10 HS headings 

11 Common or scientific name(s) 

12 Countries of harvest 

13 ISO Codes 

14 Volume(s) (m3) 

15 Net weight (kg) 

16 Number of units 

17 Distinctive signs: 

18 Signature and stamp of issuing authority 

Place and date 

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4 

1 Issuing authority 

2 Country of origin: CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC 

Y
T
I
R
O
H
T
U
A
G
N
I
S
N
E
C
I
L
E
H
T
R
O
F
Y
P
O
C

4 

Name 

Nature of concession:............................................. 

Operator:................................................. 

Concession Nos.:................................................... 

Address 

Forest Management Unit (UFG):................................... 

Contract No:........................................................... 

E101 No.:.............................................................. 

3 FLEGT licence number 

4 Date of expiry 

5 Country of export 

7 Means of transport 

6 ISO Code 

8 License holder (name and address) 

9 Trade name of timber or derived products 

10 HS headings 

11 Common or scientific name(s) 

12 Countries of harvest 

13 ISO Codes 

14 Volume(s) (m3) 

15 Net weight (kg) 

16 Number of units 

17 Distinctive signs: 

18 Signature and stamp of issuing authority 

Place and date 

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EN 

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Appendix 2 

Explanatory notes 

General details 

–  Fill in the forms in capital letters. 

–  Where  indicated,  ISO  codes  refer  to  the  two-letter  country  code,  in  accordance  with 

international standards. 

Box 1 

Licensing body 

Indicate the name and address of the licensing 
authority 

Box 2 

Country of origin: Central 
African Republic 

(Nature of concession, Operator, Concession Nos., 
Forest Management Unit, Contract No, E101 N°) 

Box 3 

FLEGT licence number 

Indicating the number of issue. 

Box 4 

Date of expiry 

Period of validity of the licence. 

Box 5 

Country of export 

This refers to the partner country from where the 
timber products were exported to the EU. 

Box 6 

ISO Code 

Indicate the two-letter code for the partner country 
noted in Box 5. 

Box 7 

Means of transport 

Indicate means of transport from the point of export. 

Box 8 

Licence holder 

Indicate the name and address of the exporter. 

Box 9 

Commercial designation of 
timber and derived products 

Give the trade name of the timber product(s). 

Box 10 

HS heading 

Box 11 

Common or scientific 
names 

Box 12 

Country of harvest 

Give the four to six-digit commodity code established 
pursuant to the harmonised commodity description and 
coding system. 

Give the common or scientific names of the categories 
of timber used in the product. Where more than one 
category is used in a composite product, use a separate 
line for each category. Optional in the case of 
composite product or compounds that contain several 
unidentifiable categories. 

Give the countries where the categories of timber 
referred to in Box 10 were harvested. For a composite 
product, give all the sources of timber used. Optional 
in the case of composite products or compounds that 
contain several unidentifiable categories. 

Box 13 

ISO Codes 

Give the ISO code of the countries referred to in Box 
12. Optional, in the case of composite products or 

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compounds that contain several unidentifiable 
categories (e.g. particle board). 

Box 14 

Volume(s) (m³) 

Give the overall volume in m³. Optional, unless the 
information referred to in Box 15 has been omitted. 

Box 15 

Net weight 

Give the overall weight in kg. This is the net mass of 
the timber products without immediate containers or 
any packaging, other than struts, braces and labels, etc. 
Optional, unless the information referred to in Box 14 
has been omitted. 

Box 16 

Number of units 

Give the number of units when this is the best way of 
quantifying a manufactured product. Optional. 

Box 17 

Distinguishing marks 

Indicate any distinguishing marks where appropriate 
e.g. lot number or bill of lading number. Optional. 

Box 18 

Signature and stamp of 
licensing body 

The box shall be signed by the authorised official and 
stamped with the official stamp of the licensing 
authority, also indicating place and date. 

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ANNEX V 

LEGALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM (LAS) 

I- 

INTRODUCTION 

1.1 - Background  

a) - Presentation of the sector 

The Central African Republic covers a total area of 623 000 km2, and comprises different 
ecosystems, including 54 000 km2 of equatorial forest found in two blocks: the forest mass 
in  the  south-west,  covering  3 800 000 ha  and  the  forest  mass  in  the  south-east,  covering 
1 600 000  ha.  Only  the  forest  mass  in  the  south-west  is  currently  under  industrial 
exploitation. 

Eleven  (11)  logging  companies  are  currently  operating  there  with  an  average  annual 
production of approx. 600 000 m3 of logs and 200 000 m3 of sawn timber (source: MEFCP 
statistical yearbook).  

The main destinations for the CAR’s timber are: Europe, Asia, America and Africa. 

b) - The structures currently responsible for control 

The control structures that currently carry out control functions in the different ministerial 
departments, both at central and decentralised level, are given below.  

–  The Ministry for Water, Forests, Hunting and Fisheries 

At  central  level:  documentary  verification  is  undertaken  on  a  daily  basis,  whilst  field 
checks are of variable frequency (quarterly or six-monthly). 

–  the General Directorate for Water, Forests, Hunting and Fisheries (DGEFCP), 
through  two  departments:  the  forest  logging  and  industry  department  (DEIF) 
and the forest inventory and land-use department (DIAF); 

–  the Central Inspectorate for Water and Forests (ICEF); 
–  the Forestry Data Centre (CDF);  
–  the  mobile  intervention  and  verification  brigade  (BMIV),  made  up  of  the 

following ministerial elements: 

- Ministry for Water, Forests, Hunting and Fisheries 
- Ministry of Finances 
- Ministry of National Defence (police); 

–  the Department for Legal Affairs and Litigation (DAJC). 

At decentralised level: the frequency of decentralised controls is not as regulated. Checks 
may  be  quarterly  or  six-monthly.  Border  post  controls  are  undertaken  on  a  daily  basis, 
however, every time a loaded lorry passes. 

–  the General Directorate for Regional Services, through the regional water and 
the  border 

the  prefectural-level 

inspectorates  and 

forests  departments, 
inspectorates; 

–  the Ministry for the Environment and Ecology; 

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• 
• 

the General Directorate for the Environment; 
the Central Inspectorate for the Environment and Ecology. 

–  the Ministry of Finances and Budgets: 
•  General Inspectorate of Finances; 
•  General Directorate for Customs; 
•  General Directorate for Taxes.  

–  the Ministry of Trade and Industry: 
•  Central Inspectorate for Trade; 
•  General Directorate for Trade and Competition; 
•  decentralised  department  of  the  Ministry  of  Trade  through  the  ‘One  Stop 

Shop’ (guichet unique). 

–  the Ministry of the Civil Service, Social Security and Youth Employment: 
•  Central Inspectorate for Labour; 
•  Labour inspection unit of the administrative district; 
•  Department  for  recovery  and  litigation  within  the  National  Social  Security 

Office (CNSS). 

•  General Directorate of ACFPE. 

–  the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; 

–  the Ministry of Justice: 
• 
judicial inspection unit; 
•  President of the Trade Court; 
•  Clerk to the Trade Court. 

–  the Ministry for the Civil Service and Regional Administration: 
• 

traffic police. 

c) - Identifying areas for improvement 

Implementation of the LAS requires improvements in the following areas:  

–  Legal framework: several regulatory texts, above all laws on different codes 
(Environment  Code,  December  2007;  Forest  Code,  2008)  exist  in  the  Central 
African Republic to improve its forest sector governance. Nonetheless, analysis 
and  preparation  work  for  the  Agreement  has  shown  that  the  CAR’s  forestry 
regulations need further additions. 

–  Institutional framework:  

The  Ministry  for  Water  and  Forests,  which  is  primarily  responsible  for 
management, suffers from a number of problems in terms of implementing 
its  policies  efficiently.  These  difficulties  explain  the  irregularity  of  the 
controls: 

•  human resources are currently insufficient and lacking in qualifications;  
•  material  resources:  a  lack  of  appropriate  equipment  for  verification  work, 
logistical  needs  in  terms  of  data  gathering,  processing  and  management,  and 
the working environment;  
financial  resources:  the  Central  African  Republic  is  experiencing  financial 
difficulties  due  to  the  enormous  needs.  The  CAS-DF,  which  is  one  of  the 

• 

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sector’s financial support mechanisms, is useful but insufficient to cover these 
needs  and  respond  to  the  challenges  of  forest  governance.  Moreover,  it  is 
sometimes  called  on  to  respond  to  unplanned  needs  outside  of  the  forest 
sector.  

Independent monitoring 

Civil society is organised in a platform but skills and resources are currently 
limited, preventing it from undertaking independent monitoring. 

Independent audit 

The Central African Republic does not currently have an external audit system or 

one that would cast an ‘independent’ eye over its forest system. 

Annex IX to this Agreement proposes, in particular, additional measures to remedy a 
number of these observations. 

1.2 - Coverage of the legality assurance system  

The products covered by the LAS are given in Annex I to the Agreement.  

The LAS applies to all current sources of timber and derived products open to export. In 
2010, this relates to: 

–  exploitation and land-use permits (PEAs); 
–  plantations (also known as ‘reforestation areas’). 

Timber in transit and imported timber are covered by the LAS. Imported timber is also 
used for timber and derived products exported to markets outside of the European Union. 
In contrast, the LAS does not apply to timber from: 

–  community forests; or 
–  artisanal logging permits. 

In fact, to date, and although these provisions are anticipated  in the Forestry Code, there 
are not yet any community forests or artisanal logging permits in the CAR. These sources 
are  therefore  not  considered  in  the  LAS.  Timber  and  derived  products  could  soon  be 
coming  from  community  forests  or  artisanal  logging  permits,  however,  and  could  be 
exported to Europe in the future. They will then be taken into account in the LAS.  
The  domestic  consumer  market  for  timber  is  not  covered  by  the  LAS  described  in  this 
Agreement.  Local  activities  that  supply  national  consumption  of  timber  and  derived 
products are properly monitored, according to provisions external to this Agreement. The 
LAS  described  in  this  Agreement  guarantees  that  exported  products  do  not  include 
products coming from the domestic market. 

2 - 

DEFINITION OF LEGALITY AND VERIFICATION OF THE LEGALITY 
OF TIMBER 

2.1 - Legality matrices 

The  CAR  has  legislation  (Forestry  Code,  Environment  Code,  CEMAC  Customs  Code, 
General Tax Code, Labour Code and social laws, etc.) and implementing regulations, the 
provisions  of  which  concerning  forest  activities  have  been  broken  down  into  principles, 

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criteria and indicators in two legality matrices (PEAs and plantations) given in Annex II to 
the Agreement.  

Some of the indicators in this matrices have no legal reference at the date of signing this 
Agreement.  Appropriate  legal  or  regulatory  references  (in  particular  those  referred  to  in 
Annex IX to this Agreement) will be created during the Agreement implementation phase 
and prior to  the CAR issuing  its  first FLEGT  licence.  The  matrices  and,  more  generally, 
the LAS, will be updated in line with regulatory changes. The annexes to the Agreement 
will be amended as a consequence of any decision of the Joint Implementation Committee, 
in accordance with Article 26 of the Agreement. 

No community forests or artisanal permits have been approved in the CAR. The matrices 
relating  to  community  forests  and  artisanal  permits  will  be  developed  when  the  is 
implemented Agreement and prior to the first allocations of these concessions. 

2.2 - Verification of the legality matrices 

Verification  of  legality  is  done  by  a  number  of  centralised  and  decentralised  ministerial 
bodies,  which  may  be  supported  in  their  tasks  by  an  independent  civil  society  monitor. 
These ministerial bodies are the following: 

•  the  General  Directorate  for  Water,  Forests,  Hunting  and  Fisheries (DGEFCP) 
through  two  departments:  the  forest  logging  and  industry  department  (DEIF) 
and  the  forest  inventory  and  land-use  department  (DIAF),  which  carry  out  a 
variety of checks at central level; 

•  the  General  Directorate  for  Regional  Services  (DGSR),  through  the  regional 
the  border 

departments  (DR), 
inspectorates, carried out a variety of checks at regional level; 

the  prefectural-level 

inspectorates  and 

•  the  CDF  collects,  centralises  and  processes  data,  within  a  database 

management system (SGBD); 

•  the  Central  Inspectorate  for  Water  and  Forests  (ICEF)  supervises  and 

guarantees the proper functioning of legality assurance; 

•  the  mobile 

intervention  and  verification  brigade  (BMIV)  carries  out 

spontaneous verification missions; 

•  the  Department  for  Legal  Affairs  and  Disputes  within  the  Ministry  for  Water 
and Forests verifies the register of infringements and transaction payments; 
•  the  regional  Departments  of  Labour  verify  compliance  with  employment  and 

social protection rules; 

•  the  General  Directorate  for  Taxes  ensures  tax  registration  (NIF)  and  regular 

payment of taxes; 

•  the  General  Directorate  for  Urban  Planning  and  Housing  is  involved  through 

the issuing of land titles (relating to plantations); 

•  the  President  of  the  Trade  Court  verifies  that  the  company  has  not  been 

convicted by any court; 

•  the Clerks to the Trade Court verify that the company is properly registered; 
•  the  Department  for  Collection,  Control  and  Disputes  (of  the  National  Social 

Security Fund (CNSS)) verifies the payment of social contributions; 

•  the  Department  of  Studies,  Planning  and  Employment  verifies  that  staff  files 

are up-to-date. 

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The independent civil society monitor: this is formed of several CAR NGOs that make up 
the  civil  society  platform  for  forest  governance.  This  monitor  supports  the  ministerial 
departments involved in verification. 

The following table describes the methods for verifying the legality of timber and derived 
products. 

Explanation of table: 

1st  column:  legality  matrix  indicators  that  must  be  fulfilled  before  a  shipment  can  be 
considered legal and a licence issued. 

2nd column: verifiers showing that the indicator has indeed been fulfilled. 

3rd and 4th columns: departments and structures responsible for verifying the indicator. 

5th  column:  verification  methodology 
implementation phase. 

to  be  confirmed  during 

the  Agreement 

6th column: bodies responsible for checking verification and methodology. 

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IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies responsible for checking verification 
and methodology (6)  

1.1.1  Registration with the 

economic administration: 
Ministry of Trade and 
Industry 

1.1.1.1.: Ministerial 
decision giving 
authorisation for logging 
operations 

Ministry of Trade and 
Industry 

General Directorate for Trade, 
Competition and 
Consumption/Department for 
Competition/Competition and Anti-
Fraud Service; 

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

Decentralised department of the 
Ministry of Trade through the ‘One 
Stop Shop’ (‘guichet unique’) 

1- Check commercial 
authorisation 

Commercial authorisation is issued 
once only; traditionally it is verified 
at the same time as the professional 
trader’s card. 

Central Inspectorate for Trade  

Central Inspectorate for Water and Forests 
(ICEF) 

 Department for Domestic Trade 

Methodology: 

1.1.1.2. Professional 
trader’s licence 

EN 

68 

2- Check renewal of the 
Professional Trader’s Card 

1- Renewal of the trader’s card must 
be undertaken during the first half 
of the year (from 1 January to 30 
June) 

2- Verification of renewal is thus 
done each year systematically 
through visits to all commercial 
establishments from 1 July onwards 

Cent. Insp. Ministry of Trade 

1- Receives summary report from the 
Department of Trade and provides documentary 
check 

2- Checks a sample group and produces an 
official report  

3- Should this not be renewed, the 
DGCCC sends notification to the 
trader  

4- Official report drawn up once the 
trader’s opinion has been heard and 

5- Fine notified (letter signed by 
Minister of Trade) 

3- Sends information on samples checked to 
CDF c/o ICEF  

ICEF 

1- Checks that CDF inputs information 

into the SGBD  

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Frequency:  

1.1.1.1: once only 

1.1.1.2: annual 

Frequency:  

1.1.1.1: once only 

1.1.1.2: annual 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

1.1.1.1.:  

Cent. Insp. Ministry of Trade 

1- Entry in the database of the 
decentralised department of the 
Ministry of Trade, through the ‘One 
Stop Shop’ 

1- Produces an official report (PV) 

2- CDF informs SGBD 

ICEF:  

1.1.1.2.: 

1- SGBD informed of results of check 

1- Official report (hard copy) 
produced for the General 
Directorate of Trade and filed 

2- CDF informs SGBD 

Flows:  

Flows: 

1- From Central Inspectorate for Trade to CDF 
c/o the Central Inspectorate for Water and 
Forests 

2- From ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 
(form for transferring verification result to be 
defined) 

Flow 1: Registration 

(commercial authorisation) 

1- Department of Domestic Trade 
sends quarterly list (electronic and 
paper versions) of new companies 
or activities registered that affect the 
forest/timber sector to the CDF 
(formality through the One Stop 
Shop)  

2- CDF informs SGBD 

3- Paper-based version of list sent 
to ICEF 

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Flow 2: Renewal of registration 

DGCC:  

Annual report on the situation of 
all forest-timber sector companies 
sent to the Central Inspectorate for 
Trade, with copy to CDF c/o ICEF 
(form for information exchange to 
be developed) 

CDF: 

1- Receives summary report  

2- Informs SGBD 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

1.1.2  Registration with the tax 

administration (Ministry of 
Finances and Budget, 
General Department of 
Taxation) 

1.1.2.1 Valid taxpayer’s 
card 

Ministry for Water, 
Forests, Hunting and 
Fisheries 

Forestry Data Centre (CDF) 

Methodology: 

Bodies responsible for checking verification 
and methodology (6)  

Body responsible: Central Inspectorate for 
Water and Forests 

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EN 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 Ministry of Finances 
and Budgets 

Tax Registration Department 
(Department of Studies, Tax 
Legislation, Registration and Disputes) 

1.1.2.2.: Slip bearing tax 
registration number 
(NIF) 

Methodology: 

1- Tax Registration Department 
(Department of Studies, Tax 
Legislation, Registration and 
Disputes) sends quarterly list 
(electronic and paper versions) of 
new companies or activities 
registered that affect the forest-
timber sector to the CDF c/o ICEF, 
with the following information: 
name of the company or individual, 
tax registration number (NIF) and 
date of registration (information 
exchange form to be developed) 

2- CDF receives list  

1- Receive list sent by the CDF 

3- SGBD informed 

2- Verify company compliance 

Frequency: once only for a given 
company  

3- SGBD informed of each company’s results 

Frequency: once only for a given company 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

1- CDF informs SGBD 

1- SGBD informed of results of verification 
check 

2- Files (paper copy) of the list 

Flows: Paper copy of list sent to 
ICEF 

Flows: ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority  

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IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies responsible for checking verification 
and methodology (6)  

1.1.3   Registration with the 

1.1.3.1:  

Ministry of Labour 

National Social Security 
Office (CNSS). 

Department for Collection, Control 
and Disputes/Collections Section 

Methodology: 

Body responsible: ICEF 

Proof of CNSS 
registration 

1- Registration request submitted 
to the One Stop Shop (Department 
for Collection, Control and 
Disputes/Registration Section) 

Methodology: 

1- Receive list sent by CDF 

2- Verify company compliance 

3- SGBD informed of each company’s results 

2- File sent to the National Social 
Security Office (CNSS) to verify 
previous registrations and allocate 
registration number 

3- Visit to company premises to 
check veracity of declaration: 
actual start-up date, number of 
staff and wage bill 

4- Produce rectification report in 
the event of false declaration 

NB: currently, 48 hours after 
registration with the Tax Dept., the 
CNSS automatically opens an 
employer file, gathering 
information directly from the Tax 
Department. 

Frequency: on each registration 

Frequency: once only for a given company 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

Ministry of Labour 

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EN 

 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
1- Enters on the database of the 
One Stop Shop (digital) 

2- Opens an employer file (paper 
version) 

3- Registers the employer file 
(paper version) 

4- Backs up on a punched card at 
CNSS (digital) 

SGBD informed 

In the event of false 

declaration: 

1- Rectification report (paper 
format) 

2- Control report from collections 
department 

Ministry of Forests/CDF 

1- Files (paper copy) list of 
companies and their situations 

2- SGBD informed 

Flows:  

Flows:  

From ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

1- Quarterly list of registered 
employers sent with their 
registration number to the CDF c/o 
ICEF (electronic and paper) for 
inputting into SGBD (information 
exchange procedures to be 
developed) 

2 - CDF sends a copy of the list of 
the situation of each company to 
ICEF 

EN 

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IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies responsible for checking 
verification and methodology (6)  

1.1.4   Registration with the forest 
administration following a 
valid award procedure  

1.1.4.1: Report of the 
PEA award committee 
under the responsibility 
of the Ministry 
responsible for forests 

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

General Directorate for Water, Forests, 
Hunting and Fisheries (DGEFCP) 

Methodology:  

Body responsible: Central Inspectorate for 
Water, Forests, Hunting and Fishing 

1.1.4.2: Report of the 
independent monitor 
under the responsibility 
of the Ministry 
responsible for forests 

 1.1.4.3: Decree 
allocating exploitation 
and land-use permits 
(PEAs) 

Methodology: 

1- Receive report sent by the DGEF 

2- Check the validity of information for all 
PEAs 

3- SGBD informed of verification check 

For companies in existence in 2010 

1- Verification in the forest ledger for 
each PEA 

2- Report produced with the key 
information: (PEA No, award date, 
beneficiary) 

3- Report sent to CDF c/o ICEF with 
paper copies of the decrees 
approving the award (form to be 
developed) 

For new companies 

1- Key data sent as received along 
with a paper copy of the decree to 
CDF c/o ICEF and to ICEF 

Frequency: once only for a given 
company  

Frequency: once only for a given company 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

1- Input key data into SGBD 

SGBD informed 

2- Digitise decree and include in 
SGBD 

3- File in paper format 

4- Update information 

EN 

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Flows: DGEF to CDF and ICEF 

Flows: ICEF to the FLEGT licensing 
authority 

EN 

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IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

1.1.5   Registration with the 

judicial administration 
(Ministry of Justice, Trade 
Court) 

1.1.5.1: Trade and 
Secured Loans Register 
(RCCM) 

Ministry of Justice 

Clerk to the Trade Court and President 
of the Trade Court 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

Body responsible: Clerk to the Trade Court 
and President of the Trade Court/ICEF 

 1.1.5.2. Minutes of 
notarised formation 

 1.1.5.3: Notification of 
registration number by 
the Clerk to the Trade 
Court 

Methodology: 

Methodology: 

1- Regular checks of the register and 
registration documents, calling the 
interested party to the Trade Court 
should it be suspended 

1- Regular checks of the register and 
registration documents, calling the interested 
Party to the Trade Court should it be 
suspended 

2- Verification of document 

2- Verification of document 

Frequency: as necessary: change in 
capital, demerger, change of 
manager, additional activities, etc., 

Frequency: as necessary: change in capital, 
demerger, change of manager, additional 
activities, etc. 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

Registration in the ‘national file’ 

Registration in the ‘national file’ 

SGBD informed  

SGBD informed of results of verification 
check 

Flows:  

Flows:  

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

1- Quarterly list sent of companies 
registered and results of verifications 
conducted over the course of the year 
(the procedure for information 
exchange has to be developed) 

2- CDF informs SGBD 

EN 

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IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Ministry of Labour 

Labour inspectorate of the 
administrative district 

Methodology: 

Bodies responsible for checking 
verification and methodology (6)  

Body responsible: Department of Labour 
and Social Security / Ministry responsible 
for forests 

1.1.6   Registration with the labour 

and employment 
administration. 

1.1.6.1: Employer 
records numbered and 
signed off by the labour 
inspector for the 
administrative district 

 (Ministry for Labour and 
Employment, Labour 
Inspectorate) 

General Directorate for Labour and 
Social Security 

Employer register signed off 
annually 

Methodology: 

Ministry of Labour 

1-Examines activity reports of the Regional 
Labour and Social Security Inspector 

2- Summarises the general situation of each 
company for the past year and sends to CDF 
c/o ICEF, according to a procedure to be 
developed 

Ministry responsible for forests 

1- CDF receives documents 

2- Informs SGBD 

3- Sends hard copy to ICEF 

4- Checks that ICEF has input it 

Frequency: once only for a given 
company but updated annually 

Frequency: once only for a given company 
but updated annually 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

Ministry of Labour 

Annual report sent to the Department 
for Labour and Social Security 
(DTPS) 

Annual report sent to the General 
Directorate for Labour and Social Security 
(DGTPS) 

Ministry responsible for forests 

EN 

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1- CDF informs SGBD 

2- CDF files paper copy 

3- ICEF informs SGBD of the results of 
CDF’s inputting 

Flows:  

Flows:  

Inspectorate to DTPS 

DTPS to DGTPS and to CDF/ICEF 

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 

responsible 

for 

checking 

1.1.7   Registration with the 

consular chambers: 
Chamber of Commerce and 
Industry 

1.1.7.1: Consular 
attestation 

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

Forestry Data Centre (CDF) 

verification and methodology (6)  

Body responsible: Central Inspectorate for 
Water and Forests 

Methodology:  

Methodology: 

 Ministry of Trade 

Company registration section 
(Chamber of Commerce) through the 
‘One Stop Shop’ 

Inform SGBD of the results of the 
verification check 

1- Company registration section 
(Chamber of Commerce) to send 
quarterly copies of the consular 
attestations (ACs) and the list of 
companies registered by the company 
registration section (Chamber of 
Commerce) to the CDF c/o ICEF, 
through the ‘One Stop Shop’  

2- Received by CDF 

3- SGBD informed 

4- Verification of company 
compliance 

 5- Each company’s results input into 
SGBD 

6- SGBD updated quarterly 

EN 

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 Frequency: once only for a given company 

Frequency: once only for a given 
company  

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

CDF informs SGBD 

SGBD updated 

File (paper copy)  

Flows:  

Flows:  

Send copy of ACs to ICEF  

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

1.1.8   Registration with the 

Central African Agency for 
Vocational Training and 
Employment (ACFPE). 

1.1.8.1: Numbered and 
stamped request for 
employer’s registration 

Ministry of Labour 

General Directorate of ACFPE: 
Department of Financial Affairs 
(dispute monitoring section) 

Regional Labour Inspectorate 

Methodology: 

Body responsible: 

Regular verification by ACPFE is 
undertaken at the same time as the 
verifications of the relevant regional 
Labour Inspectorate and according to 
the same procedures 

Department for Labour and Social Security / 
General Directorate of ACFPE 

The following is proposed: 

Methodology  

1- List of new companies or activities 
registered that affect the forest-
timber sector sent quarterly to CDF 
(electronic and paper versions) 

Ministry of Labour 

2- CDF receives list 

1-Examines activity reports of the Regional 
Labour and Social Security Inspector 

EN 

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3- SGBD informed 

2- Summarises the general situation of each 
company for the past year and send to CDF 
c/o ICEF, according to a procedure to be 
developed 

Ministry responsible for forests 

1- CDF receives documents 

2- Informs SGBD  

3- Sends hard copy to ICEF 

4- Checks that ICEF has input it 

Frequency: once only for a given 
company 

Frequency: once only for a given company 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

CDF informs SGBD 

File (paper copy)  

Flows:  

SGBD informed of results of verification 
check 

Flows:  

Paper copy of list sent to ICEF 

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

1.2.1   Payment of CNSS 

contributions  

1.2.1.1: CNSS 
certification or receipt 

Ministry of Labour 

Collections Section of the Department 
for Collection, Control and Disputes 
(DRCC) 

Methodology:  

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

Body responsible: Department for 
Collection, Control and Disputes/Collections 
Section/ Central Inspectorate for Water and 
Forests 

1- Update employer file at end of 
period 

Periods: 

EN 

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Large employers (20 staff or more) 
pay contributions monthly and have 
one month to declare the previous 
month 

Small employers (less than 20 staff) 
pay contributions quarterly and have 
15 days to pay  

Methodology: 

Department for Collection, Control and 
Disputes 

2- Send follow-up letter to offenders 
specifying the fine to be paid (10% 
of total amount) 

Regular verification in case of suspicion or 
complaint  

Produces a control report (PV) 

3- Triggering of a legal procedure 10 
days after the follow-up, in the event 
of non-payment 

4- Produce a quarterly report  

ICEF 

1- Receives list sent by CDF 

2- Verifies the compliance of CDF’s 
inputting, and the status of each employer  

3- Informs SGBD of the results 

Frequency: quarterly  

Frequency: quarterly 

DRCC: as necessary 

 ICEF: monthly 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

Follow-up report (PV) (paper format)

DRCC: Control report 

Filing by the CDF 

ICEF: SGBD informed 

Flows:  

Flows:  

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List of companies and their situation 
sent quarterly to CDF c/o ICEF 
(paper format on a form to be 
developed) in order to inform SGBD; 
the CDF informs SGBD, sends a 
paper copy to ICEF and files the 
document (paper format) 

DRCC sends control reports to ICEF, which 
sends them on to CDF for inputting 

ICEF presents the situation of each company 
to the licensing authority 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

responsible 
Bodies 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

1.2.2  Payment of ACPFE 
contributions 

1.2.2.1: Quarterly 
declaration of salaries 
paid 

Ministry of Labour 

Department of Studies, Planning and 
Employment (DEPE) 

Methodology:  

Body responsible: 

 ACFPE 

1- Check work contracts and ACFPE 
stamp to ensure compliance with the 
minimum wage for each socio-
professional category 

Department for Labour and Social Security 

Administrative and Financial 
Department (DAF) 

2- Verification of staff files 

ICEF 

Regional Inspectorate for the relevant 
administrative district 

3- Quarterly verification of pay slips  Methodology: 

4- Write mission report 

Ministry of Labour 

5- Produce quarterly report giving 
the situation of each company, 
according to a procedure to be 
developed  

6- Send quarterly report to CDF c/o 
ICEF 

1- Receives information on staff declaration 
from DAF 

2- Verifies stamp 

3- Sends request to DAF via the collections 
section for payment of the employer 
contribution  

4- Annual report with copy to CDF c/o ICEF  

EN 

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1.2.1.2: Proof of 
payment of employers’ 
contributions 

Frequency: 

Frequency:  

quarterly 

- annual, for the last 4 quarters (Ministry of 
Labour) 

- quarterly - Ministry responsible for forests 
(ICEF) 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

Mission reports 

Annual Reports 

Quarterly Reports 

SGBD informed  

Flows: 

Flows: 

DEPE/DAF to CDF c/o ICEF 

DGTPS to ICEF 

ICEF to the licensing authority 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

1.3.1   The company’s activities 
have not been suspended 
following a court ruling.  

1.3.1.1: Records of court 
rulings 

Ministry of Justice 

The clerks 

Methodology:  

Body responsible: 

Ministry responsible 
for forests  

Department for Legal Affairs and 
Litigation of the Ministry responsible 
for forests (DAJC). 

Clerks:  

Ministry of Justice: High Court (TGI) 

1- Enter infringements committed on 
the register of each regional court  

MEFCP: General Directorate for Support 
Services (DGSA) 

2- Produce a report (paper format 
according to a template to be 
developed) for each infringement and 
an annual report 

Methodology: 

EN 

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Regional Department for Water and 
Forests (DR) 

High Court:  

1- Checks that the register of judgments is 
properly maintained 

2- Produces an annual report, a copy of 
which is sent to CDF c/o ICEF 

3- Send report(s) and a copy of the 
record of the judgment to the 
Regional Department for Water and 
Forests (DR) of the administrative 
district, for the Prefectural Courts, 
according to a procedure to be 
developed.  

4- Send report and a copy of the 
record of the judgment to the DAFC 
with copy to CDF c/o ICEF either 
through the DREF or through the 
court clerks in Bangui 

DAJC: 

DGSA: 

1- Enters on the infringements 
register (document to be established 
as it is not kept at the moment) 

Checks the infringements register is properly 
maintained  

CDF: 

ICEF: 

1- Informs database 

Checks CDF has informed SGBD 

File report 

Frequency:  

on each suspension 

Back-up of result:  

Frequency:  

annually 

Back-up of result:  

Clerks: 

ICEF: 

Enter on the register of regional court 
judgments 

Informs SGBD of results of control 

Produce a report filed in paper 
format 

DAJC: 

1.3.1.2.: Registers of 
infringements held by 
the Ministry responsible 
for forests 

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

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Keeps an infringements register 

CDF: 

Informs SGBD 

Files a paper copy of the report and 
record of the judgment 

Flows:  

Flows:  

ICEF to the licensing authority 

Prefectural-level courts: 

1- Report from clerks to the court to 
the DREF  

2- Send report to the DAJC with 
copy to CDF c/o ICEF 

Bangui Courts: 

1- Report from clerks to the court to 
DAJC with copy to CDF c/o ICEF 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

1.3.2  The company’s activities 
have not been suspended 
following an 
administrative sanction. 

1.3.2.1: Registers of 
infringements held by 
the Ministry responsible 
for forests 

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

Department for Legal Affairs and 
Litigation of the Ministry responsible 
for forests (DAJC). 

Methodology:  

1.3.2.1: idem 1.3.1 

1.3.2.2: Suspension 
decision of the Minister 
for the Environment 

1.3.2.2: 

1- DAJC updates the infringements 
register 

2- Write report 

3- Send report and decision to CDF 
c/o ICEF  

Body responsible:  

ICEF 

Methodology: 

DGSA:  

Checks the infringements register is properly 
maintained 

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ICEF:  

Checks CDF has informed SGBD 

Frequency: at each suspension 

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of results:  

Back-up of results:  

DAJC: 

ICEF: 

Keeps an infringements register 

SGBD informed of results of check 

CDF: 

Informs SGBD 

Files report and suspension decision 
in paper format 

Flows:  

Flows:  

DAJC to CDF c/o ICEF 

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

1.4 .1   The company is up-to-date 
with payments of fines and 
penalties incurred for 
infringements  

1.4.1.1: Receipt for 
payment of transaction 
or fine/penalty amount 

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

DGEF, the mobile intervention and 
verification brigade (BMIV)  

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

1- Prior verification of the 
infringements register before each 
regular visit of the BMIV and the 
General Directorate of Water and 
Forests 

2- Visit of the accounting services  

Central Inspectorate for Water, Forests, 
Hunting and Fishing 

3- Writing of report  

Methodology: 

EN 

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4- Send report to ICEF in 2 copies, 
one of which is sent directly to the 
CDF  

Check CDF has informed SGBD and SGBD 
informed of the result 

Frequency: quarterly 

Frequency: six-monthly 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

Visit report in paper and digital 
formats filed at the CDF and DGEF 

Inform SGBD 

Inform SGBD 

Flows:  

Flows:  

DGEF to CDF c/o ICEF and to this 
latter 

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

EN 

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IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies responsible for checking 
verification and methodology (6) 

Body responsible: Central Inspectorate for 
Water, Forests, Hunting and Fishing 

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

General Directorate for Water and 
Forests (DGEFCP) 

Methodology:  

1- Verify the existence of the award 
decree in the MEFCP’s archives for 
all licences already allocated and 
date of award 

2- Verify the existence of the 
contractual document (final and/or 
provisional agreement depending on 
the date of award)  

3- Produce a report with the key 
information: (PEA No, award date, 
beneficiary, nature of contractual 
document and date of signing) 

4- Send report to ICEF and to CDF 
c/o the former, with copies in paper 
format of the award decree and the 
contractual document(s) 

Methodology: 

1- Receive report sent by DGEF 

2- Check the validity of information for all 
PEAs 

3- Inform SGBD of the verification check 

2.1.1  All stages (informing 

population, tender, request 
for concession, award 
committee, including the 
independent monitor) 
leading to the award of a 
forest logging concession 
have been properly followed 
by the company, observing 
the deadlines set by the laws 
and regulations of the 
Central African Republic, 
before and after enactment of 
Law No 08.022 on the 
Forestry Code. 

2.1.1.1: Report of the 
PEA award committee 
under the responsibility 
of the Ministry 
responsible for forests 

2.1.1.2: Report of the 
independent monitor 
under the responsibility 
of the Ministry 
responsible for forests 

2.1.1.3.: Decree 
allocating exploitation 
and land-use permits 
(PEAs) 

2.1.1.4: Provisional 
agreement in the three 
months following the 
signing of the decree 

 2.1.1.5: Final 
agreement in the three 
years following signing 
of the provisional 
agreement 

EN 

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Frequency: once only for a given 
PEA 

Frequency: once only for a given PEA 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

Input key data into SGBD 

Inform SGBD 

Digitisation and inclusion of decree 
in SGBD 

Filing in paper format 

Updating of information at time of 
each new award or return to State 
domain 

Flows: 

DGEF to ICEF 

Flows:  

From ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

responsible 
Bodies 
verification and methodology (6) 

for 

checking 

2.1.2  The company has paid all the 

costs involved in each stage 
of the award process. 

2.1.2.1: Proof of 
payment of the 
application’s costs 

Ministry responsible for 
forests 

General Directorate for Water and 
Forests (DGEFCP) 

Methodology: 

Body responsible: Central Inspectorate for 
Water, Forests, Hunting and Fishing 

2.1.2.2: Proof of 
payment of the pre-
recognition fee  

1- Verify the existence of receipts for 
the costs of the files, of the pre-
recognition fee and 3 years’ rent 
(company established after 2003) in 
the MEFCP’s archives 

Methodology: 

EN 

89 

EN 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
2.1.2.3: Receipt for 
payment of 3 years’ 
rental within 15 days of 
notification of award 
(for licences allocated 
after 2003)  

 2- Produce a report with the key 
information: PEA number, award 
date, beneficiary, number of receipts 
and amounts paid 

1- Receive report sent by DGEF 

3- Send report to CDF under the 
ICEF's responsibility and to this 
latter, with paper copies of receipts  

2- Check the validity of information for all 
PEAs 

3- Inform SGBD of the verification check 

Frequency: once only for a given 
award 

Frequency: once only for a given award 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

Input into the SGBD  

Inform SGBD 

Digitisation and inclusion of decree 
in SGBD 

Filing in paper format 

Updating of information at time of 
each new award or return to domain 

Flows: DGEF to ICEF 

Flows: From ICEF to the FLEGT licensing 
authority 

EN 

90 

EN 

 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

responsible 
Bodies 
verification and methodology (6) 

for 

checking 

2.1.3  In the case of plantations 

belonging to a private 
individual or community, the 
individual or community has 
a property title. 

2.1.3.1: Land title in 
the name of the 
individual or 
community 

Ministry of Planning 
(land register)  

Ministry of Finances and 
Budgets  

General Directorate of Planning 

Methodology: 

Body responsible: 

Verify the existence of a record of 
the land ownership title 

Central Planning Inspectorate 

General Directorate for Taxes and 
Domains (DGID) 

Frequency: once only 

Inform the SGBD 

Back-up of results: 

Input into the SGBD 

Flows: 

Flows: 

From the General Directorate for 
Planning to the General Directorate 
for Taxes and Domains 

From the Central Planning Inspectorate to 
ICEF and from ICEF to the licensing 
authority 

From the General Directorate for 
Taxes to DGEF  

From DGEF to ICEF 

EN 

91 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification structures (5) 

Bodies responsible for verification and 
methodology control (6) 

2.2.1  The company has an annual 

felling authorisation duly 
issued by the Forests 
Administration.  

2.2.1.1: Approval note 
for management plan 
for PEAs with a final 
agreement. 

Ministry responsible for 
forests 

General Directorate for Water and 
Forests (DGEFCP) 

Methodology: 

Body responsible:  

ICEF 

2.2.1.2: Approval note 
for annual operating 
plan for PEAs with a 
final agreement  

2.2.1.3: Provisional 
felling agreement 
signed by the relevant 
authority  

PEA with a final agreement  

Methodology: 

1- Documentary examination, by a 
committee established to this effect, 
of the management plan and PAO 
submitted by the company in the 
context of the MEFCP’s rating system 

2- Letter of PAO approval, if 
submission satisfactory  

PEA with a provisional logging 
agreement 

Verification already undertaken in 
2.1.1 

Verify the existence of the approval letter 
for the PG and PAO and minutes of the 
meeting 

Frequency:  

Frequency:  

annual for PAO and five-yearly for 
PG 

annual for PAO and five-yearly for PG 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

DGEF files PAO approval letter in 
the SGBD and in the archives in 
paper format 

Inform the SGBD that the point has been 
verified 

Flows:  

Flows:  

EN 

92 

EN 

 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification structures (5) 

Bodies responsible for verification and 
methodology control (6) 

1- Approval letter sent by DGEF to 
the company, ICEF, PARPAF (projet 
d’appui à la réalisation des plans 
d’aménagements forestiers), DGSR 
and meeting minutes with rating to 
CDF c/o ICEF and to the latter 

From ICEF to the FLEGT licensing 
authority 

2.2.2 

In the case of plantations 
belonging to the State, the 
company has authorisation 
from the Ministry 
responsible for forests to log 
a plantation 

2.2.2.1: Agreement of 
the Minister for Forests

Ministry responsible for 
forests 

General Directorate for Water and 
Forests (DGEFCP) 

2.2.2.2: Exploration 
authorisation 

2.2.2.3: Exploration 
report 

2.2.2.4: Simple 
management plan for 
plantations of 50 ha or 
more, in line with the 
General Conditions 

Methodology 

2.2.2.1 to 2.2.2.3:  

Body responsible:  

ICEF  

Request sent to the Minister for 
Forests  

Exploration authorisation given by 
DGEF  

Exploration undertaken by the 
company or individual and 
submission of report to DGEF  

Documentary and field verification by 
DGET and granting of ministerial 
agreement 

Methodology: Verify the existence of the 
exploration report and ministerial 
agreement 

Frequency: on each request 

Frequency: quarterly 

Back up 

Result backup: 

Filing, in paper format (DGEF and 
CDF) and electronic format (CDF), of 
the request, the exploration 
authorisation and the ministerial 
agreement  

Flows: 

From applicant to DGEF  

From DGEF to applicant and ICEF 
(CDF) 

Inform the SGBD that the point has been 
verified  

Flows: From ICEF to the FLEGT licensing 
authority  

EN 

93 

EN 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EN 

94 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

2.2.3 

In the case of plantations 
belonging to a private 
individual or community, 
the individual or community 
has felling authorisations 

2.2.3.1: Felling 
authorisation issued to 
the operator (owner or 
contracted operator) by 
the Ministry 

Ministry responsible for 
forests 

General Directorate for Water and 
Forests (DGEFCP) 

Methodology 

2.2.3.1:  

Request sent to the Minister for 
Forests  

Bodies responsible for checking 
verification and methodology (6) 

Body responsible: ICEF  

2.2.3.2: Simple 
management plan for 
plantations of 50 ha or 
more, in line with the 
General Conditions 

2.2.3.3: Where 
appropriate, a contract 
between the individual 
or community and 
operating company. 

Exploration authorisation given by 
DGEF  

Methodology: Verify the existence of the 
exploration report and felling authorisation 

Exploration undertaken by the 
company or individual and 
submission of report to DGEF  

Documentary and field verification 
by DGET and granting of felling 
authorisation 

Frequency: on each request 

Back up 

Frequency: quarterly 

Back-up of result:  

Filing, in paper format (DGEF and 
CDF) and digital format (CDF), of 
the request, the exploration 
authorisation and the felling 
authorisation 

Inform the SGBD that the point has been 
verified  

Flows: 

Flows:  

From applicant to DGEF  

From DGEF to applicant and ICEF 
(CDF) 

From ICEF to the FLEGT licensing 
authority 

EN 

95 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification structures (5) 

Bodies  responsible  for  verification  and 
methodology control (6) 

2.3.1   The company informs the 
local and indigenous 
communities, local 
authorities and all interested 
parties of the signing of the 
provisional agreement and 
the opening up of the 
provisional cutting area. 

2.3.1.1: Reports of 
awareness-raising 
meetings written by the 
company and jointly 
approved with the 
different stakeholders. 

Ministry responsible 
for forests  

General Directorate for Regional 
Services (DGSR)/Regional Director 
(DR) 

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

Regular verification of the existence 
of minutes by the regional 
departments 

Director General for Regional Services 
(DGSR) 

Methodology: 

 Verify the existence of the report 

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

 Write mission report 

 Inform SGBD 

Send report to DGSR 

DGSR sends report to DGEF and 
CDF  

Flows:  

Flows:  

From regional departments to 
DGSR 

From DGSR to DGEF and CDF 
(ICEF) 

From ICEF to the licensing authority 

EN 

96 

EN 

 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4) 

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies responsible for checking verification 
and methodology (6) 

General Directorate for the Environment 
(DGE)  

3.1.1  Environmental impact 
assessments have been 
conducted. 

Ministry of the 
Environment and 
Ecology  

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

3.1.1.1: Reports of 
environmental impact 
assessments approved 
for each production 
site (PEA + sawmill, 
including living 
quarters)  

3.1.1.2: 
Environmental 
compliance certificate 
issued by the 
competent authority 

Methodology:  

Body responsible: 

1- Documentary examination of the 
environmental impact assessment 
(EIA) submitted by the company 

2- On-site verification 

3- Letter approving the EIA, if 
satisfactory verification 

Department for Environmental Surveillance 
(DSE) / ICEF  

Methodology:  

DSE:  

1- If any suspicion, verifies some points of the 
documentary examination and on-site 
verification 

2- Produces and sends a report with copy to 
ICEF 

ICEF:  

Verifies the existence of the letter approving 
the EIA 

Frequency: five-yearly 

Frequency: five-yearly 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

DGE files approval letter and EIA 
in the SGBD and in paper format in 
the archives 

DSE: Files control report 

Flows: Letter of approval sent to 
company with copy to CDF and 
ICEF 

ICEF: Informs the database of the verification 
check 

Flows: From ICEF to the FLEGT licensing 
authority 

EN 

97 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4) 

Verification methodology (5) 

responsible 
Bodies 
verification and methodology (6) 

for 

checking 

3.2.1  The measures aimed at 

protecting the biodiversity 
resources, given in the 
approved impact 
assessments, are 
implemented. 

3.2.1.1: Monitoring 
reports from the 
environmental 
administration 

Ministry of the 
Environment and 
Ecology 

Department for Environmental 
Surveillance (DSE) 

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

1- On-site evaluation of 
implementation of measures 
contained in EIA 

2- Evaluation report and letter of 
compliance, if evaluation 
satisfactory  

 3- Inform SGBD of verification 
results 

ICEF 

Methodology: 

Verify the existence of the report and letter 

Frequency: ongoing (depending on 
the nature of the EIA measures) 

Frequency: ongoing (depending on the 
nature of the EIA measures) 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

File evaluation report and letter in 
the DSE archives 

Inform database of the results of the 
verification control 

Flows:  

Flows:  

Letter of approval sent to company 
with copy to ICEF and CDF 

From ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

EN 

98 

EN 

 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4) 

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies responsible for checking 
verification and methodology (6) 

3.3.1   Waste (as defined in Art. 3 
of the CAR’s Environment 
Code and implementing 
regulations) resulting from 
the company’s activities is 
treated in line with the legal 
requirements.  

3.3.1.1: Monitoring 
reports from the 
environmental 
administration 

Ministry of the 
Environment and 
Ecology (DGE) 

Department for Environmental 
Monitoring 

Methodology:  

Body responsible: 

1- On-site evaluation of the existence 
of a waste treatment system 

DGE  

2- Evaluation report and letter of 
compliance, if evaluation 
satisfactory 

3- Inform SGBD of results of 
verification 

Methodology:  

Verify the existence of the report and letter 

Frequency: six-monthly 

Frequency: six-monthly 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

File report and letter in the DSE 
archives 

Inform database of results of the verification 
check 

Flows:  

Flows:  

Letter of approval sent to company 
with copy to ICEF and CDF 

From ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4) 

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies responsible for checking 
verification and methodology (6) 

3.3.2   Legal provisions with 
regard to air and water 
pollution are being 
observed. 

3.3.2.1: Audit report 
from the environmental 
administration. 

Ministry of the 
Environment and 
Ecology 

Department for Environmental 
Monitoring (DSE) 

Methodology: 

Body responsible: 

DGE 

1- On-site evaluation of the existence 
of a system for dealing with water 
and air pollution 

Methodology: 

2- Evaluation report and letter of 
compliance, if evaluation 

Verify the existence of the report and letter 

EN 

99 

EN 

 
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
satisfactory 

3- Inform SGBD of verification 
results 

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

File report and letter in the DSE 
archives 

Inform database of results of the verification 
check 

Flows:  

Flows:  

1- Letter of approval sent to 
company with copy to ICEF and 
CDF 

From ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies responsible for checking 
verification and methodology (6)  

4.1.1  Freedom of union 

organisation is guaranteed 
within the company. 

4.1.1.1: Briefing note 
on guarantee of 
freedom of 
unionisation stamped 
by the competent 
authority and displayed

Ministry of Labour 

Labour inspectorate of the relevant 
administrative district 

Methodology: 

Body responsible: 

Department of Labour and Employment 
(DTE) 

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

BMIV 

1- Regular on-site verification at 
least once per year or in case of 
suspicion or complaint 

The Central Inspectorate for Water and 
Forests 

2- Check the worker register  

Methodology: 

3- Meet with staff and employer 

DTE:  

EN 

100 

EN 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
4.1.1.2: Minutes of 
union meetings (if 
employees are union 
members). 

4- Stamp and/or annotate register 

Receives the annual reports from each 
regional inspectorate 

5- Produce a report 

NB: The mobile brigade (BMIV) 
may carry out the same 
verification and send the results 
directly to ICEF (this is valid for 
4.1 and 4.2) 

Examines the reports and sends a summary to 
the General Directorate for Labour and 
Employment 

Sends a summary for the forest-timber sector 
companies to CDF c/o ICEF (to be 
developed) 

May conduct an unscheduled check of the 
verification conducted by the inspectorates 
and write a report, a copy of which is sent to 
CDF c/o ICEF 

ICEF 

Checks that the CDF informs the SGBD 
every year  

Frequency: annual 

Checks company compliance 

Back-up of result:  

Mission report filed with the district 
inspectorate  

Annual report filed with the district 
inspectorate 

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

CDF informs SGBD of the verification results  

ICEF informs SGBD of verification check 

Flows:  

Flows:  

Mission report sent to company 

DTE to CDF 

Annual reports sent to Department of 
Labour 

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

EN 

101 

EN 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4) 

Verification methodology (5) 

responsible 
Bodies 
verification and methodology (6) 

for 

checking 

4.1.2  Staff delegates, elected in 

accordance with current 
legislation, have the 
necessary skills to fulfil 
their role 

4.1.2.1: Report of the 
general assembly at 
which staff delegates 
were elected, stamped 
by the labour inspector 

4.1.2.2: Training 
certificates stamped by 
the labour inspector 

Ministry of Labour 

Labour inspectorate of the relevant 
administrative district 

Methodology: 

Body responsible:  

Department of Labour and Employment  

1- Regular on-site verification at 
least once per year or in case of 
suspicion or complaint 

ICEF 

Methodology:  

DTE: 

2- Meeting with staff delegates 

Receives the annual reports from each 
regional inspectorate 

3- Produce a report 

Examines the reports and sends a summary to 
the General Directorate for Labour and 
Employment 

Sends a summary for forest-timber companies 
to CDF c/o ICEF  

May conduct an unscheduled check of the 
verification conducted by the inspectorates 
and write a report, a copy of which is sent to 
CDF c/o ICEF 

ICEF 

Checks that the CDF informs the SGBD 
annually  

Checks company compliance 

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

Mission report filed with the district 
inspectorate  

Annual report filed with the district 
inspectorate 

CDF inputs SGBD of verification results 

ICEF informs SGBD of verification check 

Flows:  

Flows:  

EN 

102 

EN 

 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Mission report sent to company 

DTE to CDF 

Annual reports sent to Department of 
Labour 

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4) 

Verification methodology (5) 

4.1.3   The company’s employees 
are informed of documents 
relating to employment 
rights. 

4.1.3.1: Briefing notes 
displayed 

Ministry of Labour 

Labour inspectorate of the relevant 
administrative district 

Methodology: 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6) 

for 

checking 

Body responsible: Department of Labour and 
Employment (DTE) 

4.1.3.2: Report of 
meetings between staff 
delegates and 
employees 

 4.1.3.3: Internal 
regulations displayed 

1- Regular on-site verification at 
least once per year  

ICEF 

2- Check that the elements required 
by law are displayed 

DTE:  

Methodology: 

3- Produce a report 

Receives the annual reports from each 
regional inspectorate 

Examines the reports and sends a summary to 
the General Directorate for Labour and 
Employment 

Sends a summary for forest-timber companies 
to CDF c/o ICEF  

May conduct an unscheduled check of the 
verification conducted by the inspectorates 
and write a report, a copy of which is sent to 
CDF c/o ICEF 

ICEF 

Checks that the CDF informs the SGBD every 
year  

Checks company compliance 

Frequency: annual 

Frequency: annual 

EN 

103 

EN 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
 Back-up of result: 

 Back-up of result: 

Mission report filed with the district 
inspectorate  

Annual report filed with the district 
inspectorate 

CDF informs SGBD of verification results 

ICEF informs SGBD of verification check 

Flows:  

Flows:  

Mission report sent to company 

DTE to CDF 

Annual reports sent to Department of 
Labour 

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4) 

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6) 

for 

checking 

4.2.1   Relations between the 

company and its staff are 
formally established 
according to the legal 
requirements. 

4.2.1.1: Copy of the 
collective agreement 
held by the logging 
company and by the 
staff delegates 

Ministry of Labour 

Labour inspectorate of the relevant 
administrative district 

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

Department of Labour and Employment  

ICEF 

4.2.1.2: Employer’s 
records numbered and 
signed off by the 
labour inspector 

EN 

104 

1- Regular on-site verification at 
least once per year  

Methodology: 

2- Check the employer register and 
files for each employee  

DTE 

3- Produce a report 

Receives the annual reports from each 
regional inspectorate 

Examines the reports and sends a summary to 
the General Directorate for Labour and 
Employment 

Sends a summary for forest-timber 
companies to CDF c/o ICEF  

May conduct an unscheduled check of the 
verification conducted by the inspectorates 
and write a report, a copy of which is sent to 
CDF c/o ICEF 

EN 

 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
ICEF 

Checks that the CDF informs the SGBD 
annually  

Checks company compliance 

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

Mission report filed with the district 
inspectorate  

Annual report filed with the district 
inspectorate 

CDF informs SGBD of verification results 

ICEF informs SGBD of verification check 

Flows:  

Flows:  

Mission report sent to company 

DTE to CDF 

Annual reports sent to Department of 
Labour 

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4) 

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies  responsible  for  checking  verification 
and methodology (6) 

4.2.2   The company’s staff are paid 

in accordance with current 
regulations for their sector of 
activities and without 
discrimination 

4.2.2.1: - Pay slips and 
salary reports  

Ministry of Labour 

Labour inspectorate of the 
relevant administrative district 

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

Department of Labour and Employment (DTE) 

4.2.2.2: - Employment 
contract signed by all 
parties 

1- Regular on-site verification at least 
once per year  

ICEF 

2- Compare work contracts and pay 
slips with the collective agreement for 
forest operators 

Methodology:  

DTE:  

3- Produce a report 

Receives the annual reports from each regional 
inspectorate 

EN 

105 

EN 

 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Examines the reports and sends a summary to 
the General Directorate for Labour and 
Employment 

Sends a summary for forest-timber companies 
to CDF c/o ICEF  

May conduct an unscheduled check of the 
verification conducted by the inspectorates and 
write a report, a copy of which is sent to CDF 
c/o ICEF 

ICEF: 

Checks that the CDF informs the SGBD 
annually 

Checks company compliance 

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

Mission report filed with the district 
inspectorate  

Annual report filed with the district 
inspectorate 

CDF informs SGBD of verification results 

ICEF informs SGBD of verification check 

Flows:  

Flows:  

Mission report sent to company 

DTE to CDF 

Annual reports sent to Department of 
Labour 

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

EN 

106 

EN 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4) 

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies  responsible  for  checking  verification 
and methodology (6) 

4.2.3  Health and safety conditions 
for workers are in accordance 
with current legislation 

4.2.3.1: Reports of 
health and safety 
committee meetings 

Ministry of Labour 

Labour inspectorate of the 
relevant administrative district 

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

Department of Labour and Employment/ICEF 

. 

4.2.3.2: List of staff 
health and safety 
equipment 

Methodology: 

DTE 

 1- Regular on-site verification at 
least once per year  

Receives the annual reports from each regional 
inspectorate 

 2- Check equipment and health and 
safety measures in place on sites and 
in the forest 

Examines the reports and sends a summary to 
the General Directorate for Labour and 
Employment 

 3- Produce a report 

Sends a summary for the forest-timber 
companies to CDF c/o ICEF  

May conduct an unscheduled check of the 
verification conducted by the inspectorates and 
write a report, a copy of which is sent to CDF 
c/o ICEF 

ICEF 

Checks that the CDF informs the SGBD 
annually  

Checks company compliance 

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

Mission report filed with the district 
inspectorate  

Annual report filed with the district 
inspectorate 

CDF informs SGBD of verification results 

ICEF informs SGBD of verification check 

EN 

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IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4) 

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies  responsible  for  checking  verification 
and methodology (6) 

Flows:  

Flows:  

Mission report sent to company 

DTE to CDF 

Monthly reports sent to the 
Department of Labour 

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

4.2.4  The working hours applied 

by the company are in 
accordance with legal 
provisions 

4.2.4.1: Workers’ 
timekeeping system 

Ministry of Labour 

Labour inspectorate of the relevant 
administrative district 

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

Department of Labour and Employment  

4.2.4.2: Workers’ 
timekeeping cards 

4.2.4.3.: Company 
service notes 
displayed 

 4.2.4.4: Pay slips 

ICEF 

Methodology:  

DTE 

1- Regular on-site verification at 
least once per year  

Receives the annual reports from each 
regional inspectorate 

2- Check the content and display of 
the company’s internal regulations 
and related system  

Examines the reports and sends a summary to 
the General Directorate for Labour and 
Employment 

 3- Produce a report 

Sends a summary for forest-timber companies 
to CDF c/o ICEF  

May conduct an unscheduled check of the 
verification conducted by the inspectorates 
and write a report, a copy of which is sent to 
CDF c/o ICEF 

ICEF: Checks that the CDF informs the 
SGBD annually 

Checks company compliance 

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

EN 

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Mission report filed with the district 
inspectorate  

Annual report filed with the district 
inspectorate 

CDF informs SGBD of verification results 

ICEF informs SGBD of verification check 

Flows:  

Flows:  

Mission report sent to company 

DTE to CDF 

Annual reports sent to Department of 
Labour 

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4) 

Verification structures (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6) 

for 

checking 

4.2.5.1: Employment 
contracts signed by all 
Parties 

Ministry of Labour 

Labour inspectorate of the relevant 
administrative district 

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

Department of Labour and Employment  

4.2.5   Staff recruitment is in line 

with the age restrictions 
established by national 
legislation and the 
International Labour 
Organisation (ILO) 

1- Regular on-site verification at 
least once per year  

2- Verify staff files  

 3- Produce a report 

ICEF 

Methodology: 

DTE:  

Receives the annual reports from each 
regional inspectorate 

Examines the reports and sends a summary to 
the General Directorate for Labour and 
Employment 

Sends a summary for the forest-timber 
companies to CDF c/o ICEF  

May conduct an unscheduled check of the 
verification conducted by the inspectorates 
and write a report, a copy of which is sent to 
CDF c/o ICEF 

ICEF 

EN 

EN 

109 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Checks that the CDF informs the SGBD 
annually 

Checks company compliance 

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

Mission report filed with the district 
inspectorate  

Annual report filed with the district 
inspectorate 

CDF informs SGBD of verification results 

ICEF informs SGBD of verification check 

Flows:  

Flows:  

Mission report sent to company 

DTE to CDF 

Annual reports sent to Department of 
Labour 

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

EN 

110 

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IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4) 

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6) 

for 

checking 

4.3.1  

 Local and indigenous 
communities’ customary 
rights of access and use in 
forest concessions are 
recognised and respected by 
the company 

4.3.1.1: Land-use plan 
approved by the 
relevant authority (the 
socio-economic report 
in particular)  

 4.3.1.2: Provisional 
agreement signed by 
the relevant authority 
(PEA under 
provisional agreement) 

4.3.1.3: Report of 
findings of the forest 
administration, 
countersigned by the 
parties  

Ministry responsible 
for forests  

General Directorate for Regional 
Services 

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

General Directorate for Regional Services  

Regional departments 

ICEF to DGSR 

Methodology:  

DGSR 

1- Regular verification at the 
company’s offices by the Regional 
Department for Forests for the 
administrative district  

Receives the annual reports from each 
regional department 

Examines the reports and sends a summary to 
CDF c/o ICEF 

2- Production of a quarterly 
verification report to be sent to the 
General Directorate for Regional 
Services in Bangui 

May conduct an unscheduled check of the 
verification conducted by the regional 
departments and write a report, a copy of 
which is sent to CDF c/o ICEF 

ICEF  

verifies that CDF is informing the SGBD 
annually  

Checks company compliance 

Frequency: at least once per year  

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

CDF informs SGBD of verification results 

Mission reports filed with the 

ICEF informs SGBD of verification check 

EN 

111 

EN 

 
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
relevant regional department  

Flows:  

Flows: 

Mission report sent to company 

 DGSR to CDF 

Annual reports sent to General 
Directorate for Regional Services 

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4) 

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6) 

for 

checking 

4.3.2   If assets belonging to local 
or indigenous communities 
are destroyed by the 
company, compensation is 
provided in accordance with 
current regulations 

4.3.2.1: Official reports 
of findings (PVC) read 
and approved by the 
parties 

Ministry responsible 
for forests  

4.3.2.2: Proof of 
compensation  

Regional department  

Methodology: 

Body responsible:  

General Directorate for Regional Services 
(DGSR)  

ICEF 

Methodology: 

DGSR 

1- Regular verification at the 
company’s offices by the Regional 
Department for Forests for the 
administrative district  

Receives the annual reports from each 
regional department  

Examines the reports and sends a summary to 
CDF c/o ICEF 

2- Production of a quarterly 
verification report to be sent to the 
General Directorate for Regional 
Services in Bangui 

May conduct an unscheduled check of the 
verification conducted by the regional 
departments and write a report, a copy of 
which is sent to CDF c/o ICEF 

ICEF 

Checks that the CDF informs the SGBD 
annually 

Checks company compliance 

Frequency: at least once per year  

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

Mission reports filed with the 

CDF informs SGBD of verification results 

EN 

112 

EN 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
relevant regional department  

ICEF informs SGBD of verification check  

Flows:  

Flows:  

Mission report sent to company  

DGSR to CDF 

Annual reports sent to General 
Directorate for Regional Services  

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies responsible for checking 
verification and methodology (6)  

5.1.1 

The local communities, 
local authorities, NGOs, 
decentralised State 
structures and other 
development partners 
interested in forest resource 
management in the area in 
question are informed of the 
award of the PEA. 

5.1.1.1: Minutes of 
sensitisation meetings 
written by the 
company and jointly 
approved by the 
stakeholders. 

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

DGEF 

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

Send information report signed by 
the stakeholders, including a 
company representative, to CDF  

Inform database (digital copy) 

ICEF  

Methodology:  

Verify that SGBD updated 

Frequency: once only for a given 
PEA award 

Frequency: once only for a given PEA 
award 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

Update database.  

File hard copy 

Flows:  

Inform SGBD of the results of the inputting 
check for this document 

Flows:  

Send a copy to ICEF and CDF 

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority  

EN 

113 

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IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies responsible for checking 
verification and methodology (6)  

5.2.1 

The company respects the 
stipulations of the 
provisional agreement 
during its period of validity 
(3 years) 

5.2.1.1: 
Administration’s 
monitoring report 

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

Regional Department for the area, 
DGEF, BMIV (brigade mobile 
d’intervention et de verification) 

Methodology 

Body responsible:  

1- Regular verification by the 
Regional Department for the 
administrative district, the BMIV 
and the General Directorate for 
Water and Forests 

ICEF 

2- Visit forest office and worksite 

Methodology: 

3- Verify operations compliance 

Check CDF has informed SGBD and SGBD 
informed of verification check 

4- Produce a report 

Verification check of the different bodies on 
the basis of a sample 

Frequency: quarterly 

Frequency: six-monthly 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

DR: control report sent to DGSR 
with copy to ICEF 

BMIV: control report sent to firm 
with copy to ICEF 

DGEF: control report sent to DG 
with copy to ICEF 

Inform SGBD  

Control report (PV) 

EN 

114 

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IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies  responsible  for  checking  verification 
and methodology (6)  

5.3.1   The prior studies have been 
conducted according to the 
rules set out by the forest 
administration. 

5.3.1.1: Inventory 
report(s)  
Land-use report(s)  

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

DGEF 

5.3.1.2: Report(s) of 
the socio-economic 
assessment(s)  

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

DGEF verifies and validates on the 
basis of an evaluation matrix to be 
developed  

ICEF 

Minutes of the evaluation meeting  

Methodology:  

Verification of existence of minutes 

Frequency: for each land-use period 
or at each revision  

Frequency: for each land-use period or at 
each revision 

. 

Back-up: in the SGBD 

Back-up: inform SGBD 

Flows:  

Flows:  

From the assessment committee to 
DGEF 

From DGEF to ICEF and CDF 

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies  responsible  for  checking  verification 
and methodology (6)  

5.3.2   The land-use plan has been 
produced according to the 
rules set out by the forest 
administration. 

5.3.2.1: Final 
exploitation and land-
use agreement 

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

Department for Inventory and Forest 
Planning (DIAF) and BMIV, DR 

Methodology:  

Body responsible: 

DGEF verifies and validates on the 
basis of an evaluation matrix to be 
developed 

General Directorate for Ministry for Water, 
Forests, Hunting and Fisheries 

Minutes of the evaluation meeting  

Methodology:  

Verification of existence of minutes 

EN 

115 

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Frequency: for each land-use period 
or at each revision 

Frequency: for each land-use period or at 
each revision 

Back-up of result: back-up in the 
SGBD 

Back-up of result: SGBD informed 

Flows: 

Flows: 

From the assessment committee to 
DGEF 

From DGEF to ICEF and CDF  

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

responsible 
Bodies 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

5.3.3   The management plan (PG) 
complies with the 
regulations. 

5.3.3.1: Letter 
officially approving the 
PG 

Minister for Forests 

DGEF 

Methodology: 

Body responsible:  

ICEF 

Methodology:  

Verification of the existence of the approval 
letter for the PG and minutes of the meeting 

1- Documentary examination, by a 
committee established to this effect, 
of the management plan submitted 
by the company in the context of the 
MEFCP’s rating system (cf. annexed 
document)  

2- Letter of PG approval, if 
submission satisfactory 

Frequency: five-yearly  

Frequency: five-yearly 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

DGEF files PG letter of approval in 
the SGBD and in paper format in the 
archives 

Inform the SGBD that the point has been 
verified 

Flows:  

Flows:  

1- DGEF sends approval letter to the 
company, ICEF/CDF, PARPAF, 
DGSR and meeting minutes with 

From ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

EN 

116 

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IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

rating to the ICEF 

5.3.4   The annual operating plan, 
including maps, complies 
with the regulations. 

5.3.4.1: Letter of 
submission of annual 
operating plan (PAO) 
to the office of the 
Minister for Forests. 

5.3.4.2: Letter 
officially approving the 
PAO  

Minister for Forests 

DGEF 

Methodology: 

Body responsible:  

ICEF 

Methodology:  

Verification of the existence of the approval 
letter for the PAO and minutes of the meeting 

1- Documentary examination, by a 
committee established to this effect, 
of the PAO submitted by the 
company in the context of the 
MEFCP’s rating system  

2- Letter of PAO approval, if 
submission satisfactory 

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

DGEF files PAO approval letter in 
the SGBD and in the archives in 
paper format 

Inform the SGBD that the point has been 
verified 

Flows:  

Flows:  

1- DGEF sends approval letter to the 
company, IC EFCP/CDF, PARPAF, 
DGSR and meeting minutes with 
rating to IC  

From ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

EN 

117 

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IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

5.3.5  A plantation or reforested 

area of 50 ha or more has a 
simple management plan in 
line with current 
regulations. 

5.3.5.1: Simple 
management plan for 
plantations of 50 ha or 
more, in line with the 
General Conditions 

5.3.5.2: Letter 
approving the simple 
management plan 

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

General Directorate for Water and 
Forests (DGEFCP) 

Methodology: 

There are currently no exploitable 
plantations of 50 ha or more and so 
the verification methodology will be 
developed during the Agreement 
implementation phase. 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

5.4.1   The boundaries of the 
annual cutting area or 
provisional areas anticipated 
on the maps are concretely 
mapped out and respected, 
in accordance with the 
regulations. 

5.4.1.1: Inspection visit 
reports from the 
forestry administration 

Minister for Forests 

Regional department, DGEFCP, BMIV   Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

ICEF 

Methodology:  

Check CDF has informed SGBD and that 
SGBD is informed of verification check 

Check the different bodies’ verification on 
the basis of a sample 

1- Verification by the applicable 
regional department, at the time of 
the harvest inventory, of the 
conformity of the actual boundaries 
with the rules specified in volume 3 
of the land-use regulations. 

2- Verification of conformity of 
boundaries with the approved maps 
for the PAO  

3- Verification by the regional 
department, DGEF, BMIV, at the 
time of logging, of compliance with 
the boundaries set during the harvest 
inventory.  

4- Production of verification reports  

EN 

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Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

Verification reports written 

SGBD informed 

Paper filing by the CDF 

Flows:  

Flows:  

Copy of report sent to ICEF and CDF 

ICEF to CDF and ICEF to the FLEGT 
licensing authority 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

5.5.1   The service road network is 

planned and created in 
accordance with current 
regulations. 

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

DGEF 

5.5.1.1: Annual 
operating plan 
approved by the forest 
administration 

5.5.1.2: Plan for the 
network of service 
roads for the 
provisional area  

5.5.1.3: Administrative 
authorisation to clear 
access roads (if access 
roads needed outside 
the AAC) 

5.5.1.4: Inspection 
reports from the forest 
administration  

Methodology: 

Body responsible:  

ICEF 

Methodology:  

Verification of the existence of the approval 
letter for the PAO and minutes of the 
meeting 

1- Documentary verification of the 
road map and the administrative 
authorisation for opening up roads in 
the PAO submitted by the company in 
the context of the MEFCP’s rating 
system  

2- Letter of PAO approval, if 
submission satisfactory 

Frequency:  

Frequency:  

annual for each PAO 

annual for each PAO 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

DGEF files the letter of approval and 
the PAO in the SGBD and in hard 
copy. 

Inform the SGBD that state that the point 
has been verified 

EN 

119 

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5.5.1.5: Authorisation 
to open up tracks for 
an AAC  

Flows:  

Flows:  

1- DGEF sends an approval letter to 
the company, to the IC EFCP/CDF, 
DGSR, along with the meeting 
minutes and the rating to the IC  

From ICEF to the FLEGT licensing 
authority 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

5.6.1   The minimum managed 

diameters (DMA) for final 
agreements or the minimum 
administrative maturity 
diameters (DME) for 
provisional agreements are 
respected during felling 
operations. 

5.6.1.1: Worksite 
books 

Regional department, DGEFCP, 
BMIV  

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

5.6.1.2: Inspection 
visit reports 

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

Check worksite record book and site 
visit  

ICEF  

DSGR  

Methodology: 

. 

Check CDF has informed SGBD and SGBD 
informed of verification result  

Check the different bodies’ verification on 
the basis of a sample 

Frequency: six-monthly 

Frequency: quarterly for the regional 
departments and six-monthly for the 
BMIV 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

Regular monitoring reports 

Inform SGBD  

Flows:  

Control report (PV) 

Flows:  

DR: control report sent to DGSR with 
copy to ICEF 

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

EN 

120 

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BMIV: control report sent to firm with 
copy to ICEF 

DGEF: control report sent to DG with 
copy to ICEF  

Send control report to CDF 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

5.6.2  

The species logged are 
authorised in the land-use 
plan, the PAO or the 
implementing regulations 
of the Forestry Code. 

5.6.2.1: Land-use Plan  

5.6.2.2: Worksite 
books  

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

Regional department, DGEFCP, 
BMIV  

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

1- Regular verification by the Regional 
Department, BMIV and DGEFCP 

ICEF 

5.6.2.3: ‘Timber 
movement’ form 

5.6.2.4: Special 
authorisation for 
unauthorised species 

2- Visit forest office and worksite 

Methodology: 

3- Compare the list of species logged 
with those authorised in the land-use 
plan, the PAO and the list of species 
protected by the implementing 
regulations of the Forestry Code. 

Check CDF has informed SGBD and SGBD 
is informed of verification result 

Check the different bodies’ verification on 
the basis of a sample 

4- Produce a report 

Frequency: quarterly 

Frequency: six-monthly 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

DR: control report sent to DGSR 

Inform SGBD  

with copy to ICEF 

BMIV: control report sent to firm 

Control report (PV) 

with copy to ICEF 

DGEF: Control report sent to DG 

with copy to ICEF 

ICEF: copy of each report and 

original sent to CDF to inform SGBD 
and file 

EN 

121 

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Flows:  

Flows:  

Receipt of verification reports from the 
three previous bodies 

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

Send to ICEF/CDF for SGBD 
information 

Send control report to CDF 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

responsible 
Bodies 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

5.7.1  

Timber that is felled and 
abandoned in the forest is 
in line with current 
regulations. 

5.7.1.1: Worksite 
books 

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

Regional department for the 
administrative district, DGEF, BMIV  

5.7.1.2: Report on the 
findings of abandoned 
wood by the forest 
administration 

5.7.1.3: Control reports 
from forestry 
administration 

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

1- Regular verification by the Regional 
Department for the administrative 
district, the BMIV and the General 
Directorate for Water and Forests 

ICEF 

2- Visit forest office and worksite 

Methodology: 

3- Verification in the worksite record 
book of the haulage of felled trees 
within regulatory deadlines (6 months) 

Check CDF has updated SGBD and SGBD 
informed of verification result 

4- Visit to forest depots in case of 
doubt or suspicion 

Check the different bodies’ verification on 
the basis of a sample 

5- Produce a report 

Frequency: quarterly 

Frequency: six-monthly 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

DR: control report sent to DGSR 

Inform SGBD  

with copy to ICEF 

BMIV: control report sent to firm 

Control report (PV) 

with copy to ICEF 

EN 

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DGEF: control report sent to DG 

with copy to ICEF 

ICEF: Copy of each report and 
original sent to CDF to inform SGBD 
and file 

Flows:  

Flows:  

Receipt of verification reports from 
the three previous bodies 

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

Send to ICEF/CDF for SGBD 
information 

Send control report to CDF 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies responsible for checking 
verification and methodology (6)  

6.1.1 

The company has at least 
one processing facility in 
accordance with the 
regulatory provisions, 
three years after award of 
the PEA. 

6.1.1.1: Processing 
facility licence 

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

DGEFCP 

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

1- Verify the existence of at least 
three ‘processing facility’ timber 
movement forms at the end of the 
fourth month (no more than three 
years after award of PEA) 

2- Produce a report to send to the 
ICEF and CDF 

ICEF  

Methodology: 

On-site investigation  

Produce a control report with copy to CDF 
for filing  

Inform SGBD 

Frequency: just once for a given 
PEA 

Frequency: just once for a given PEA 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

1- Produce a report to send to the 
ICEF with copy to CDF 

Control report 

2- CDF informs SGBD 

Inform SGBD 

EN 

123 

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IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

3- File report 

Flows:  

DGEF to ICEF and CDF 

Flows: 

ICEF to CDF and to the FLEGT licensing 
authority 

6.1.2 

The company has proof 
that it is respecting the 
minimum annual 
processing quota (70%) 
set by the State. 

6.1.2.1: ‘Timber 
movement’ form or 
statistics yearbook 

Ministry responsible 
for forests  

Forestry Data Centre (CDF) 

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

General Directorate for Ministry for Water, 
Forests, Hunting and Fisheries 

Methodology: 

Verification each year, no later than 30 
January for the previous year, of the 
compliance of companies in the SGBD after 
consideration of the CDF’s report  

1- Ongoing information of 
volumes felled and volumes 
processed from the CDF 

2- Verification of this verifier can 
be undertaken annually, 
automatically by the SGBD by 
comparing, to begin with and for 
each company, the volume of 
target species processed with the 
volume of same species felled 

3- The list of species could 
gradually change over time and 
could be updated at a frequency of 
around every 5 years (deadline to 
be decided by the Ministry 
responsible for forests) 

4- Verification each year of the 
compliance of companies and 
produce a report, by 30 January, to 
be sent to the ICEF/CDF with 
filing of hard copy 

Frequency: annual 

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

EN 

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1- Inform SGBD 

Inform the SGBD that the point has been 
verified 

2- CDF writes annual report 
noting the situation of each 
company’s PEAs 

Flows:  

Flows: 

From ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

1- Send logging companies’ 
operating data to CDF in 
electronic format 

2- Send annual reports to ICEF 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

6.2.1  

Logs and timber products 
imported for processing 
are registered in line with 
regulatory provisions 

6.2.1.1: Commercial 
import declaration 

Customs Office and 
BARC (Central 
African Road Haulage 
Office) 

Ministry of Finances 

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

6.2.1.2: ‘Timber 
movement’ form 

 Minister for Forests 

Department for Forest 
Logging and Industry 
(DEIF), Mobile 
Intervention and 
Verification Brigade 
(BMIV)  

1- Verification of timber-based 
products at point of entry by 
Central African Republic’s 
customs and Ministry for Water 
and Forests 

2- Allocation of a code and 
inclusion in the SYDONIA 
database for customs and the 
SGBD for the Ministry for Water 
and Forests 

General Directorate for Customs and Indirect 
Taxes (DGDDII)  

General Directorate for Water, Forests, 
Hunting and Fisheries 

Methodology:  

Monthly verification of the volumes 
imported and reconciliation of data, bearing 
in mind the exporting company’s own 
production 

Produce a control report to be filed at the 
CDF 

Send explanatory request to company 

Frequency: on each import 

Frequency: monthly 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

Inform SGBD 

Inform SGBD 

EN 

125 

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IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

ICEF to CDF (control report) 

From ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

Flows:  

Flows: 

Border posts to CDF c/o ICEF 

ICEF to company (request for explanation) 

6.2.2 

Purchases of logs and 
timber products for 
processing, including 
imported, are of a known 
and legal origin. 

6.2.2.1: FLEGT licence 
from country of origin 
accompanies imported 
products 

Ministry of Finances 
and Budgets 

General Directorate for Customs and 
Indirect Taxes (DGDDI) 

6.2.2.2: Sustainable 
management certificate 
or certificate of legal 
origin 

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

1- Verification of timber-based 
products at point of entry by 
Central African Republic’s 
customs and Ministry for Water 
and Forests 

2- Allocation of a code and 
inclusion in SYDONIA for 
customs and the SGBD for the 
Ministry for Water and Forests 

General Directorate for Customs and Indirect 
Taxes (DGDDI),  

General Directorate for Water, Forests, 
Hunting and Fisheries 

Methodology:  

Monthly verification of the volumes 
imported and reconciliation of data, bearing 
in mind the exporting company’s own 
production 

Produce a control report to be filed at the 
CDF 

 Send explanatory request to company 

Frequency: on each import 

Frequency: monthly 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

Inform SGBD 

Flows:  

Inform SGBD 

Flows: 

Border posts to CDF c/o ICEF 

ICEF to company (request for explanation) 

ICEF to CDF (control report) 

EN 

126 

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From ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

EN 

127 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies responsible for checking 
verification and methodology (6)  

7.1.1  The declaration on timber 
production is held in line 
with the regulatory 
provisions of the Forestry 
Code. 

7.1.1.1: ‘Timber 
movement’ form 

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

Forestry Data Centre (CDF) 

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

1- Receive monthly timber 
movement forms sent by each 
company 

General Directorate for Water, Forests, 
Hunting and Fisheries 

2- Verify form and content 

Methodology: 

3- Inform SGBD and automatic 
reconciliation with SGBD data sent 
by the company at a frequency to be 
established. 

1- Verify monthly data inputting and of the 
conformity of its data with that of the SGBD 

4- Exchange views in order to clear 
up any inconsistencies 

2- Inform SGBD of verification check results 
in this regard 

Frequency: monthly  

Frequency: monthly  

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

Filing of timber movement forms by 
the CDF 

Inform SGBD 

Inform SGBD 

Flows: 

Company to CDF 

CDF Company 

Flows:  

ICEF to the monitoring body 

EN 

128 

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IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

7.1.2  The declaration on timber 

processing is in line with the 
‘timber movement’ forms. 

7.1.2.1: ‘Timber 
movement’ form 

 Ministry responsible 
for forests 

DGEFCP  

Methodology: 

Body responsible: 

Verification of production data in 
relation to the ‘timber movement’ 
forms declared 

ICEF 

Methodology: 

Frequency: once a year for a given 
processing facility 

Back-up of result: 

1- Produce a report to send to ICEF 
with copy to CDF 

2- CDF informs SGBD 

3- Filing of report 

Flows: 

DGEF to ICEF and CDF  

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

7.1.3   Declarations on timber sales 

and export of products are 
produced in line with the 
regulatory provisions. 

7.1.3.1: ‘Timber 
movement’ form 

Ministry of Finances 
and Budgets 

7.1.3.2: Customs 
declaration 

Regional Customs Department 

Methodology:  

7.1.3.2.: 1- Movement through 
customs with customs documents 
(customs declaration); arranged 

Documentary investigation of DGEF reports 

Production of a control report with copy to 
CDF for filing 

Inform SGBD 

Frequency: once a year for a given 
processing unit 

Result backup: 

Control report 

Inform SGBD 

Flows: 

ICEF to CDF and to the FLEGT licensing 
authority  

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

Body responsible: General Directorate for 
Customs and Indirect Taxes (DGDDI)/ 
Department for Investigations, Prosecutions 
and Fraud/A posteriori Control Department) 

EN 

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7.1.3.3: Commercial 
export declaration 
(DEC) 

 Ministry of Trade 

General Directorate for Customs 

2- Study of form, to judge 
admissibility 

Methodology: 

General Directorate for Trade 

3- If admissible, input into database  A posteriori documentary check of the form 

of the documents and their content 

Department for Customs 
Legislation/Exemptions and Franchises 
Department  

4- Documentary verification of 
content and form (basic, in-depth, 
integral - including vehicle) 

5- Issuing of release warrant for 
export or transit 

7.1.3.3.: 1- Comparison of the 
DEC’s proforma invoice with the 
final invoice for the E 101 
declaration 

2- Verification with the General 
Directorate for Trade in case of 
doubt 

Frequency: at each declaration 

Frequency: in case of suspicion 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

Local customs database (electronic 
and paper format) / SYDONIA 
(central level) / Manual filing 

Inform SGBD  

Continual flows: 

Customs: Production of official report (on 
site, findings on non-compliance, input)  

Entry in disputes ledger 

Inform SGBD 

Flows: 

1- From company to customs  

2- From customs to company 

1- From customs to the Ministry responsible 
for forests (CDF c/o ICEF) according to a 
procedure to be developed 

3- From customs to the Ministry 
responsible for forests according to a 
procedure to be developed 

Figures sent to the Statistics 

2- From ICEF to the FLEGT licensing 
authority  

EN 

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IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

responsible 
Bodies 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

Department 

7.1.4   Tax/customs declarations 
are made in line with the 
regulatory provisions. 

7.1.4.1: Receipt for 
licence payment 

7.1.4.2: Receipt for 
IMF (minimum set tax) 
payment 

7.1.4.3: Receipt for 
IS/IR 
(corporation/income 
tax) payment 

7.1.4.4: Receipt for 
value added tax (VAT) 
payment 

Ministry of Finances 

Revenue Stamps Department 

Methodology: 

Body responsible: 

DGEFCP & DGID (General Directorate for 
Taxes and Domains) 

Methodology: 

Observance of customs clearance procedures 
and entry on the NIF register 

7.1.4.1: 

1- Observance of customs clearance 
procedures and entry on the NIF 
register 

2- On-site visit 

3- Declaration (verbal or in writing) 
of turnover by the company accounts 
department to the Financial 
Department of the company in 
Bangui 

4- Check turnover in the Financial 
Department of the company in 
Bangui 

5- Allocation of a quota, prorata or 
not, of turnover 

Frequency:  

Frequency:  

7.1.4.1: for each financial year 

Idem 

7.1.4.2: annual 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

EN 

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1- Entry in tax identification system 
(SYSTEMIF) 

1- Entry in tax identification system 
(SYSTEMIF) 

2- Manual filing of documents at 
customs 

2- Manual filing at tax department 

3- Entry into SGBD 

3- Entry into SGBD 

Continual flows: 

Flows: 

1- From company to taxes: 
declaration 

2- From taxes to CDF c/o ICEF  

1- From taxes to CDF c/o ICEF 

2- From ICEF to the FLEGT licensing 
authority  

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

Ministry of Finances 

DGEFCP 

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

7.2.1   All forest taxes and fees are 

paid within the stipulated 
deadlines. 

7.2.1.1.: Receipt for 
payment of rental tax 

7.2.1.2: Receipt for 
payment of felling tax  

Ministry responsible 
for forests  

DGID (General Directorate for Taxes 
and Domains) 

Central Inspectorate for Water, Forests, 
Hunting and Fishing 

Central Inspectorate for Finances 

1- Documentary verification (felling, 
rental and reforestation taxes) by the 
Ministry of Forests and physical 
verification (reforestation tax) by the 
structure delegated by the 
administration (BIVAC) for export 
production 

2- Production of revenue orders by 
the administration for each 
beneficiary (State, communes, CAS-
DF) and for a given tax (rental, 
felling, reforestation), after company 
declaration, with the exception of 
rental. 

EN 

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7.2.1.3: Receipt for 
payment of 
reforestation tax 

7.2.1.4: Notification 
stipulating exceptional 
measures relating to 
payment of company 
taxes and fees  

Declaration deadlines:  

Methodology:  

Felling and reforestation tax:  

Central Inspectorate for Finances 

1- A posteriori documentary control of the 
form of the documents and their content  

ICEF 

1- Regular verification of declarations (six-
monthly) and production of a report 
according to a procedure to be developed 

2- Verification of monthly data inputting and 
of the conformity of its data with that of the 
SGBD 

3- Inform SGBD of verification control 
results in this regard 

Currently: monthly production and 
dispatch (within 21 days for the 
previous month) of timber 
movement forms 

In the context of the national 
tracking system (NTS): constant 
exchange of operating data between 
companies and the forest 
administration, according to a 
procedure to be defined, hence a 
shortening of this deadline. 

Rental: payment during January each 
year on the basis of the area in use; 
the amount per hectare of the tax is 
set each year by the Finance Law 

3- Payment by the company 

within the given deadlines either to 
the Public Treasury (State) or to the 
Bank of Central African States 
(BEAC) (communes) or to the CAS 
DF (compte d’affectation special 
pour le développement forestier) 

Frequency:  

Rental: yearly 

Frequency:  

Central Inspectorate for Finances 

Reforesting and felling: quarterly 

Ongoing, in case of suspicion 

ICEF 

Rental: yearly 

Reforesting and felling: quarterly 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

EN 

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1- Order to collect revenue filed with 
DGEFCP 

Registration in the tax identification system 
(SYSTEMIF) 

2- Registration in the tax 
identification system (SYSTEMIF) 

Inform SGBD  

Manual filing 

3- Entry in the SGBD 

Flows:  

Flows:  

From IC Finances to CDF c/o ICEF 

ICEF to the monitoring body 

1- Company to DGEFCP: timber 
movement forms in electronic or 
paper format 

2- DGEFCP to DGID, communes, 
CAS-DF: order to collect in paper 
format 

3- From Treasury, the BEAC and the 
CAS-DF to CDF c/o ICEF according 
to a procedure to be developed 

EN 

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IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

7.2.2  All fees and taxes linked to 
timber exports are paid on 
time. 

7.2.2.1: Receipt for DS 
(exit fee) payment 

Secure export revenues structure 

Ministry of Finances 

Regional Customs Department  

Methodology: 

Body responsible:  

7.2.2.2.: Receipt for 
IMF (minimum set tax) 
payment  

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

General Directorate for Taxes and 
Domains (DGID)  

7.2.2.3: Receipt for 
REIF (Ministry of 
Finance tax on 
provision of computer 
tools) payment  

General Directorate for Customs and Indirect 
Taxes (DGDDII) 

Central Inspectorate for Water, Forests, 
Hunting and Fishing (ICEF) 

Verification by the main cash office 
of the transit centre in Bangui or by 
the regional customs departments in 
the provinces: 

1- Physical check on-site by customs 
(mandated structure: BIVAC) after 
each receipt of the company’s 
specifications 

2- Establish specifications (mandated 
structure: BIVAC), issue other 
necessary documents: certificate of 
verification, DEC, etc. 

3- Customs declaration 

Methodology: 

4- Examination and ‘good for 
dispatch’ stamp 

DGDDI: Systematic a posteriori verification 
of the declaration 

5- Exchange of information with 
ICEF/CDF according to a procedure 
to be defined 

6- CDF informs SGBD 

ICEF: Check CDF has informed SGBD 

Frequency: on each export 

Frequency: ongoing 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

Inputting into SYDONIA 

Inputting into SYDONIA 

EN 

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Filing of declaration documents in 
paper format 

Production of activity reports and official 
reports 

Flows:  

Flows:  

From main cash office and regional 
departments to ICEF/CDF 

DGDDI to ICEF/CDF according to a 
procedure to be established 

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority  

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

7.2.3   All fees and taxes linked to 
imports of equipment used 
by the company (other 
products) are paid before the 
‘good for dispatch’. 

7.2.3.1: Receipt for 
customs duties 
(import) payments 

Ministry of Finances  Main cash office of the transit centre and 

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

regional department  

DGID 

1- Customs declaration 

2- Consideration of file 

DGDDI  

Central Inspectorate for Water, Forests, 
Hunting and Fishing 

7.2.3.2: Receipt for 
value added tax (VAT) 
payment 

7.2.3.3: Receipt for 
TCI (community 
integration tax) 
payment 

7.2.3.4: Receipt or CCI 
(community 
integration 
contribution) payment 

7.2.3.5: Receipt for 
REIF (tax on provision 
of financial computer 
tools) payment 

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

DGEFCP 

3- Where appropriate, physical 
verification depending on channel 

Methodology: 

4- ‘Good for dispatch’ stamp (BAE)  

5- Exchange of information with 
ICEF/CDF according to a procedure 
to be defined 

6- CDF informs SGBD  

Frequency: at each declaration  

Back-up of result:  

Inputting into SYDONIA  

Filing in paper format of declaration 
documents 

Systematic a posteriori verification of the 
declaration  

Frequency: ongoing  

Back-up of result:  

Inputting into SYDONIA  

Production of activity reports and official 
reports 

EN 

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7.2.3.6: Receipt for 
OHADA payment 
(OHADA fee) 

7.2.3.7 Receipt for 
CMF payment (Central 
Africa Forests 
Commission fee) 

Flows:  

Flows:  

From main cash office and regional 
departments to ICEF/CDF 

DGDDI to ICEF/CDF according to a 
procedure to be established  

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority  

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

7.2.4   The company has 

repatriated the ‘free on 
truck’ (FOT) values of 
products declared for export 
outside of CEMAC to a 
local bank within 30 days of 
the deadline stipulated in the 
contract. 

7.2.4.1: Certificate of 
bank debit order  

Ministry of Finances 

Unit responsible for monitoring 
repatriation of export revenues 
(CCCRRE) 

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

1- Send export documents (FOT 
values) and proof of repatriation to 
the CCCRRE (unit responsible for 
monitoring repatriation of export 
revenues) 

ICEF 

7.2.4.2: Funds transfer 
document 

Ministry responsible 
for forests  

ICEF/CDF  

2- Gather information on customs 
and taxes declarations 

Methodology: 

Check CDF has informed SGBD  

3- Verify capital repatriated to the 
banks and reconcile with customs 
and tax information (the repatriation 
must be undertaken within a 
maximum of 30 days following 
payment deadline) 

4- Produce an annual situation report 
for each company and send to CDF 
c/o ICEF via a procedure to be 
established 

Frequency: annual 

Frequency: annual 

EN 

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Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

SGBD informed of control results 

1- Control reports relating to each 
mission filed with the joint tax-
customs unit 

2- Annual report with copy to CDF 
c/o ICEF 

3- CDF to inform SGBD 

Flows:  

Flows:  

Company sends tax declaration 
(DSF) to tax/customs unit. 

Tax/customs unit sends annual report 
to CDF c/o ICEF 

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority  

EN 

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IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies responsible for checking 
verification and methodology (6)  

8.1.1  The lorries and other 

vehicles for transporting 
timber products are 
correctly registered and 
licensed. 

8.1.1.1: Vehicle 
registration documents 

8.1.1.2: Technical data 
sheet 

8.1.1.3.: Insurance 

8.1.1.4: Transport 
licence 

8.1.1.5: If forest 
produce is being 
transported for export: 
haulage authorisation 

Ministry of Defence  

Traffic Police/Border Police/Customs 

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

Ministry of the Interior 

Ministry of Finances 
and Budgets 

Presentation of documents during 
road formalities 

Traffic Police/Border Police/Customs  

Verification of control is undertaken by the 
same bodies at different geographical points 
(different checkpoints) 

Methodology: Idem 

Frequency: at each checkpoint for a 
given load (lorry) 

Frequency: at each checkpoint for a given 
load (lorry) 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

Official report in paper form if an 
infringement is noted 

Official report in paper form if an 
infringement is noted 

Reports according to a procedure to 
be established 

Reports according to a procedure to be 
established 

Flows: 

Flows: 

Procedure for exchanging 
information to be developed after 
consultation between the 
departments in question  

Procedure for exchanging information to be 
developed after consultation between the 
departments in question 

EN 

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IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

8.1.2  Transport documents for 

timber and derived products 
for export are in line with 
current regulations. 

8.1.2.1.: Waybill or 
route map 

Ministry of Transport 

Traffic Police/Border 
Police/Customs/BARC/Water and 
Forests 

8.1.2.2:  Dispatch  note, 
by: 
accompanied 
D15, 
specifications, 
export 
commercial 
invoice, 
declaration, 
certificate of origin 

Ministry 
for forests  

responsible 

Ministry of Trade 

Ministry of Finances  

Methodology: 

Body responsible:  

Traffic Police/Border Police/Customs/BARC 
(Central African Road Haulage Office) / 
Water and Forests 

Presentation  of  documents  during 
forest  and  customs  formalities  prior 
to  departure  and  during  road  and 
border formalities 

Methodology: 

Presentation  of  documents  during  forest  and 
customs  formalities  prior  to  departure  and 
during road and border formalities 

Frequency: at departure and at each 
checkpoint for a given load (lorry) 

Frequency:  at  departure  and  at  each 
checkpoint for a given load (lorry) 

Back-up of result:  

Result backup:  

Official report in paper form if an 
infringement is noted 

Official report in paper form if an 
infringement is noted  

Flows: 

Flows: 

Verification by Water and Forests 
Department staff: send monthly 
report to ICEF 

Verification by Water and Forests 
Department staff: send monthly report to 
ICEF 

Other department staff: procedure 
for exchanging information to be 
developed after consultation between 
the departments in question 

Other department staff: procedure for 
exchanging information to be developed after 
consultation between the departments in 
question 

EN 

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IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

8.1.3  The company is 

implementing measures to 
apply the ban on the 
transportation of persons. 

8.1.3.1.: Company’s 
internal regulations 

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

Regional department for the 
administrative district, DGEF, BMIV  

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

1- Verify a ban on transporting 
people in the internal regulations 

ICEF 

8.1.3.2: Service note 

2- Verify a service note specifying 
this ban displayed and noted on 
lorries used for transporting wood 

Methodology: 

Verification control has been conducted 

3- Produce a report 

Inform SGBD 

4- Send copy of report to CDF to 
inform SGBD and file 

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

Verification report filed and SGBD 
informed 

Flows: Reports to ICEF/CDF 

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

Inform SGBD 

Flows: ICEF to the FLEGT licensing 
authority  

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

8.2.1   The logs and stumps of 

felled trees are hammered 
and marked in line with 
regulatory requirements.  

8.2.1.1.: Inspection 
visit report from the 
forestry administration 

Ministry responsible 
for forests  

Regional department (DR), DGEFCP, 
BMIV  

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

1- Regular verification by the 
Regional Department, BMIV and 
DGEFCP 

ICEF 

2- Visit to worksite office and log 
yards 

Methodology: 

EN 

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3- Verify marking of logs and 
stumps 

Check CDF has informed SGBD and SGBD 
informed of verification result 

4- Produce a report 

Check different bodies’ verification on the 
basis of a sample 

Frequency: quarterly 

Frequency: quarterly 

Back-up of result: 

Back-up of result:  

DR: control report sent to DGSR 
with copy to ICEF BMIV: control 
report sent to firm with copy to ICEF

DGEF: control report sent to DG 
with certified copy to ICEF/CDF 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

8.2.2   In forest depots, logs are 

hammered and marked 
according to current 
regulations.  

8.2.2.1.: Inspection 
visit report from the 
forestry administration 

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

Regional department for the 
administrative district 

DGEFCP 

BMIV 

Methodology: 

Body responsible:  

Verification of compliance with 
national tracking system (NTS) 

1- Regular verification by the 
Regional Department, BMIV and 
DGEFCP 

2. Office visit to log yards 

3- Verify marking of logs 

4- Produce a report 

ICEF/CDF: documentary 
examination, inform SGBD and 
filing 

Methodology: 

Inform SGBD  

Control report (PV) 

Flows:  

Flows:  

Receipt of verification reports from 
the three previous bodies 

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority  

Send official report to ICEF/CDF 

EN 

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Send to ICEF/CDF for SGBD 
information 

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

responsible 
Bodies 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

8.2.3   Log transport documents are 
filled in prior to leaving the 
worksite. 

8.2.3.1: Waybill (also 
known as a delivery 
note or removal note)  

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

Regional department  

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

Central Inspectorate for Water, Forests, 
Hunting and Fishing 

Methodology  

NB: in 2010 this control was not 
systematic, indeed virtually absent. 
The DGEF must develop a 
procedure to this end  

Frequency:  

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

Flows:  

Flows:  

IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

responsible 
Bodies 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

8.2.4   Log and log bundle 

documents are filled in prior 
to leaving the log depot or 
factory. 

8.2.4.1: Waybill (also 
known as a delivery 
note or removal note) 

Ministry of Forests/ 
Ministry of Finances 

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

1- Physical on-site check by customs 
(BIVAC) after each receipt of 
company specifications 

2- Specifications established by the 
mandated structure (BIVAC), other 
necessary documents issued: 
certificate of verification, DEC, etc. 

General Directorate for Customs and Indirect 
Taxes (DGDDI) 

ICEF 

Methodology:  

DGDDI: verification control by customs 
after customs declaration 

ICEF 

Frequency: at each declaration 

Frequency: at each declaration 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

EN 

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1- Specifications in the database by 
the mandated structure (BIVAC) 

2- Manual filing 

3- Inform SGBD  

Flows: 

1- Inputting into SYDONIA 

2- Manual filing 

3- Inform SGBD 

Flows: 

1- Company to mandated structure 
(BIVAC) 

1- DGDDI to CDF c/o ICEF according to a 
procedure to be developed 

2- Mandated structure (BIVAC) to 
CDF c/o ICEF according to a 
procedure to be developed  

2- ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

EN 

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IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies responsible for checking 
verification and methodology (6)  

9.1.1  The amounts allocated to 

community budgets are 
regularly paid by the 
company. 

9.1.1.1: Receipt 
proving payment of 
revenue orders 

Ministry responsible 
for forests  

Central Inspectorate/Administration and 
Finances (MEFCP) 

Methodology: 

Body responsible:  

ICEF 

9.1.1.2: Administrative 
authorisation for 
staggered payment of 
taxes 

DGEF to send a copy of revenue 
orders to CDF 

Methodology: 

Systematic dispatch of a copy of 
payment receipts to CDF c/o ICEF 
for filing and SGBD information 

Verify that CDF has input the information  

Verify compliance of receipts with 
corresponding revenue orders 

Input control results 

Frequency: monthly 

Frequency: monthly 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

Filing of revenue orders and copies 
of receipts by CDF once SGBD 
informed 

Inform SGBD 

Flows:  

DGEF to CDF  

Company to ICEF/CDF 

Flows:  

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

EN 

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IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

9.1.2  The social actions planned 
by the company and 
appearing in the PAO and 
PG or in the provisional 
agreements have been 
implemented. 

9.1.2.1: PAO approved 
by the forest 
administration (each 
PAO comprises a 
description of the 
social activities 
undertaken the 
previous year) 

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

General Directorate for Water and 
Forests 

9.1.2.2: Provisional 
agreement signed by 
the company and the 
Ministry responsible 
for forests 

Methodology: 

Body responsible:  

Central Inspectorate for Water, Forests, 
Hunting and Fishing (ICEF) 

1- Documentary examination, by a 
committee established to this effect, 
of the management plan and PAO 
submitted by the company in the 
context of the MEFCP’s rating 
system  

2- Assess company’s social report 

3- Letter of approval, if submission 
satisfactory 

Methodology:  

Verify the existence of an approval letter for 
the PG and PAO and minutes of the meeting: 

Frequency: annual  

Frequency: annual  

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

DGEF files PAO approval letter in 
the SGBD and in the archives in 
paper format 

Inform the SGBD that the point has been 
verified 

Flows:  

Flows:  

1- Approval letter sent by DGEF to 
the company, ICEF/CDF, DGSR 
and meeting minutes with rating to 
ICEF  

From ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

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IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies 
responsible 
verification and methodology (6)  

for 

checking 

9.2.1.1: Worksite 
inspection reports from 
the administration  

Ministry responsible for 
forests 

General Directorate for Water and 
Forests (DGEFCP) 

Regional department 

9.2.1   The commitments made by 
the company in the PG, the 
terms and conditions, the 
PAO or the provisional 
agreement to contribute to 
preventing poaching and 
illegal forest logging in its 
area of intervention are 
respected. 

9.2.1.2: Company 
reports on information, 
education and 
awareness raising 
campaigns 

9.2.1.3: PAO approved 
by the forest 
administration 

9.2.1.4: Internal 
regulations 

Methodology:  

Body responsible: 

Verification of this point was not 
conducted in 2010; it is important 
that it is included in a verification 
procedures manual to be developed 
by the DGEF 

Central Inspectorate for Water, Forests, 
Hunting and Fishing (ICEF) 

Methodology: 

Frequency: 

Frequency: 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

Flows: 

Flows: 

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IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies responsible for checking 
verification and methodology (6)  

10.1.1.1: Accreditation 
of valid profession 

10.1.1  The company (and, in the 
case of private plantations, 
the individual or 
community) ensures that all 
its sub-contractors and 
suppliers are authorised to 
exercise their activity. 

Ministry of Trade 

Formalities section (‘One Stop Shop’)  Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

1- Each company sends a list of its 
sub-contractors to the CDF. 

ICEF 

2- Their authorisation is checked 
with the Ministry of Trade (‘One 
Stop Shop’) 

10.1.1.2: Sub-contracts 
registered  

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

Forestry Data Centre (CDF) 

Inform SGBD  

Methodology:  

Verify data input 

Inform SGBD of control results in this 
regard 

Frequency: ongoing, according to 
changes in each supplier’s list 

Frequency: after each updating by the CDF 

Back-up of result:  

Back-up of result:  

Inform SGBD 

Flows: 

Company to CDF 

CDF to Min. of Trade (‘One Stop 
Shop’) 

Min. of Trade to CDF 

Inform SGBD 

Flows: 

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

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IND 

Indicators (1) 

Verifiers (2) 

Departments (3) 

Verification structures (4)  

Verification methodology (5) 

Bodies responsible for checking 
verification and methodology (6)  

10.2.1   The company (and, in the 
case of private plantations, 
the individual or 
community) is duly paying 
for the services anticipated 
in the contract. 

10.2.1.1: Invoices 

Ministry responsible 
for forests 

Department for Legal Affairs and 
Litigation of the Ministry responsible 
for forests (DAJC). 

Methodology:  

Body responsible:  

1- Court clerks to verify no disputes 
underway in relation to payment for 
services 

ICEF 

10.2.1.2: Transfer 
document or cheque or 
receipt proving 
payment of the 
corresponding invoices 

2- Produce a report and entry on the 
infringements register, as appropriate

3- Report sent to ICEF/CDF 

Methodology: 

Check the infringements register is properly 
maintained  

Check information in SGBD 

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

Annual Report 

Frequency: annual 

Back-up of result:  

Inform SGBD of the results of this point of 
control 

Registration in the infringements 
register held by the Ministry 
responsible for forests 

Inform SGBD 

Flows:  

Flows:  

Court clerks to DAJC  

ICEF to the FLEGT licensing authority 

DAJC to ICEF/CDF 

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2.3- Recognition of forest certification mechanisms 

There are currently no companies with private forest certification in the CAR.  

The  LAS  will  need  to  take  into  account  coordination  between  private  certification  systems  and  the 
LAS  and  promote  synergies,  particularly  in  order  to  avoid  unnecessary  checks.  In  this  context, 
recognition  of  private  certificates  of  legality  and  sustainable  management  will  be  provided  by  the 
Ministry responsible for forests, subject to a check of the audit results of private certification by ICEF. 
The  private  certification  audit  results  will  need  to  be  sent  to  ICEF.  A  regulatory  text  will  be 
implemented by the Ministry responsible for forests in order to clarify the information flows relating to 
certification. 

2.4- Cases of non-compliance with legal requirements 

In the context of the LAS, non-compliance will be handled in accordance with the legal and regulatory 
provisions in force in the CAR.  

In  the  context  of  issuing  FLEGT  licences,  a  procedures  manual  for  handling  non-compliances  and 
sanctions,  aimed  at  strengthening  the  control  system,  will  be  developed  during  the  Agreement 
implementation period, prior to the issuing of the first FLEGT licence by the CAR.  

3- 

WOOD TRACKING SYSTEM AND CONTROL OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN 

3.1- Operational demands of traceability 

There  is  currently  no  national  tracking  system.  Nonetheless,  there  are  systems  that  have  been 
developed  internally  by  each  logging  company.  Export  transport  documents  are  stipulated  by  law; 
however,  at  national  level  and  on  the  worksites,  there  is  no  regulatory  text  in  force  in  2010. 
Consequently, during the implementation period and prior to issuing of the first licence, a regulatory 
text  will  need  to  specify  the  provisions  relating  to  the  national  tracking  system  and  the  transport  of 
timber and derived products. 

The traceability chain will be managed by a national tracking system (NTS) to be established, the data 
of which will be centrally held in the database management system (SGBD), managed by the Forestry 
Data Centre (which reports institutionally to ICEF), and fed by the logging companies and the secure 
customs revenues structure (currently BIVAC). A national numbering system will be adopted in order 
to classify each product.  

A number of bodies will participate in the tracking system. These bodies are: 

•  the companies responsible for all activities, from harvest inventory to exporting the rough 

and processed timber; 

•  the Ministry for Water and Forests, which provides verification and verification checks for 
logging and processing along the  whole supply chain through its centralised departments 
(DGEF, DGSR, ICEF and the CDF and BMIV); 

•  the  secure  customs  revenues  structure  (currently  BIVAC),  which  checks  specifications, 
identifies species and establishes volumes. It also issues the commercial import declaration 
for timber imported for processing;  

•  the  Ministry  of  Trade,  which  is  responsible  for  countersigning  the  commercial  import 
declaration  (DIC)  for  timber  imported  for  processing  and  the  commercial  export 
declaration (DEC); 

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•  the  Ministry  of  Finances,  through  its  centralised  and  decentralised  customs  departments, 
which  check  customs  clearance,  issue  receipts  for  fees  and  taxes  received  and  register 
timber in transit; 

•  border inspectors from the Ministry for Water and Forests who check transport documents. 

3.1.1 Case of timber and derived products coming from PEAs and plantations 

The  following  table  gives  the  principles  and  requirements  of  the  traceability  chain  for  timber  and 
derived  products  coming  from  PEAs.  The  specific  requirements  for  forest  plantations  are  also 
specified. 

The following table gives the requirements of the traceability chain: 

–  1st column: describes the stages in the supply chain, 
–  2nd column: describes the responsibilities and activities of each actor,  
–  3rd column: describes the necessary data and its collection methods, 
–  4th column: specifies the verification structures and methodology used by each structure to 

validate or reconcile the data. 

–  These  principles  and  requirements  may  be  adjusted  during  implementation  of  the 

Agreement, without these adjustments damaging the quality of the traceability chain. 

EN 

151 

   EN 

 
Supply stage or chain 

Responsibility and activities 

Necessary data and its collection method 

Verification  

Validation 

Reconciliation 

Body responsible: COMPANY 

Declaration document: 

Methodology: 

INVENTORY 

Activities:  

Annual Operating Plan (PAO) 

–  Marking out of cutting area 

–  Opening up of forest paths 

Data:  

–  Measuring of trees  

–  Permit Number 

HARVEST 
INVENTORY 

–  Positioning and mapping of trees 

–  Numbering and marking of trees  

NB: For plantations: 

a)  a  simple  management  plan  must  be 
produced  for  plantations  of  more  than  50 
ha;  

b)  a  prospecting  report  and  simplified  map 
(location  on  a  topographical  map)  must  be 
submitted  to  the  DIAF  for  plantations  of 
less than 50 ha; 

the 

following 

c) 
information  must, 
however,  be  provided  for  plantations  of 
more  than  50  ha:  i)  age  of  tree  population, 
ii)  average  height  of  tree  population,  iii) 
GPS  location,  iv)  area,  v)  simplified  map 
with plot shown on the ground, vi) number 

–  Number  of  Forest  Management  Unit  (UFG), 
(PEA)  or 

land-use  permit 

exploitation  and 
plantation 

–  Number of annual cutting area (AAC) 

– 

Inventory number 

–  Species name 

–  DMA  (minimum  diameter  defined  in  the  land-use 

plan) 

–  UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) positioning. 

Flows:  

Inform  SGBD  (electronic  format  to  be  included  in 
volume 3 of the land-use regulations) 

Coordination of the six bodies below is provided 
by ICEF: 

1.  Department  for  Forestry  Inventory  and 
Land-use (DIAF): 
Conformity  of  inventoried  data  in  relation  to 
previous PAO. 
Verification of AAC maps. 

2. Regional department:  
Verification of road networks and cartography of 
the resource. 
Sends reports to DGSR. 

3.  General  Directorate  for  Regional  Services 
(DGSR): 
Verification of regional departments’ activities. 
Harvesting information sent to DGEF. 

for  Forest  Logging  and 

4.  Department 
Industry (DEIF): 
Verification of road networks and cartography of 
the resource 
Sends data to CDF. 

5. General Directorate for Water and Forests 
(DGEF): 
Verification  and  validation  of  reports  from 
DGSR, DIAF and DEIIF 
Sends data to CDF 
Sends reports to ICEF. 

6. Forestry Data Centre (CDF):  
Compilation of data at MEFCP level. 

EN 

152 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
standing 

of 
circumference or diameter; 

trees, 

vii) 

class 

of 

d)  the  systematic  marking  of  standing 
timber is not compulsory; 

e) the DIAF issues a logging permit. 

Supply stage or chain 

Responsibility and activities 

Necessary data and its collection method 

Verification  

Validation 

Reconciliation 

Body responsible: COMPANY  

Declaration document: 

Methodology: 

CDF:  

LOGGING OPERATIONS 

Worksite record (paper and/or electronic) 

Regional  Department 
Forests: 

for  Water  and 

Activities:  

Timber movement form 

–  Selection and cutting of trees. 

Data: 

–  Hammering  of  felling  number  on 

–  Permit number 

stump and roots. 

FELLING 

–  UFG (PEA or plantation) number  

–  Copying  of  inventory  numbers  onto 

stumps. 

–  Stump marking. 

–  AAC number 

– 

Inventory number 

–  Data registration and storage. 

–  Felling number 

Verification: 

Worksite record  

Evacuation slips  

On-site verification of: 

–  positions  of  felled  trees,  boundaries  of 

AAC 

–  DMA  

NB: For plantations of more than 50 ha:  

–  Size and volume of the tree felled 

Joint Control Brigade (BMC): 

–  Species 

Verification reports sent to DGSR. 

EN 

153 

In  charge  of  supervising 
in  SGBD 
reconciliation 
information 
i) 
between 
harvest 
available 
from 
inventories 
ii) 
information  available  on 
felling (logging). 

and 

information 

The 
reconciled  at 
must, 
include: 

as 

to  be 
this  stage 
a  minimum, 

1. For each tree felled: 

the 

a) 
inventory  number 
declared  on  the  land-use 
plan in relation to this same 
number  declared  on 
the 
worksite record; 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
Cutting is undertaken by area.  

–  As an attachment, the updated map of the logging 

Verification checks 

All logs are marked. 

Use of a worksite record. 

area 

–  DMA 

–  UTM positioning 

Flows: 

Company  submits  worksite 
movement declarations to DGEFCP 

records  and 

timber 

Company  sends  logging  data  to  CDF  to  input  into 
SGBD. 

–  Worksite record  

–  Evacuation slips  

–  Respect for boundaries of AACs 

–  Respect for DMA 

–  Marking  of  UFG,  plantation  and  AAC 

boundaries 

List of infringements 

Reports sent to litigation department 

Control reports sent to ICEF. 

NB: For verification in plantations: 

DGEF reconciles volumes felled with volumes 
declared  on  the  inventory  by  the  logger  for  a 
particular plot. No individual traceability up to 
stump.  

the 
the  position  of 
b) 
declared  tree  on  the  land-
use  plan  in  relation  to  this 
same felled tree declared on 
the worksite record;  

c) 
tree 
the  species  of 
declared  on  the  land-use 
plan 
the 
to 
relation 
species of felled tree.  

in 

2. By management unit: i) 
AACs  of  PEAs  and  ii) 
forest plantations: 

the 

number 
trees 

of 
a) 
per 
harvestable 
species  declared  on 
the 
harvest inventory in relation 
to  the  number  of  trees  per 
species felled;  

b)  the  volume  per  species 
declared  on 
the  harvest 
inventory  in  relation  to  the 
volume per species felled;  

c) the inventory numbers of 
the trees felled and declared 
on  the  worksite  records  in 
relation  to  all  the  numbers 
trees 
of 
declared  on 
the  harvest 
inventory. 

harvestable 

EN 

154 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
Supply stage or chain 

Responsibility and activities 

Necessary data and its collection method 

Validation 

Reconciliation 

Body responsible: COMPANY 

Declaration document: 

Methodology: 

CDF: 

Verification 

–  Daily haulage list  

DEIF  and  Regional  Department  for  Water 
and Forests: 

Verification: 

–  Worksite record  

–  Evacuation slips  

–  DMA. 

Transmission  of  verification 
DGEFCP. 

reports 

to 

Activities: 

–  Haulage sheets 

– 

Initial sorting 

–  Forest depot record (Worksite record) 

–  First calculation of cubic volume of 

– 

Inter-forest transport note 

logs  

–  Marking and numbering of logs 

–  Sectioning of logs for transport 

–  Data: 

–  Permit number 

HAULAGE AND 
PREPARATION AT 
FOREST DEPOT 

–  Copying of inventory numbers onto 

sheets. 

–  UFG (PEA or plantation) number  

–  AAC number 

–  Species 

–  Number of standing trees  

–  Felling number 

–  Number of log sections  

–  Description of forest marking hatchet  

–  Dimensions and volume of logs 

Flows: 

EN 

155 

Responsible 
supervising 
for 
reconciliation  in  SGBD  between  i) 
information 
from 
production data and ii) information 
gathered upstream in the sector. 

available 

The information to be reconciled at 
this  stage  must,  as  a  minimum, 
include: 

1. For each tree felled:  

a)  the  numbers  of  the  sections 
(secondary  logs)  in  relation  to  the 
number  of  the  primary  sawn  log 
declared on the worksite record;  

b)  the  species  of  the  sections  in 
relation 
the 
primary  sawn  log  declared  on  the 
worksite record; 

the  species  of 

to 

c)  the  cumulative  length  of  the 
sections  in  relation  to  the  total 
length of the primary sawn log; 

d)  the  diameter  of  each  section  in 
relation  to  the  diameter  of  the 
primary log; 

e) the logging data appearing on the 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company  submits  worksite  records  and  timber 
movement declarations to DGEFCP 

Company  sends  logging  data  to  CDF  to  input  into 
database. 

worksite  record  in  relation  to  the 
AAC’s validity dates.  

Verification 

Supply stage or chain 

Responsibility and activities 

Necessary data and its collection method 

Validation 

Reconciliation 

Body responsible: COMPANY 

Declaration document: 

Methodology: 

CDF: 

Activities: 

–  Depot register 

–  Sorting of sectioned logs 

–  Entry list 

–  Storage  by  species  by  contract  or 

–  Preparation record 

without contract 

–  Sawing 

–  Specifications 

PREPARATION 
AND EXPORT OF 
LOGS 

–  Calculation  of  volume  of  sections 

(diameter, length, volume) 

Data 

–  Marking and numbering of sections. 

–  PEA or plantation number  

DEIF  and  Regional  Department  for 
Water and Forests: 

Verification: 

–  DMA 

–  List of authorised species 

List of infringements, if necessary 

Responsible 
supervising 
for 
reconciliation  in  SGBD  between 
i) 
information  available  from 
timber  movement  forms  and  ii) 
information gathered upstream in 
the sector. 

The information to be reconciled 
at this stage must, as a minimum, 
include: 

Verification reports sent to DGEFC 

1. For each log:  

–  Felling number 

–  Sizes of logs 

–  Species 

responsible: 
Body 
commissioned by the administration. 

Service 

–  Number of log sections 

–  Contract number 

Joint Control Brigade (BMC): 

Label check  

List of infringements, if necessary 

Control reports sent to ICEF 

EN 

156 

a) the log number declared in the 
worksite record in relation to the 
log number declared in the entry 
list for the log depot;  

b)  the  species  of  log  declared  in 
the worksite record in relation to 
the species of log declared in the 
entry list for the log depot;  

c)  the  dimensions  of  the  log 
declared in the worksite record in 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Activities: 

–  Client name 

DGEFCP 

Placing of labels/bar codes. 

–  Label  

Verification of production data. 

Flows: 

Company sends timber movement forms to CDF 

DGEFCP issues revenue orders and sends reports 
to CDF 

BMC’s report sent to ICEF  

EN 

157 

relation  to  the  dimensions  of  the 
log  declared  in  the  entry  list  for 
the log depot. 

2. For each lorry load: 

a)  the  numbers  of  logs  declared 
on  the  inter-forest  transport  note 
in relation to the numbers of logs 
declared in the worksite records; 

b) the species of logs declared on 
the  inter-forest  transport  note  in 
relation  to  the  species  of  logs 
declared in the worksite records;  

the 

c)  the  dimensions  of  the  logs 
declared  on 
inter-forest 
transport  note  in  relation  to  the 
dimensions  of  the  logs  declared 
in the worksite records; 

d)  the  dates  of  the  inter-forest 
transport  notes  in  relation  to  the 
dates on the worksite entry list. 

3. For each monthly movement 
form: 

the  volumes  by 

species 
a) 
declared  on  the  form,  in  relation 
to  the  volumes  declared  in  the 
worksite  records  for  the  same 
period.  

4.  For  each  DGEFCP  order  to 
collect revenue: 

a)  the  amounts  due  per  species 
the  SGBD 
calculated  by 
in 
the  corresponding 
relation 

to 

EN 

 
  
amounts given on the DGEFCP’s 
revenue orders. 

EN 

158 

EN 

 
  
Supply stage or chain 

Responsibility and activities 

Necessary data and its collection method 

Validation 

Reconciliation 

Body responsible: COMPANY 

Declaration document: 

Methodology: 

CDF:  

Verification 

Activities: 

–  Sectioning. 

Stock form for the ‘sawmill/factory’ depot 

–  Measuring,  calculating  volume  of 

Data: 

sections. 

Regional  Department  for  Water  and 
Forests: 

Verification of stock lists  

–  Marking and numbering of sections. 

PREPARING FOR 
LOG (LOG SECTION) 
PROCESSING 

–  Inputting section species. 

–  Species 

–  Numbers of log sections 

–  Dimensions and volumes of log sections 

Flows: 

Preparation report sent to CDF. 

supervising 
for 
Responsible 
reconciliation in SGBD between i) 
information 
from 
processing data and ii) information 
gathered upstream in the sector.  

available 

The information to be reconciled at 
this  stage  must,  as  a  minimum, 
include: 

1. For each log:  

the  characteristics 

a) 
(number, 
species,  dimensions)  appearing  on 
the  log  depot  stock  list  in  relation 
to  the  same  characteristics  on  the 
depot entry list;  

b)  the  species  of  the  sections  in 
the 
relation 
primary  sawn  log  declared  on  the 
stock list; 

the  species  of 

to 

EN 

159 

c)  the  cumulative  length  of  the 
sections  in  relation  to  the  total 
length of the primary sawn log. 

2. By month: 

a)  Volumes  per  species  entering 
the depot in relation to volumes per 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Supply stage or chain 

Responsibility and activities 

Necessary data and its collection method 

Verification  

Validation 

Reconciliation 

PROCESSING 

species entering production. 

Body responsible: COMPANY 

Declaration document: 

Methodology: 

–  Production report: 

Activities: 

–  Factory entry form (processing plant) 

On entering the processing plant 

–  Log  consumption  sheet  for  sawing  or  other 

Inputting of sawn log/section numbers. 

processing 

–  Cut depot stock list. 

Inputting  of  volumes  of  sawn  logs/sections 
entering the factory by number and species. 

Data: 

On exiting the processing plant 

–  Numbers of log sections 

Department  for  Forest  Logging  and 
Regional 
Industry 
Department  for  Water  and  Forests: 
verification 

(DEIF) 

/ 

–  Cut timber depot stock list 

–  Specifications for export  

–  Labels  

–  Processing rate 

Measurement and calculation of volumes of 
bundles of sawn timber (or other processed 
product). 

–  Species  

–  Volume of sawn logs = volume of log sections 

BMC: Verification check  

Numbering of bundles by contract . 

–  Sawn timber yield 

–  Cut timber depot stock list 

Calculation of sawn timber yield. 

–  Bundle numbers 

–  Specifications 

LOG SECTION 
PROCESSING FOR 
EXPORT 

Body  responsible:  Service  commissioned 
by the administration. 

–  Number of bundles  

–  Labelling 

service 
commissioned by the administration: 

the 

by 

Activities:  

–  Dimensions of items and volumes of bundles 

–  Processing rate 

EN 

–  Company name  

160 

CDF: 

Responsible 
supervising 
for 
reconciliation  in  SGBD  between  i) 
information  available  from  timber 
movement  forms  and  ii)  previous 
stages upstream in the sector.  

The information to be reconciled at 
this  stage  must,  as  a  minimum, 
include: 

1. For each processed log section: 

the  characteristics 

a) 
(number, 
species,  dimensions)  of  processed 
sections 
in 
(factory  entry 
relation to the same information on 
the depot stock list; 

list) 

2.  For  each  kind  of  processed 
product, by species, monthly: 

a)  the  volumes  of  log  sections 
entering  production  in  relation  to 
the  volumes  of  processed  products 
(material yield);  

b) 

the  volumes  of  processed 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
Marking of processed products (labelling).  

–  Place of storage of stocks of processed products 

List of infringements, if necessary 

ICEF: 

Check SGBD 

Flows: 

Company  sends  sawn  timber  movement  forms  to 
DGEFCP 

BMC, DR and DEIF reports sent to ICEF.  

products by species declared on the 
sawn  timber  movement  forms  in 
relation to the stock lists. 

Supply stage or chain 

Responsibility and activities 

Necessary data and its collection method 

Verification  

Validation 

Reconciliation 

Body responsible: COMPANY 

Declaration document: 

Methodology: 

Local market production report 

Activities: 

Transport note for timber destined for the local market. 

On entering the production line: 

Data: 

Department  for  Forest  Logging 
and  Industry  (DEIF)  /  Regional 
Department 
and 
Forests: 

for  Water 

Verification of sales slips. 

Inputting of log section numbers 

–  Numbers  of  log  sections,  species  and  volume  on 

PROCESSING FOR THE 
LOCAL MARKET 

Inputting of log section volumes by species. 

entering the production line 

–  Numbers  of  bundles,  volumes  on  exiting  the 

BMC:  

production line.  

On exiting the production line:  

Flows: 

Calculation  of  volume  and  measurements 
of sawn timber bundles 

Sent by the company: 

Checks verification of sales slips. 

Checks sales invoices. 

Numbering of bundles  

–  Local market production report to DGEF 

–  Data registration and gathering forms. 

ICEF: 

EN 

161 

CDF: 

Responsible 
supervising 
for 
reconciliation  in  SGBD  between 
information  available  from  the 
sales  declarations  and 
local 
stages upstream in the sector.  

The information to be reconciled 
at this stage must, as a minimum, 
include: 

1.  For  each  type  of  processed 
product 
local 
for 
intended 
consumption, monthly: 

a)  the  volumes  of  log  sections 
entering 
in 
relation 
the  volumes  of 
products  processed  for  the  local 
market (material yields);  

local  production 
to 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Storage place on site: 

Indicate depot in Bangui or another town. 

Calculation of sawn timber yield. 

Checks SGBD. 

b)  the  volumes  declared  in  the 
local  market  production  reports 
in  relation  to  the  transport  notes 
for  timber  destined  for  the  local 
market.  

EN 

162 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
Supply stage or chain  Responsibility and activities 

Necessary data and its collection method 

Verification  

EXPORT 

Validation 

Reconciliation 

Body responsible: COMPANY 

Declaration document: 

Methodology: 

Activities: 

–  Specifications 

–  Sales invoice 

EXPORT OF LOGS, 
SAWN TIMBER AND 
OTHER PRODUCTS 

–  Preparation of product specifications. 

–  DEC 

–  Commercial export declaration (DEC). 

–  EUR 1 

–  Draw  up  consignment  note  (bearing  label 
number from the service commissioned by 
the administration)  

–  BAE (‘Good for dispatch’ stamp) 

–  Waybill 

–  Draw  up  certificate  of  origin  and 

phytosanitary certificate 

–  Prior favourable recommendation 

–  Request FLEGT licence. 

–  FLEGT licence 

Data: 

–  Species  

Body responsible:  

Service commissioned by the administration 

–  Number of log sections or bundles 

–  Volume per species for logs 

–  Registration 

Joint brigade: 

Activities: 

Place labels/bar codes 

–  Volume of product for sawing and other 

–  Checks customs documents: 

–  Numbers of labels 

–  Reconciliation of harvesting and export 

data with worksite record. 

EN 

163 

Department  for  Forest  Logging  and 
Industry (DEIF): verification 

–  Timber  movement 

forms 

already 

submitted 

–  Dispatch note for export timber 

–  Consistency  between  export  notes  and 

worksite records 

–  Verification at borders  

–  Verification of certificate of origin and 

phytosanitary certificate 

–  Physical and documentary checks  

Regional  Department  for  Water  and 
Forests and Border Inspectors:  

1. For each log:  

The  Central  Inspectorate  for 
Water and Forests - CDF:  

Responsible 
supervising 
for 
reconciliation in SGBD between 
from 
information 
timber movement forms, exports 
and  the  information  gathered  in 
previous stages of the chain.  

available 

The information to be reconciled 
at 
stage  must,  as  a 
minimum, include: 

this 

a)  the  characteristics  (number, 
species,  dimensions)  appearing 
on the specification in relation to 
the same characteristics on i) the 
depot  entry  list,  ii)  the  worksite 
records  for  the  corresponding 
period  and  iii)  the  inter-forest 
transport notes.  

2. For each load: 

a)  the  information  on  the  load 
the  Ministry  of 
available  at 
the 
relation 
in 
Finances 
information  also  available  on 
this same load at the Ministry of 

to 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
–  Name of export company 

–  Worksite  record  and  timber  movement 

Forests.  

–  Client name 

–  Client contract number 

–  Place of loading 

–  Destination 

–  Amounts taxed 

Flows: 

–  Company sends timber movement forms to DGEF 

–  DGEFCP  issues  revenue  orders  and  sends  reports 

to CDF. 

–  DEC 

declarations.  

–  Check values of volumes declared. 

ICEF: 

–  Reconciliation  of  data 

from  other 

departments  

–  Checks SGBD 

–  Confirms 

conformity 

to  FLEGT 

licensing authority. 

ICEF: 

–  Checks specifications 

–  Payment  of  taxes  related  to  export  of 

timber.  

–  Processing  of  FLEGT 

licence 

request  and 

responses 

Service 
administration:  

commissioned 

by 

the 

FLEGT licensing authority 

between 

Responsible  for  supervising  the 
reconciliation 
the 
information  declared  i)  in  the 
FLEGT licensing request, ii) the 
provisional  licence  and  iii)  the 
physical checks conducted at the 
border,  iv)  the  physical  checks 
conducted in Douala. 

–  Checks specification 

– 

Inspection:  identification  of  species, 
measuring,  determination  of  volume 
according to ATIBT standards 

–  Placing  of  two  plastic  labels  (blue  and 
red)  with  specific  company  code  for 
each log section. 

Load  check  by 
commissioned by the administration: 

the  on-site  service 

– 

Issues load check forms 

EN 

164 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
–  Hand back file to driver with the DEC, 
two  check  forms  from  the  service 
commissioned  by  the  administration, 
the specification, customs documents. 

check 

Border 
commissioned  by 
(physical and documentary check): 

service 
by 
the  administration 

the 

–  Verification  of  the  private  operator’s 

check form and specification  

–  Checks  DEC 

export 

documents, 

customs documents 

–  Removes  the  strip  from  one  of  the 

labels on the log or bundle 

–  Sends back the check form and strips to 
the  secure  revenues  structure  (BIVAC) 
at Berberati for reconciliation 

–  Records label information in a register  

–  Check  by  private  operator  at  Douala 

port: 

–  Removes strip from the 2nd label 

–  Sends back the Douala arrival report to 
the  secure  revenues  structure  (BIVAC) 
at Berberati 

–  Certificate 
(AVE). 

of 

export 

verification 

FLEGT licensing authority 

– 

Issues FLEGT licences 

EN 

165 

EN 

 
  
Supply stage or chain  Responsibility and activities 

Necessary data and its collection method 

Verification  

Validation 

Reconciliation 

IMPORT AND TRANSIT 

Body responsible: COMPANY 

Declaration document: 

–  Commercial import declaration (DIC) 

Activities: 

–  Legality compliance authorisation from country of origin 

–  Timber import request 

–  MEFCP’s authorisation to import timber for processing. 

–  Order  

– 

Invoice 

Data: 

–  Company name 

–  Nature of product 

–  Number of log sections 

IMPORT OF WOOD 
FOR PROCESSING  

–  Customs clearance 

–  Species 

–  Volumes 

–  Labels/Barcodes 

–  Log identifying number 

Flows: 

–  Company sends DIC to Ministry of Trade 

Methodology: 

Min. of Trade: 

– 

Issues DICs 

Service 
administration:  

commissioned 

by 

the 

– 

Inspects  products  to  be  imported,  in 
country of origin 

–  Checks values declared 

– 

Issues import verification certificates 

Customs: 

–  Checks customs clearance 

ICEF/ CDF: 

in 

for 

supervising 
Responsible 
reconciliation 
SGBD 
between  information  available 
from  timber  movement  forms 
and the information gathered by 
customs.  

information 

be 
The 
reconciled at this stage must, as 
a minimum, include: 

to 

– 

Issues  receipts  for  fees  and 
received 

taxes 

1. For each load: 

–  Sends  data  to  Ministry  for  Water  and 

Forests. 

FLEGT licensing authority: 

a)  the  information  provided  to 
customs at the border in relation 
to  the  information  contained  in 
the depot entry register.  

–  Min. of Trade sends copy of DIC to customs and MEFCP 

–  Checks legality of product imported. 

–  MEFCP issues authorisation to company 

MEFCP: 

– 

Issues  authorisation  to  import  timber 

EN 

166 

EN 

 
  
 
 
 
 
–  Sends to CDF 

for processing. 

–  Company sends production report to DGEFCP. 

Supply stage or 
chain 

Responsibility and activities 

Necessary data and its collection method 

Verification  

Validation 

Reconciliation 

Body responsible: CUSTOMS 

Declaration document: 

Methodology: 

CUSTOMS: 

MOVEMENT OF 
TIMBER  

AROUND  

THE CENTRAL 
AFRICAN 
REPUBLIC 

Activities: 

–  Customs 

registration 

on 

entry (D15) 

–  D15 

Data: 

–  Number  

–  Species 

– 

Inputs 
database 

into 

SYDONIA 

–  Number of logs or bundles 

–  Records exit. 

–  Gross and total weight 

–  Commercial name 

–  Price 

–  Volume 

Flows: 

Report sent to CDF on products in transit. 

Customs: 

Registration. 

Border inspection: 

Registration. 

CDF: 

in 

for  supervising 
Responsible 
reconciliation 
SGBD 
between  information  available 
on  products 
and 
leaving  the  CAR’s  territory. 
The 
be 
reconciled at this stage must, as 
a minimum, include: 

information 

entering 

to 

1. For each load: 

collected 

the  country 

on 
information 
entering 
(lorry 
registration  number,  origin  of 
timber,  species,  volume,  log 
registration 
date, 
time,  place)  in  relation  to  the 
same  information  collected  on 
leaving the country.  

numbers, 

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3.1.2 Physical tracking system and method for checking volume consistency  

A unique alphanumerical national identification system for all forestry companies, from the moment of 
harvest inventory, will be established during the Agreement implementation phase and prior to issuing 
of the first FLEGT licence by the CAR.  

The national tracking system (NTS) enables the following to be reconciled: 

•  the units (standing trees, logs, log sections, bundles of processed products) at the different 

stages in the control chain, 

•  the volumes produced by unit at the different stages in the chain (PEA, UFG, AAC, etc.).  

For processed products, a system for reconciling data on entering and exiting the production line at the 
processing  facilities  will  be  put  in  place  during  the  Agreement  implementation  phase  and  prior  to 
issuing  of  the  first  FLEGT  licence  by  the  CAR.  This  system  will  also  take  into  account  volumes 
entering and exiting the factory (including the factory log depot). The table given in 3.1.1 shows the 
points where reconciliation of volumes will take place. 

3.1.3 Method of product identification 

The current identification method is that of two-colour labels (blue and red). A bar code method will 
be  developed  in  the  context  of  Agreement  implementation,  prior  to  the  issuing  of  the  first  FLEGT 
licence by the CAR. 

3.1.4 Monitoring and approval of tasks delegated to operators 

The inspection of all wood for export is delegated to a private operator, currently BIVAC Export. The 
activities  of  this  operator  are  audited  by  the  administration.  In  the  context  of  Agreement 
implementation, it is envisaged that the contractual relationship with a private export timber inspection 
operator will be updated. 

In  the  context  of  the  legality  assurance  system,  the  company  responsible  for  inspecting  timber  for 
export  will  send  the  results  of  its  checks  to  the  ICEF,  which  will  inform  the  licensing  authority. 
Methods for passing on the information will be defined during the Agreement implementation phase 
and prior to issuing of the first FLEGT licence by the CAR. 

3.1.5 Cases of non-compliance in the supply chain 

The different non-compliances will be handled in accordance with the legal and regulatory provisions 
in force in the CAR.  

In  the  case  of  a  non-compliance  that  gives  rise  to  tax  adjustments,  these  will  be  undertaken  by  the 
finance  administration  on  the  basis  of  the  inspection  report  from  the  company  in  charge  of  export 
timber inspection or the border inspectors and decentralised departments of the forestry administration.  

In  the  context  of  issuing  FLEGT  licences,  a  procedures  manual  on  managing  non-compliances  and 
sanctions for strengthening the control system will be developed during the Agreement implementation 
period, prior to the issuing of the first FLEGT licence by the CAR.  

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3.2 - Checking supply chain requirements 

a) Inspections 

The  different  levels  of  responsibility,  the  frequency  and  methods  used  for  supply  chain  control  are 
defined in the national tracking system noted in the table, in point 3.1.1. 

Data exchange between the operators and the database management system (housed at and managed 
by the Forestry Data Centre) must be carried out in line with a frequency to be established.  

Verification  of  supply  chain  requirements  shall  be  conducted  for  every  FLEGT  licensing  request, 
taking into account the reports and records of the departments involved. 

b) Management and analysis of data verification 

Management  and  analysis  of  supply  chain  data  shall  be  done  with  the  aid  of  a  centralised  database 
management system (SGBD) within the Forestry Data Centre (CDF). This management involves: 

•  developing information management software adapted to the traceability requirements; 
•  an  Internet  connection  giving  network  access  to  all  actors  involved,  under  guaranteed 

secure conditions. 

Data management will be defined during the Agreement implementation phase and prior to issuing of 
the first FLEGT licence by the CAR. 

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4 - ISSUING FLEGT LICENCES 

The  FLEGT  licensing  authority  is  a  body  appointed  by  the  Minister  for  Forests  and  attached  to  his 
office. It is therefore a separate structure that operates independently but reports back to the Minister 
for Water and Forests. 

Issuing  of  a  FLEGT  licence  to  an  operator  wishing  to  export  their  products  is  subject  to  a  written 
application  sent  in  hard  copy  to  the  licensing  authority.  This  application  must  provide  all  the 
information  and  references  referred  to  in  Appendix  I  of  Annex  IV  of  the  Voluntary  Partnership 
Agreement. The licence will be issued in a model format to be produced and circulated by the forest 
administration  during  the  Agreement  implementation  phase  and  prior  to  issuing  of  the  first  FLEGT 
licence by the CAR. 

Once  the  licensing  authority  receives  an  application,  it  asks  the  Central  Inspectorate  for  Water  and 
Forests and the Forestry Data Centre for verification of the legality of the company and of the products 
for export via the database management system. Data is fed into the system by all of the departments 
involved and responsible for assuring and controlling all aspects related to the legality of companies 
and their operations. These departments will be supported in their work by civil society organisations, 
who  will  provide  independent  monitoring  of  the  system.  Its  proper  functioning  will  be  regularly 
evaluated by an external auditor whose functions are described in Section 5 of this document. 

On the basis of information provided by the CDF, the Central Inspectorate will respond favourably to 
the licensing authority if the company and the declared products comply with the LAS requirements. 

There  are  then  two  possibilities:  the  licence  may  be  issued  in  Bangui  or  in  Douala.  In  fact,  some 
consignments, notably cargoes of logs, are not known until the point of embarkation, that is, Douala. 
In this case, the operator does not know what the cargo is on departure from the CAR. The products 
leave  the  CAR  on  several  lorries  that  will  form  a  single  shipment  in  Douala.  The  Central  African 
Republic has designed a specific mechanism for this case. When making the application, the operator 
has to indicate whether the licence should be issued in Bangui or Douala. 

When the licence is issued in Douala 

In this case, an official document setting out the prior favourable opinion is given to the company by 
the licensing authority. This document is produced for each lorry transporting all or part of the cargoso 
that each of the lorries in question can be checked at the border. It is issued in the CAR (Bangui or 
other  places  to  be  established,  e.g.  Berberati)  by  the  licensing  authority.  A  copy  of  the  favourable 
opinion is sent to the licensing authority in Douala, which is a local office of the licensing authority. 

Once the opinion has been issued, the licensing authority retains all documents justifying the decision 
whether  or  not  to  issue  the  FLEGT  licence.  These  documents  are  filed  for  a  period  of  at  least  five 
years. 

With  the  official  document  confirming  the  favourable  opinion  issued  by  the  licensing  authority,  the 
operator can send the products in question to the port of Douala for export. The products are inspected 
once  more  at  Douala  by  the  FLEGT  licensing  authority,  which  checks  for  consistency  between  the 
favourable  opinion  received  from  the  licensing  authority  and  the  products  arriving  in  Douala.  This 
department  sends  the  results  of  its  verification  electronically  to  the  licensing  authority,  which  sends 
back its final opinion by the same means. On receipt of this opinion, and having reconciled the volume 

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prior  to  embarkation,  the  licensing  authority  issues  a  signed  authorisation.  The  following  diagram 
describes the procedure for requesting and issuing FLEGT licences. 

When the licence is issued in Bangui 

If the products leave via a port other than Douala, legality assurance is carried out (c.f. Stages 1 to 7 of 
the  diagram  below)  and  the  licence  is  issued  in  Bangui  (instead  of  Stage  8  in  the  diagram  below). 
Inspection bodies  working under the Central Inspectorate for Water and Forests will be based at the 
country’s  exit  points  in  order  to  check  the  compliance  of  the  cargo  with  the  FLEGT  licence  and  to 
report back on its compliance to the licensing authority. 

In the case of a refusal due to non-compliance with the LAS requirements, an  unfavourable opinion 
will be sent to the company within a reasonable timeframe.  

Information  on  numbers  of  licences,  by  type  and  destination  of  the  products,  will  be  published 
regularly.  This  information  will  be  made  public,  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  Annex X. 
Annex IV  describes  the  procedures  for  issuing  FLEGT  licences  and  their  technical  specifications  in 
more detail. 

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 Figure 1: Diagram showing the procedure for issuing FLEGT licences and data flows between the control and ve

departments 

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172 

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EN 

173 

EN 

 
  
 
EN 

174 

EN 

 
  
Diagram showing the procedure for issuing FLEGT licences at Douala 

Arrow No 

Description 

a, b and e 

Exchanges  of  information  and  data  between  ICEF  (CDF/SGBD)  and  the 
departments  involved  in  legality  assurance  and  traceability  and  forestry 
companies. 

Place 

Bangui and provinces 

c and d 

Exchanges  of  information  between  ICEF  and  CDF:  ICEF  sends  the  data 
available  to  it;  CDF  feeds  and  manages  the  SGBD  and  sends  the  contents  to 
ICEF for each FLEGT licence application. 

Bangui  

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

Based on the specification, the company sends an application for a commercial 
export declaration (DEC) to the body in charge of tax assessment (BIVAC).  

Bangui 

DEC issued to forestry company, DEC validated by Ministry of Trade. 

Customs declaration by the company. 

Customs  clearance  receipt  issued  (exit  fee  +  min.  fixed  tax  +  fee  for  finance 
computer tools) by customs. 

Bangui 

Bangui 

Bangui 

FLEGT licence application made by logging company using the form. 

Bangui 

The FLEGT licensing authority asks ICEF for verification of cargo compliance.  Bangui 

ICEF recommendation to FLEGT licensing authority. 

Bangui 

Notification of favourable opinion to company. 

Bangui or other 
(Berberati, at the border)  

Favourable opinion sent to the Douala department of the licensing authority. 

Bangui to Douala 

Licensing  department  in  Douala  sends  the  results  of  the  physical  and 
documentary verification to the licensing authority. 

Douala to Bangui 

Order to issue FLEGT licence given to licensing department in Douala.  

Bangui to Douala 

FLEGT licence issued by the licensing department (Douala branch). 

Douala 

Licensing department sends copies of licence to the licensing authority. 

Douala to Bangui 

Licensing authority sends copy of licence to ICEF for filing. 

Bangui 

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5- INDEPENDENT AUDIT OF LEGALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM 

The aim of the Independent System Audit (ISA) is to assure all stakeholders of the reliability 
and credibility of the FLEGT licences issued in the CAR. 

The functions of the independent audit are to: 

(1) 

regularly  assess  the  implementation  of  all  aspects  of  the  legality  assurance 
system (LAS), in particular:  

•  adherence to the principles and criteria of the legality matrix; 
•  the effectiveness of supply chain verification; 
•  the effectiveness of verifications and verification checks; 
•  the reliability of the system for issuing FLEGT licences  
•  the  complaints  management  mechanism  (registration  of  stakeholders’  grievances 

concerning: (i) LAS implementation and (ii) independent audit activities); 

•  the synergy between all elements of the LAS; 
•  the  synergy  between  all  actors  concerned  and  involved  in  the  process 

(communication flows, filing, procedures, etc.); 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

assess the adequacy of the data management systems supporting the LAS; 

identify weaknesses and failings in the system (proposing corrective action is 
the responsibility of the Joint Committee); 

verify,  where  appropriate,  the  implementation  of  any  corrective  action 
decided  by  the  Joint  Committee  following  identification  of  weaknesses  and 
failings, and assess their effectiveness;  

verify  the  use  of  FLEGT  licences  when  timber  products  coming  from  the 
Central  African  Republic  are  released  for  free  circulation  within  the 
European Union;  

(6) 

draft and submit a report to the Joint Committee following each audit.  

Annex VI to this Agreement describes the independent auditor’s terms of reference. 

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TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE INDEPENDENT SYSTEM AUDIT (ISA) 

ANNEX VI 

I. - BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION 

The  aim  of  the  Independent  Legality  Assurance  System  Audit  (ISA)  is  to  provide  an 
assurance  to  all  stakeholders  with  regard  to  the  reliability  and  credibility  of  the  FLEGT 
licences issued in the Central African Republic.  

II. - MISSIONS 

The ISA has the following general tasks: 

(1) 

to  regularly  assess  the  good  implementation  of  all  aspects  of  the  legality 
assurance system (LAS), in particular:  

•  respect for the principles and criteria of the legality matrix; 
•  the effectiveness of supply chain verification; 
•  the effectiveness of verifications and verification checks; 
•  the reliability of the system for issuing FLEGT licences;  
•  the  complaints  management  mechanism  (registration  of  stakeholders’  grievances 

concerning i) LAS implementation and ii) independent audit activities); 

•  the synergy between all elements of the LAS; 
•  the  synergy  between  all  actors  concerned  and  involved  in  the  process 

(communication flows, filing, procedures, etc.); 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

to assess the adequacy of the data management systems supporting the LAS; 

to  identify  weaknesses  and  failings  in  the  system  (proposing  corrective 
actions is the responsibility of the Joint Committee); 

to  verify,  where  appropriate,  the  implementation  of  the  corrective  actions 
decided by the Joint Committee following identified weaknesses and failings, 
and assess their effectiveness;  

to verify the use of FLEGT licences when timber products coming from the 
Central  African  Republic  are  released  for  free  circulation  within  the 
European Union;  

(6) 

to draft and submit a report to the Joint Committee following each audit. 

III. - REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS  

The  ISA  shall  be  a  body  independent  of  the  CAR’s  administration,  the  Central  African 
Republic’s private sector, local NGOs and the European Union. 

It  may  be  a  research  department,  a  consortium  of  research  departments,  a  practice  or 
organisation internationally renowned for its experience and credibility in audit missions. 

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The structure must comprise a multidisciplinary team of experts specialising in audit and with 
a good knowledge of the way in which forest operations are undertaken, logging companies, 
and the procedures for exporting timber from countries of the Central African sub-region. The 
structure must also have an efficient internal control system in place. 

Commercial service providers under contract to the CAR government for the supply of other 
management and forest resource control services or any activity that will, or is likely to, create 
a conflict of interests for the provider are not admissible for audit activities.  

The ISA recruitment criteria are the following: 

–  proven expertise in the forest sector in the Central African sub-region; 
–  good knowledge of forest, fiscal, environmental, social and commercial legislation in the 
countries of the Central African sub-region. A knowledge of forest legislation in the CAR 
would be an asset; 

–  at  least  ten  (10)  years’  experience  in  evaluating  forest  management  and  verifying  the 

control chain in countries of the Central African sub-region;  

–  the capacity to produce audit reports in accordance with international standards; 
–  independence and credibility. 

IV. - METHODOLOGY  

The  ISA  shall  cover  the  whole  process  leading  up  to  the  issuing  of  a  FLEGT  licence, 
according to a procedures manual to be developed and submitted to the Joint Committee for 
approval within three (3) months of its recruitment.  

The ISA methodology must cover all the points given in Section II relating to missions. 

The  ISA  must  work  according  to  a  documented  evidence-based  procedure.  For  this,  all 
documents  required  for  issuing  a  FLEGT  licence  must  be  verified  on  the  basis  of  multiple 
cross-referenced sources, where possible on the basis of samples and field-based verification 
activities in order to complete and cross-check the information coming from the documentary 
checks. The ISA may undertake investigations into complaints or observations received by the 
Joint Implementation Committee. 

At the start of Agreement implementation, the frequency of ISA interventions will be three (3) 
times a year in the first year, twice (2) a year in the second and third years, then once a year 
from the fourth year onwards. The ISA may undertake additional audits at the request of the 
Joint Committee.  

A detailed schedule approved by the Joint Committee, to include mission dates and dates for 
the submission of the corresponding reports, shall be supplied to the ISA prior to the start of 
its mandate.  

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V. - SOURCES OF INFORMATION 

The ISA will need free access to all information and sources it judges relevant. The Parties 
shall facilitate this access to information. 

The  main  sources  of  the  ISA’s  information  with  regard  to  actors  involved  in  the  FLEGT 
licensing scheme are as follows: 

–  the licensing authority (Ministry for Water and Forests); 
–  the  Central  Inspectorate  for  Water  and  Forests,  where  the  final  checks  are  made 

prior to issuing the FLEGT licence; 

–  the  Forestry  Data  Centre,  where  the  FLEGT  licences  and  export  data  for  each 

logging company are filed; 

–  the secure export revenues company (currently BIVAC); 
–  the  administrative  structures  involved  in  verifying  respect  for  the  legality 

indicators:  

•  Ministry for Water and Forests; 
•  Ministry of Commerce; 
•  Ministry of Finances; 
•  Ministry of Public Service, Social Security and Labour 
•  Ministry of Justice; 
•  Ministry of the Environment and Ecology; 
•  Ministry of Public Health; 
•  Ministry of Agriculture; 
•  Ministry of Transport; 
–  logging  companies,  beneficiaries  of  artisanal  permits,  community  forests  under 

logging and operators or owners of forestry plantations; 

–  all departments involved in the different checks: the General Directorate for Water 
and Forests, the Department for Forest Logging and Industry, the Department for 
Forest  Inventory  and  Land-use,  the  Regional  Department  for  Water  and  Forests, 
the Mobile Intervention and Verification Brigade, the Central African Republic’s 
customs  departments,  the  tax  departments,  the  Department  for  the  Living 
the 
Environment  and  Environmental  Planning  within 
Environment, the Labour Inspectorate, the phytosanitary departments, the Central 
African  Road  Haulage  Office  (BARC),  the  Ministry  of  Trade  departments,  the 
Ministry of Justice departments; 

the  Ministry  of 

–  the competent authorities of the European Union; 
–  the Société d’exploitation des parcs à bois du Cameroun / SEPBC (Douala); 
–  members of civil society (NGOs); 
–  the people living near the PEAs and other logging permits; 
–  development or support project staff involved in forestry development; 
–  all other sources judged relevant. 

Complaints  from  stakeholders  in  the  scheme for  issuing  FLEGT  licences  can  be  sent  to  the 
Joint Committee. This committee may make them available to the ISA. These complaints may 
thus also be a source of ISA information.  

Access  to  information  shall  initially  be  obtained  by  means  of  control  reports,  infringement 
reports resulting from controls, and verification reports on respect for legality indicators that 
shall be provided to the ISA. 

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The  ISA  shall  travel  to  the  field,  at  its  convenience,  to  obtain  all  information  it  judges 
relevant. 

The ISA must also consult the main databases such as those of the CDF, and Central African 
Republic’s customs authority. 

VI. - REPORTS 

ISA reports shall contain all relevant information that drew the attention of the auditors.  

A  framework  for  audit  reports  shall  be  provided  by  the  ISA  in  the  context  of  procedures 
documented and approved by the Joint Committee.  

After each audit, the ISA shall produce, within three (3) weeks, a provisional report in French 
in eight (8) copies: four (4) copies are to be sent to the Ministry responsible for forests, and 
four (4) to the European party, in addition to the electronic copy sent to both Parties.  

The  report  must  present  an  analysis  of  all  the  system’s  elements,  verifying  that  all 
requirements relating to the legality assurance system are observed by all system components. 

Comments  from  both  Parties  with  regard  to  the  provisional  report,  including  complaints 
relating to the way in which the auditor is fulfilling its mission, shall be analysed by the Joint 
Committee and then sent to the ISA to produce the final report. The final report shall contain 
a response from the ISA to the comments made by the Joint Committee.  

The ISA shall systematically produce a summary report to be made public. This report shall 
summarise the final report and cover the main results, weaknesses and failings identified, and 
the concerns of the stakeholders. 

As appropriate, at the request of the Joint Committee, the ISA shall also produce a specific 
additional  report  when  serious  infringements,  or  serious  weaknesses  in  the  LAS,  are 
identified. 

VII. - RECRUITMENT PROCEDURES AND INSTITUTIONAL SET-UP 

The  ISA  shall  be  recruited  via  a  competitive  procedure  from  amongst  national  and/or 
international candidates following a call for tenders by the Ministry of Forests for a three-year 
(3-year)  period,  renewable  once  only,  and  subject  to  the  formal  approval  of  the  Joint 
Committee. 

The  call  for  tenders  shall  be  published  in  national  and  international  publications  and  on 
Internet sites. 

The  service  provision  agreement  signed  between  the  ISA  and  the  Minister  for  Forests  shall 
include: 

For the government:  

–  non-interference in ISA activities; 
–  access to public and private information related to the legality assurance system, 

in accordance with national legislation; 

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–  access  to  the  forest  domain  and  timber  transport,  storage,  processing  and  export 

facilities necessary for the legality assurance system; 

–  payment of invoices corresponding to the ISA’s services to be made whatever the 

conclusions of the audit.  

The  CAR  government  shall  administratively  facilitate  the  ISA’s  movements  around  the 
CAR’s territory and ensure its safe conduct during trips within the national territory. 

For the provider: 

–  a quality service provision in accordance with the terms of reference; 
–  guarantees  relating  to  the  protection  and  use  of  confidential  information  of  a 

commercial nature. 

The activities to be undertaken by the ISA shall also be specified in this contract, along with 
payment methods and the respective responsibilities of the signatories to the contract. 

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ANNEX VII  

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

FOR THE OPERATIONAL LEGALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM IN THE CENTRAL 
AFRICAN REPUBLIC 

The Voluntary Partnership Agreement (APV-FLEGT) between the European Union (EU) and 
the  Central  African  Republic  (CAR)  provides  for  the  development  and  implementation  of  a 
Legality Assurance System (LAS) to ensure that all timber and derived products specified in 
the Agreement and exported from the CAR to the EU have been legally produced. The LAS 
must  comprise  the  following  elements:  a  definition  of  legally  produced  timber  that  states 
the  laws  and  texts  that  must  be  complied  with  for  a  licence  to  be  issued;  supply  chain 
controls  to  track  timber  from  the  forest  to  the  point  of  export;  verification  of  compliance 
with  all  elements  of  the  legality  definition  and  control  of  the  supply  chain;  licensing 
procedures and issuing of FLEGT licences; and finally, independent auditing to ensure that 
the system is working as planned. 

European expectations with regard to the LAS are given in a series of briefing notes prepared 
by a group of experts from the European Commission (EC)19. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 

The LAS will be subject to an independent technical evaluation before the licensing scheme 
becomes  fully  operational.  The  Terms  of  Reference  will  be  jointly  agreed  between  the 
interested Parties and the Joint Implementation Committee. These assessment criteria describe 
what the LAS is expected to produce and will provide the basis for the Terms of Reference for 
the evaluation. The evaluation will aim to:  

(1) 

review  the  system  description  with  special  focus  on  any  revisions  made  after 
the FLEGT-VPA was signed; and  

(ii) 

examine the functioning of the system in practice. 

19 

http://ec.europa.eu/development/policies/9interventionareas/environment/forest/forestry_intro_en.cfm  

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PART I. LEGALITY DEFINITION 

Legally  produced  timber  needs  to  be  defined  on  the  basis  of  the  existing  laws  and 
regulations  of  the  CAR.  The  definition  used  must  be  unambiguous,  objectively  verifiable 
and operationally workable. 

In  addition,  it  must,  as  a  minimum,  include  the  laws  which  cover  the  following  thematic 
areas: 

Harvesting  rights:  granting  of  legal  rights  to  harvest  the  timber  within  legally  gazetted 
boundaries.  

Forestry  operations:  compliance  with  legal  requirements  regarding  forest  management, 
including compliance with relevant environmental and employment legislation.  

Fees  and  taxes:  compliance  with  legal  requirements  concerning  taxes  and  fees  directly 
related to timber harvesting and harvesting rights. 

Other users: respect for  other  parties’ legal tenure or rights of use  over  land  and resources 
that may be affected by timber harvesting rights, where such other rights exist.  

Trade and customs: compliance with legal requirements for trade and customs procedures.  

a)  Are references to the legislative or regulatory texts that underpin each element 

of the definition clearly identified? 

b)  Are  criteria  and  indicators  that  can  be  used  to  test  compliance  with  each 

element or principle of the definition specified? 

c)  Are the criteria/indicators clear, objective and operationally workable? 

d)  Do  the  indicators  and  criteria  clearly  identify  the  roles  and  responsibilities  of 
the various actors and does verification assess the actions of all relevant actors?  

e)  Does  the  legality  definition  include  the  main  areas  of  existing  law  outlined 

above? If not, why were certain areas of law left out of the definition? 

f) 

Did the parties concerned consider all the main areas of applicable law in the 
country (including or not the thematic areas presented above)?  

g)  Does  the  legality  assurance  system  incorporate  the  main  legal  provisions 
identified during prior discussions between the various stakeholders involved, 
in particular those noted in the annex on additional measures? 

h)  Have the legality definition and the legality enforcement matrix been amended 
since  the  FLEGT-VPA  was  concluded?  Have  indicators  and  criteria  been 
defined to ensure verification of these changes? 

PART 2: CONTROL OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN 

Systems to control the supply chain  must  provide credible assurance that timber products 
can be traced  throughout the  supply  chain from harvesting or point of import to point of 
export. It will not always be necessary to maintain physical traceability for a log, log load or 

EN 

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timber product from the point of export back to the forest of origin, but it is always needed 
between  the  forest  and  the  first  point  of  mixing  (e.g.  a  timber  terminal  or  a  processing 
facility). 

2.1 

Use rights: there is clear delineation of areas where forest resource rights have been 
allocated and the holders of those rights have been identified. 

a)  Does the control system ensure that only timber originating from a forest area 

with valid and permissible use rights enters the supply chain? 

b)  Does  the  control  system  ensure  that  companies  carrying  out  harvesting 
operations  have  been  issued  with  appropriate  use  rights  for  the  forest  areas 
concerned? 

c)  Are the procedures for issuing use rights and information on issued use rights 

and their holders available in the public domain? 

2.2 

Systems for supply chain control: there are effective mechanisms for tracing timber 
throughout the supply chain from point of harvest to point of export. 

The approach for identifying timber may vary, ranging from the use of labels for individual 
items  to  reliance  on  documentation  accompanying  a  load  or  batch.  The  selected  method 
should  reflect  the  type  and  value  of  timber  and  the  risk  of  contamination  with  illegal  or 
unverified timber. 

a)  Are  all  the  supply  chain  alternatives  identified  and  described  in  the  control 

system? 

b)  Are  all  stages  in  the  supply  chain  identified  and  described  in  the  control 

system? 

c)  Are methods  defined  and documented to (a) identify the product’s origin and 
(b) prevent mixing with timber from unknown sources in the subsequent stages 
of the supply chain? 

timber in the forest, 
transport, 
interim storage, 

• 
• 
• 
•  arrival at the primary processing facility, 
•  processing facilities, 
• 
interim storage, 
• 
transport, 
•  arrival at point of export. 

d)  Which organisations are responsible for monitoring the timber flows? Do they 
have adequate human and other resources to carry out the control activities? 

EN 

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   EN 

 
2.3 

Quantities: there are robust and effective mechanisms for measuring and recording 
the  quantities  of  timber  or  timber  products  at  each  stage  of  the  supply  chain, 
including  reliable  and  accurate  pre-harvest  estimates  of  the  volume  of  standing 
timber in each cutting area. 

Does  the  control  system  produce  quantitative  data  on  inputs  and  outputs  at  the  following 
stages of the supply chain? 

•  standing timber, 
•  logs in the forest, 
•  transported and stored timber, 
•  arrival at the factory, 
•  between production lines/processing facilities, 
•  exit from production lines/processing facilities,  
•  exit from factory, 
•  arrival at point of export. 

a)  Which  organisations  are  responsible  for  feeding  the  quantitative  data  into  the 
control system and are the corresponding procedures documented? What is the 
relevance of the data that is checked?  

b)  Does the control system enable quantitative data to be recorded and reconciled 

quickly with prior and subsequent stages in the supply chain?  

c)  Are the staff in charge of control system management adequately trained? 

d)  What information is made publicly available on supply chain control? How can 

interested parties access this information? 

2.4 

Mixing legally verified timber with other approved timber: if mixing of logs or 
timber from verified legal sources with logs or timber from other sources is allowed, 
there  are  sufficient  controls  in  place  to  exclude  timber  from  unknown  sources  or 
timber which was harvested without legal harvesting rights. 

a)  Does the control system allow verified timber to be mixed with other approved 
timber (e.g. with imported timber or timber originating from a forest area with 
clear legal harvesting rights but still not covered by the full verification process 
as described in this Agreement)?  

b)  What  control  measures  are  applied  in  these  cases?  For  example,  do  controls 
ensure that verified declared output does not exceed total verified input at each 
stage? 

c)  Does the control system enable watertight segregation of verified timber from 
other timber of illegal origin or timber harvested without legal logging rights?  

2.5 

Imported  timber  products:  there  are  adequate  controls  to  ensure  that  imported 
timber and derived products have been legally imported. 

a)  How  is  the  legality  of  imports  of  timber  and  derived  products  demonstrated 

(does the system ensure that the timber was legally imported)? 

EN 

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b)  How  is  the  traceability  of  timber  and  derived  products  ensured?  Are  these 
timber and derived products identified throughout the whole supply chain? 

c)  What  evidence  is  required  to  demonstrate  that  imported  products  originate 

from trees harvested legally in a third country?  

d)  Where imported timber is used, can the country of origin be identified on the 

FLEGT licence, including that of components in composite products? 

PART 3: VERIFICATION 

Verification  provides  adequate  checks  to  ensure  the  legality  of  timber.  It  must  be 
sufficiently  robust  and  effective  to  ensure  that  any  non-compliance  with  requirements, 
either in the forest or within the supply chain, is identified and corrective action taken in 
good time.  

3.1. Organisation  

Verification is carried out by a government, a third-party organisation or some combination of 
these. This body will have adequate resources, management systems and skilled and trained 
personnel, as well as robust and effective mechanisms to monitor conflicts of interest. 

a)  Has  the  government  appointed  a  body  or  bodies  to  undertake  the  verification 
tasks?  Is  the  mandate  (including  associated  responsibilities)  clear  and  in  the 
public domain? 

b)  Does  the  verification  body  have  adequate  resources  to  verify  the  legality 

definition and systems for monitoring the timber supply chain? 

c)  Does the verification body have a fully documented management system that: 

•  has sufficient resources to undertake on-site checks as often as required to ensure 

the credibility of the system? 

•  ensures  that  its  staff  have  the  necessary  skills  and  experience  to  implement 

effective verification? 

•  applies internal control/supervision? 
•  includes mechanisms to monitor conflicts of interest? 
•  ensures the transparency of the system? 
•  defines and applies verification methodology? 

3.2. Verification against the legality definition 

There is a clear definition setting out what has to be verified. The verification methodology is 
documented  and  ensures  that  the  process  is  systematic,  transparent,  evidence-based,  carried 
out at regular intervals and covers everything included within the definition. 

a)  Does the verification methodology cover all elements of the legality definition 

and include tests of compliance with all specified indicators? 

b)  Does verification require: 

EN 

186 

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•  checks  of  documentation,  operating  records  and  field  operations  (including  spot 

checks)? 

•  collection of information from external interested parties? 
•  recording  of  verification  activities  that  allows  checking  by  internal  auditors  and 

the independent auditor? 

c)  Are institutional roles and responsibilities clearly defined and applied? 

d) 

are  the  results  of  verification  against  the  legality  definition  made  publicly 
available? How can interested parties access this information? 

3.3 Verification of supply chain control systems 

There is a clear scope setting out what has to be verified, which covers the entire supply chain 
from harvesting to export. The verification methodology is documented and ensures that the 
process is systematic, transparent, evidence-based, carried out at regular intervals and covers 
everything included within the scope, and includes regular and timely reconciliation of data 
between each stage in the chain. 

a)  Are institutional roles and responsibilities clearly defined and applied? 

b)  Does  the  verification  methodology  fully  cover  checks  on  supply  chain 

controls? Is this clearly spelt out in the verification methodology? 

c) 

Is  there  a  clear  distinction  in  the  legality  assurance  system  between  products 
coming  from  sources  (forest  concessions)  included  in  the  legality  definition 
and those coming from sources not included?  

d)  What  evidence  is  there  to  demonstrate  enforcement  of  supply  chain  control 

verification?  

e)  Data reconciliation: 

Which organisation is responsible for data reconciliation? Does it have adequate human and 
other resources to carry out the data management activities?  
Are  there  methods  to  assess  consistency  between  standing  timber  and  timber  entering  the 
factory, and then at export point? 
Are  there  methods  to  assess  consistency  between  inputs  of  raw  materials  and  outputs  of 
processed products at sawmills and other plants?  
Is  reliable  reconciliation  by  individual  item  or  by  batch  of  timber  products  possible 
throughout the supply chain?  
What information systems and technologies are applied for data recording and for data storage 
and reconciliation? Are there robust systems in place for making the data secure? 

Are  the  verification  results  on  supply  chain  control  made  publicly  available?  How  can 
interested parties access this information? 

3.4. Non-compliance  

There  is  an  effective  and  functioning  mechanism  for  requiring  and  enforcing  appropriate 
corrective action when infringements are identified. 

a)  Does the verification system define the above requirement? 

EN 

187 

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b) 

Is  there  available  documentation  specifying  the  methods  for  handling 
non-compliances? 

c)  Have  mechanisms  been  developed  for  handling  non-compliances?  Are  these 

applied in practice? 

d)  Are  there  adequate  records  available  on  the  infringements  identified  and 
corrective actions taken? Is the effectiveness of corrective actions evaluated? Is 
monitoring of corrective actions provided? 

e)  What information on identified infringements goes into the public domain? 

PART 4: AUTHORISATION 

Each  shipment  is  accompanied  by  a  FLEGT  licence.  The  CAR  is  responsible  for  issuing 
licences.  

4.1. Organisation 

a)  What body is assigned responsibility for issuing FLEGT licences? 

b)  Are  the  roles  of  the  licensing  authority  and  its  personnel  clearly  defined  and 

publicly available? 

c)  Are  the  required  skills  defined  and  internal  controls  established  for  the 

licensing authority staff? 

d)  Does the licensing authority have adequate resources to carry out its task?  

4.2 Issuing licences 

a)  Does the licensing authority have documented procedures for issuing licences? 

Are these publicly available, including any fees payable?  

b) 

Is  there  documented  proof  that  these  procedures  are  properly  applied  in 
practice? 

c)  Are  there  adequate  records  available  on  licences  issued  and  refused?  Do  the 
records clearly show the evidence on which the issuing of licences is based? 

4.3. Licences issued 

a) 

Is the licensing based on individual shipments?  

b)  Has the legality of an export shipment been demonstrated through government 

verification and traceability systems? 

c)  Are the requirements for issuing licences clearly specified and available to the 

exporter and other parties concerned?  

d)  What information on issued licences goes into the public domain? 

EN 

188 

   EN 

 
PART 5: INDEPENDENT SYSTEM AUDIT 

The Independent System Audit (ISA) is a function that is independent of the CAR’s forest 
sector  regulatory  bodies.  It  aims  to  provide  credibility  to  the  FLEGT  licensing  scheme  by 
checking that all aspects of the CAR’s LAS are operating as intended.  

5.1. Institutional arrangements 

5.1.1  Designation of the authority  

The CAR has formally authorised the ISA function and allows it to operate in an effective and 
transparent way. 

5.1.2 

Independence from other elements of the LAS 

There  is  a  clear  separation  between  organisations  and  individuals  that  are  involved  in 
management or regulation of the forest resource and those involved in the independent audit. 

a)  Does  the  government  have  documented  independence  requirements  for  the 

ISA?  

b)  Do provisions state that organisations or individuals with a commercial interest 
or an institutional role in the CAR’s forest sector are not eligible to perform the 
role of ISA? 

5.1.3  Appointment of the independent auditor 

The independent auditor is appointed through a transparent mechanism and there are clear and 
publicly available rules regarding its actions. 

a)  Has the government made the Terms of Reference for the independent auditor 

publicly available? 

b)  Has the government documented the procedures for appointing the independent 

auditor and made them publicly available? 

5.1.4  Establishing a complaints mechanism  

There  is  a  mechanism  for  handling  complaints  and  disputes  arising  from  the  independent 
audit. This mechanism makes it possible to deal with any complaint relating to the operation 
of the licensing scheme. 

a) 

b) 

Is  there  a  documented  complaints  mechanism  in  place  that  is  available  to  all 
interested parties? 

Is it clear how complaints are received, documented, referred to a higher level 
(where necessary) and responded to? 

EN 

189 

   EN 

 
5.2 The independent auditor 

5.2.1  Organisational and technical requirements  

The  independent  auditor  is  independent  of  the  other  components  of  the  Legality  Assurance 
System  and  operates  in  accordance  with  a  documented  management  structure,  policies  and 
procedures that meet internationally accepted best practice. 

a)  Does  the  independent  auditor  operate  in  accordance  with  a  documented 
management  system  that  meets  the  requirements  of  ISO  Guides  62,  65  or 
similar standards? 

5.2.2  Audit methodology  

The methodology of the independent audit is evidence-based and verifications are carried out 
at specific and frequent intervals. 

a)  Does the methodology specify that all findings are based on objective evidence 

concerning the functioning of the LAS? 

b)  Does  the  methodology  specify  the  maximum  intervals  at  which  each  element 

of the LAS will be verified? 

5.2.3 

Scope of the audit  

The independent auditor operates according to Terms of Reference that clearly specify what 
has to be audited and that cover all agreed requirements for the issuing of FLEGT licences. 

a)  Does the methodology of the independent audit cover all elements of the LAS 

and specify the main tests of effectiveness? 

5.2.4  Reporting requirements  

The independent auditor sends regular reports on LAS integrity to the Joint Implementation 
Committee, including failings and an assessment of the corrective measures taken. 

a)  Do  the  independent  auditor’s  Terms  of  Reference  specify  the  reporting 

requirements and reporting intervals? 

EN 

190 

   EN 

 
INDICATIVE SCHEDULE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGREEMENT 

ANNEX VIII  

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014-2017 

1st Q 

2nd 
Q 

3rd Q 

4th Q 

ACTIVITIES 

SECONDARY 
ACTIVITIES 

PREPARATORY PHASE 

OPERATIONAL 
PHASE 

I. AWARENESS 
RAISING AND 
GENERAL 
INFORMATION 

1-  Produce  and  evaluate  a 
communications plan 

2- 
Implement 
communications plan 

the 

3-  Develop  and  update  the 
website 

described 

1- 
Transpose/officially 
recognise  the  responsibilities 
(as 
this 
Agreement)  of  the  different 
verification  and  verification 
control  structures  and  update 
the MEFCP’s organic text 

in 

II. INSTITUTIONAL 
FRAMEWORK 

2-  Establish  and  run  the  joint 
consultation mechanism 

3- 
Establish 
Implementation 
Monitoring Committee 

the 

Joint 
and 

run 

4-  Establish  and 
National 
Implementation 
Monitoring Committee 

the 
Agreement 
and 

5-  Establish  a  Permanent 
Technical Secretariat (STP) 

III. CAPACITY 
BUILDING 

1- Train the actors in relation 
to elements of the VPA 

2-  Produce  a  training  and 
capacity building plan for the 
different 
and 
verification control structures, 
along  with  civil  society  and 
the private sector 

verification 

3-  Implement 
plan 

the 

training 

4-  Establish  equipment  and 
logistical needs 

5-  Acquire  equipment  and 
logistical tools 

6-  Make  offices  available 
(STP,  ICEF,  BMIV,  CDF, 
licensing authority) 

EN 

191 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7-  Establish 
the  Customs 
Conciliation  and  Expertise 
Commission 
and 
train staff 

(CCED) 

Develop 
to 

regulations 
1- 
legality 
according 
definition  in  Annex  II  of  the 
Agreement  

the 

2- 
the 
Improve 
framework  relating 
domestic timber market 

to 

legal 
the 

IV. REFORM OF THE 
LEGAL 
FRAMEWORK 

the 

Improve 

3- 
legal 
framework  relating  to  forests 
(community,  communal  and 
private 
and 
plantations 

forests) 

4-  Procedure  for  ratifying  the 
Agreement 

5-  Produce  a  non-compliance 
management manual 

6-  Develop  legal  measures  to 
improve  governance  (organic 
text,  monitoring,  national 
tracking system, etc.) 

Finalise 

procedures 
1- 
relating to the NTS (methods, 
controls,  verifications,  etc.), 
including TEREA mission. 

2-  Implement 
national 
(NTS) 

the  planned 
system 

tracking 

3- Establish links between the 
the  main 
of 
databases 
structures involved 

4-  Design 
then  establish 
database  links  with  CEMAC 
countries 

V. ESTABLISHING 
THE NATIONAL 
TRACKING SYSTEM 
(NTS) 

5-  Acquire  materials  and 
equipment 
(identifiers, 
identifier readers, computers) 

6-  Roll  out  the  system  at 
national  level:  establish  and 
equip  checkpoints  along  the 
supply 
including 
border  posts  (infrastructure, 
links, 
computers, 
etc.) 

Internet 

chains, 

7-  Strengthen  the  capacity  of 
the  actors  (MEFCP  and  other 
departments  involved,  private 
sector and civil society) 

8- Train staff involved (ICEF, 
CDF,  BMIV 
other 
ministries), private sector and 
civil society 

and 

EN 

192 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
appropriate, 
1-  Where 
legality  matrices 
produce 
relating  to  artisanal  permits 
and  community  forests, 
to 
include field tests 

2-  Each  body  responsible  for 
(public 
verification 
to 
administration) 
its 
develop/strengthen 
verification  procedures, 
in 
cooperation with ICEF 

protocols 

information 
3-  Develop 
exchange 
on 
legality  assurance  between 
the  public  administration  and 
ICEF. 

Develop 

4- 
operational 
procedures  for  running  the 
SGBD 

5- Pilot test FLEGT licensing 
scheme  and  put 
required 
actions in place 

VI. ESTABLISHING 
THE SCHEME FOR 
LEGALITY 
ASSURANCE 

the 

6-  Company  preparation  test 
in 
for 
verifying  and  issuing  FLEGT 
licences 

procedures 

7-  Training  (particularly  for 
and 
BMIV 
awareness 
the 
procedures  for  verifying  the 
legality of the logging entity 

members) 
raising  on 

8  -  Operational  evaluation  of 
the legality assurance system, 
in accordance with Article 12 
of the Agreement 

9- LAS up and running 

1-  Establish 
authority 

the 

licensing 

VII. SYSTEM FOR 
ISSUING LICENCES 

VIII. INDEPENDENT 
SYSTEM AUDITS 

2-  Raise  awareness  of  the 
detailed 
for 
issuing 
licences 
within the private sector 

procedures 

FLEGT 

3- Establish contacts with the 
competent 
European 
authorities 

4- Issue FLEGT licences 

1-  Recruit  the  independent 
auditor and develop a detailed 
(from  March 
methodology 
2013) 

2- First audit, then successive 
audits 

IX. PRODUCT 
PROMOTION 

1-  Produce  a  promotional 
plan, including a study of the 

EN 

193 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STRATEGY 

current markets 

2-  Position  and  promote 
FLEGT 
coming 
products 
from the CAR on the targeted 
markets 

1-  Define  and  monitor  social 
indicators 

2-  Establish  a  system  for 
monitoring confiscated timber 

X. MONITORING THE 
IMPACTS OF THE 
VPA 

3-  Establish  a  system  for 
monitoring 
socio-economic 
and environmental impacts 

4- Assess the socio-economic 
impact  midway  through  VPA 
implementation 

5-  Monitor  and  assess  forest 
sector revenues 

1-  Develop  a 
strategy 

fundraising 

XI. SEEKING 
ADDITIONAL 
FINANCING 

EN 

194 

   EN 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ANNEX IX  

AGREEMENT IMPLEMENTATION  

SUPPORTING MEASURES 

I. LEGAL AND REGULATORY TEXTS  

I.1 Laws relating to the definition of legal timber 

Bearing in mind the definition of legally produced timber given in Annex II, some legal and 
regulatory references will need to be completed/revised before the FLEGT licensing scheme 
comes into full operation. Of these texts, the following can be mentioned: 

a)  Ministry for Water and Forests: 

–  Volume 3 of the forest land-use/management standards; 
–  Revision of the law on the PEA award committee, involving civil society; 
–  Laws regulating plantation forests (terms and conditions relating to plantations of 
than  50  hectares;  definition  of  contractual  relations  between  an 

more 
individual/community and a logging company; other relevant areas); 

–  Law regulating licensing authority information on certain aspects of forestry and 

environmental management; 

–  Non-compliance management manual; 
–  Law regulating the use of non-compliant timber. 

b)  Ministry of the Environment and Ecology: 

–  Implementing regulations for the Environment Code; 
–  Laws on measuring environmental impact. 

c)  Ministry of Agriculture: 

–  Updated Law on compensation for crops; 
–  Rural code (use rights, land law). 

d)  Ministry of Transport: 

–  Law governing the transportation of timber. 

e)  Ministry for Trade and Industry: 

–  Law on registering companies with the local chambers. 

f)  Ministry of Finances and Budgets: 

–  Law on imported timber and timber in transit.  

g)  Ministry of the Interior: 

–  Law on decentralisation; 
–  Law on local governments. 

EN 

195 

   EN 

 
I.2 Laws on the LAS 

Laws establishing the national tracking system: 

–  Organic  Law  on  the  Ministry  responsible  for  forests,  adapted  according  to  the 
provisions taken in the context of FLEGT (clarification of the roles of ICEF, CDF, 
BMIV and DR/IPs, for verifying and checking verification of legality, along with 
the STP and Joint Committee);  

–  Order appointing the FLEGT licensing authority; 
–  Laws governing the local timber market; 
–  Law  detailing  the  verification  procedures  anticipated  in  the  LAS  in  the  case  of 

companies that have a private certification system. 

I.3 Laws on Agreement monitoring 

–  Organic  Law  on  the  Ministry  responsible  for  forests,  adapted  according  to  the 

provisions taken in the context of FLEGT; 

–  Law on the Joint Committee; 
–  Order  appointing  the  Permanent  Technical  Secretariat:  this  will  be  a  CAR  body 
bringing  together  representatives  of  the  public  administration,  the  private  sector 
and civil society; 

–  Law  on 

the  participation  of  stakeholders  and 

their  role 

in  Agreement 

implementation; 

–  Law  instituting  consideration  within  the  LAS  of  independent  monitoring 

undertaken by civil society. 

II.  STRENGTHENING  THE  HUMAN  CAPACITY  OF  THE  DIFFERENT 

INSTITUTIONS  

a. ICERF, licensing authority and other structures 

The  FLEGT  Agreement  is  a  new  process  that  will  have  many  requirements  in  terms  of  its 
implementation. It will therefore be necessary to build the capacity of the administration. 

The Central African Republic has decided to have the whole legality assurance system (LAS) 
verified  by  the  Central  Inspectorate  for  Water  and  Forests  (ICEF).  The  whole  operations 
database will need to be centralised within a database management system (SGBD) that will 
be  held  by  the  Forestry  Data  Centre  (CDF).  In  addition,  well  before  signing  the  Voluntary 
Partnership  Agreement (VPA), the government decided to implement a Mobile Intervention 
and Verification Brigade (BMIV).  

However,  given  that  the  organic  law  on  the  Ministry  for  Water  and  Forests,  Hunting  and 
Fisheries  (MEFCP)  sets  out  responsibilities  for  both  its  centralised  and  decentralised 
departments,  there  are,  in  the  first  place,  sometimes  overlaps  in  the  current  control  system 
between  the  MEFCP’s  centralised  and  decentralised  departments  and,  in  the  second,  the 
different decentralised departments do not function properly. 

Bearing  in  mind  the  legality  assurance  system  described  in  this  Agreement,  it  will  be 
necessary to specify, complete and amend the roles of the different actors in the organic law 
on  the  MEFCP,  and  to  redefine  the  interactions  between  the  different  decentralised 
departments,  along  with  the  information  flows  between  these  different  departments  and  the 
SGBD, which will be centralised within the Ministry responsible for forests. 

EN 

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   EN 

 
To this end, ICEF (in charge of data centralisation) will need to build its capacities through 
specific information management training. This training will also need to be extended to other 
centralised  and  decentralised  departments  involved  in  forestry  management.  This  relates 
specifically  to  the  CDF,  FLEGT  licensing  authority  and  regional  directors,  plus  prefectural 
and border inspectors. 

These departments will need to be trained on the data inputting software and the information 
exchange and transmission procedures at central level. 

b. NGOs and civil society 

NGOs  and  civil  society  are  stakeholders  in  the  process.  Civil  society’s  independent 
monitoring is the mechanism by which it can contribute effectively to implementation of the 
Agreement. The  purpose of civil society’s independent monitoring is to improve the State’s 
systems  for  implementing  forestry  law,  with  the  aim  of  good  governance.  It  will  need  to 
document  the  information  gathered  and  make  it  available  to  the  FLEGT  licensing  authority 
and the Joint Implementation Committee. 

To  this  end,  in  order  to  ensure  the  proper  involvement  of  these  NGOs  in  implementing  the 
Agreement, their capacity will also need to be developed. They will need to follow training on 
civil society independent monitoring, particularly data gathering and report writing. 

c.  Training  from  private  companies  (for  example,  for  optimum  understanding  and 

deployment of the LAS)  

d. Customs Conciliation and Expertise Commission (CCED) 

e. Training of NTS actors 

In order to ensure the proper involvement of all stakeholders in the national tracking system, 
there will be ongoing grassroots training. 

III. BUILDING MATERIAL CAPACITY 

The dispersed nature of the different structures involved in legality assurance control makes 
the work of verification difficult and, in the long term, risks causing delays in the issuing of 
licences.  

The structures that will be involved in Agreement implementation are so large that if there are 
no premises to house them their efficient functioning may be at risk, thus causing problems. It 
will  therefore  be  essential  to  make  additional  offices  available  (STP,  ICEF,  DGEF,  DIAF, 
DEIF, DR/IPs, CDF, BMIV, FLEGT licensing authority) in order to be able to group together 
all  the  services  and  thus  improve  coordination.  Several  possible  options  will  be  studied 
(building, renovation, renting). 

Moreover,  ICEF,  DGEF,  DIAF,  DEIF,  CDF  and  the  decentralised  departments  will  need 
adequate 
logistical  resources  (vehicles,  computers,  Internet  communications,  office 
equipment, etc.) to carry out their tasks. A study will determine actual needs. 

The current tracking system is not able to collect all information linked to the timber supply 
chain.  One  option  chosen  by  the  Central  African  Republic  is  to  develop  a  draft  NTS  in 

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accordance  with  Annex  V  to  the  Agreement.  This  draft,  the  costs  of  which  have  yet  to  be 
established,  will  need  to  provide  for  sufficient  logistical  resources  (vehicles,  computers, 
Internet communications, office equipment, etc.) to enable the CDF to gather and centralise 
all information on timber. 

IV. COMMUNICATION  

Communication  is  an  essential  tool  for  implementation  of  the  Agreement.  Sufficient 
communication will be necessary to keep the grassroots communities and the actors involved 
in the LAS informed. This will require: 

–  writing a communications plan for the various VPA-FLEGT actors; 
–  developing  company  communications/participation  procedures  in  relation  to  the 

local and indigenous populations; 

–  developing and updating the website of the Ministry responsible for forests;  
–  informing  parliamentary  members:  parliament  is  a  decision-making  institution 
involved  in  adopting  laws  on  forest  management.  Given  their  position  in  their 
constituency  and  the  role  they  play  with  their  electorate,  MPs  will  need  to  be 
informed of the importance of the Agreement; 

–  informing logging companies: the companies will be kept abreast of developments 
in  implementing  the  Agreement  and  the  procedures  and  methods  they  will  be 
required to apply.  

V. STATISTICAL MONITORING OF THE DOMESTIC TIMBER MARKET 

The domestic timber market in the CAR will need to observe FLEGT requirements. In order 
to  gather  information  on  the  domestic  timber  market  and  link  with  forest  management 
generally,  the  creation  of  an  inter-ministerial  committee  responsible  for  monitoring  and 
updating all statistics related to the domestic timber market is envisaged. 

VI.  MEASURES  CONCERNING  THE  PROMOTION,  INDUSTRIALISATION  AND  MARKETING  OF 

TIMBER AND DERIVED PRODUCTS 

CAR  timber  and  derived  products  covered  by  the  Agreement  may  also  include  what  are 
known  as  secondary  tree  species,  which  do  not  yet  have  potential  outlets.  The  CAR  is 
required by this Agreement to encourage the private sector to conduct a more thorough and 
diversified processing that is of interest to the European market. 

To  this  end,  the  CAR  will  take  restrictive  measures  on  the  export  of  logs  by  implementing 
Article 44 of the CAR’s Forestry Code.  

On the other hand, this promotion requires the total openness of European operators and their 
interest in CAR timber and derived products from all species. 

Among the envisaged measures, a number of actions could be considered. 

1. 

2. 

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Undertaking an inventory of the timber sector in the CAR; 

Analysing the dynamics and requirements; 

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3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

Preparing  a  plan  for  the  assessment,  industrial  development  and  more  advanced 
processing of timber; 

Preparing processing rules; 

Preparing  incentives  for  the  use  of  timber  (quality  standards,  promotion  of  new 
products); 

Typifying and promoting lesser known species; 

Encouraging technology transfer for industrialisation. 

VII. CROSS-CUTTING MEASURES  

The implementation of activities in the context of the CAR’s FLEGT-VPA relies primarily on 
two cross-cutting measures: 

1. 

2. 

In  terms  of  organisation,  it  will  be  a  question  of  finalising  a  detailed  and  updated 
plan  of  tasks  related  to  Agreement  implementation  in  order  to  translate  the  eleven 
(11) activities anticipated in the implementation schedule into action. 

In  terms  of  financing,  it  will  be  a  matter  of  mobilising  the  appropriate  financial 
resources,  relying  in  particular  on  task  planning.  It  will  be  possible  to  use  special 
forest development taxes (CAS-DF) to finance these activities and these could come 
from funds arising out of the REDD process. 

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ANNEX X 

FUNCTIONS OF THE JOINT IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE 

The Joint Implementation Committee is responsible for managing the Voluntary Partnership 
Agreement (VPA) and providing monitoring and evaluation of its implementation. It will, in 
particular, carry out the following tasks. 

Agreement management 

•  Commission  an  independent  assessment  of  the  FLEGT  licensing  scheme,  in 
accordance with Article 12 of the Agreement, and recommend a date on which the 
scheme should enter into full force. 

•  Facilitate  a  dialogue  and  exchange  of  information  between  the  two  Parties,  in 
accordance with Article 19 of the Agreement, examine any subject introduced by 
either of the two Parties and identify the follow-up to be given. 

•  Play the role of mediator and seek to resolve conflicts or disputes in accordance 

with Article 24 of the Agreement. 

•  Adopt amendments relating to the annexes to this Agreement, in accordance with 

Article 26. 

•  Monitor 

the  social,  economic  and  environmental  effects  of  Agreement 

implementation on potentially affected populations. 

Monitoring and assessment of Agreement implementation 

•  Provide monitoring of the general state of progress of Agreement implementation 
and  evaluate  the  progress  made  in  relation  to  the  schedule  given  in  the  relevant 
annex, in accordance with Article 14 of this Agreement. 

•  Identify  and  analyse  possible  difficulties  encountered  during  Agreement 

implementation. 

•  Publish  an  annual  report  on  Agreement  implementation,  in  accordance  with 

Article 19 of the Agreement. 

•  Receive and examine complaints relating to implementation of the Agreement and 

the FLEGT licensing scheme. 

•  Identify,  examine,  propose  and,  where  appropriate,  take  measures  aimed  at 
improving the good execution of the Agreement, in particular on the basis of the 
observations of the independent auditor. 

•  Examine and monitor complaints referred by the ISA. 

Independent system audit (ISA), in accordance with Annex VI to the Agreement 

•  Approve the procedures manual developed and submitted by the ISA and approve 
the audit report framework proposed by the ISA in the context of the documented 
procedures. 

•  Agree  the  auditor’s  schedule  of  work  and  recommend  additional  audits  as 

appropriate. 

•  Send  the  auditor  possible  complaints  received  regarding  the  FLEGT  licensing 

scheme. 

•  Examine all reports produced by the auditor. 
•  Examine  the  independent  auditor’s  provisional  reports  and  comment,  as 

appropriate. 

•  Request a specific additional report from the auditor in case of need. 

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•  Examine  complaints  relating  to  the  work  of  the  independent  auditor,  in 

accordance with Article 10 of the Agreement. 

•  Approve the renewal of the ISA contract, as appropriate. 

Participation of actors involved in Agreement implementation 

•  Provide  monitoring  of  the  awareness  raising  and  training  of  actors  from  the 
structures involved in the legality assurance system (LAS) described in Annex V.  
•  Provide  monitoring  of  the  procedures  for  LAS  non-compliance  for  actors  from 

structures involved in the LAS. 

•  Monitor  and  define  the  appropriate  measures  to  ensure  the  involvement  of  all 

stakeholders in Agreement implementation.  

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ANNEX XI 

PUBLISHING INFORMATION 

Publishing  information  encourages  transparency  and  ensures  a  good  understanding  of  the 
FLEGT licensing scheme on the part of all actors, enabling them to ensure good governance 
in terms of forestry management. 

It enables the different actors to understand the whole process leading up to the issuing of a 
FLEGT  licence.  The  more  information  all  actors  have  on  the  basic  reasons  underlying  the 
FLEGT, its implementation, its monitoring and verification, the more an understanding of the 
process  will  be  shared,  internalised  and  sufficiently  owned,  in  order  to  facilitate  the 
implementation  of  the  Agreement  by  all  stakeholders.  The  method  for  producing  the 
information  shall  be  active  publication  or  access.  The  information  shall  be  published  as 
rapidly as possible in order to retain all the relevance of its publication. 

1. CONTENT OF THE REPORT OF THE JOINT IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE  

The annual report of the Joint Implementation Committee shall include, in particular: 

–  the  quantities  of  timber  and  derived  products  exported  to  the  European  Union 
under  the  FLEGT  licensing  scheme,  by  customs  code  and  by  recipient  Member 
State of the EU;  

–  the number of FLEGT licences issued by the Central African Republic;  
–  progress in achieving the objectives and actions to be conducted within a deadline 
determined  in  the  Agreement  and,  generally,  the  different  subjects  related  to 
Agreement implementation;  

–  actions aimed at preventing any possible export of timber and derived products of 
illegal  origin  to  markets  other  than  the  European  Union  or  sale  thereof  on  the 
national market;  

–  the  quantities  of  timber  and  derived  products  imported  to  the  Central  African 

Republic or having transited the Central African Republic; 

–  action taken to prevent imports of timber and derived products of illegal origin in 

order to maintain the integrity of the FLEGT licensing scheme; 

–  cases of non-compliance with the FLEGT licensing scheme in the Central African 

Republic and action taken to resolve these cases;  

–  the  quantities  of  timber  and  derived  products  imported  into  the  European  Union 
under  the  FLEGT  licensing  scheme,  by  relevant  customs  code  and  by  recipient 
Member State of the EU;  

–  the number of CAR FLEGT licences received by the European Union; 
–  the  number  of  times  timber  from  the  CAR  has  arrived  at  European  customs 
without a licence and the quantities of timber and derived products involved;  

–  the structure and functioning of the Joint Committee. 

2. INFORMATION ON THE MEANS AND CHANNELS FOR PUBLISHING INFORMATION 

The  information  will  be  published  by  the  Joint  Implementation  Committee  and  by  both 
Parties,  for  information  relevant  to  them.  Information  related  to  logging  and  timber 
movements will be available from the Forestry Data Centre (CDF) of the Ministry for Water, 
Forests,  Hunting  and  Fisheries  (MEFCP);  an  interconnection  will  enable  the  departments 
involved  in  forestry  activities  (MEFCP,  finances,  employment,  agriculture,  trade,  justice)  to 

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be  linked  to  the  CDF  database  while  the  General  Directorate  for  the  Official  Journal  will 
publish all laws and regulatory texts online.  

Depending  on  the  target  audience,  and  on  whether  it  is  located  in  urban  or  rural  areas,  and 
whether  it  is  predominantly  literate  or  not,  the  information  will  be  published  through  the 
following modern means and channels: 

•  Active channels 

–  State and private national and international press; 
–  Local and community radio; 
–  Conferences and discussion meetings; 
–  Seminars and dissemination workshops; 
–  Distribution of documentary films; 
–  Production and distribution of radio/TV broadcasts; 
–  Production of shows, etc.; 
–  In  addition,  in  the  context  of  the  communications  plan,  public  information 
sessions will be held and will  be  an opportunity  to distribute  this information to 
stakeholders, particularly people on the ground and communities without access to 
the Internet and/or written press. 

•  Passive channels 

–  Internet sites of the Ministry for Water, Forests, Hunting and Fisheries; 
–  Official Journal; 
–  Library of the Ministry for Water, Forests, Hunting and Fisheries; 
–  Statistical yearbook for the Forest and Hunting sector of the MEFCP; 
–  Annual reports of the forest administration, which can be consulted in the central 

or decentralised departments at provincial level. 

Based on both active and passive channels, the published information will include data from 
the following areas. 

3. LEGAL INFORMATION 

–  International  conventions  and  agreements  signed  and  ratified  by  the  CAR  with 
regard to the protection of flora and fauna (CITES, etc.), the protection of human 
and peoples’ rights (UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, 61/295, 
the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, etc.), work and employment 
etc.; 

–  The FLEGT Voluntary Partnership Agreement (body of text and its annexes); 
–  Permit award decree; 
–  Permit cancellation decree; 
–  Forestry Code and all related regulatory texts; 
–  Environment Code and all related regulatory texts; 
–  Water Code and all related regulatory texts; 
–  Employment Code and implementing regulations relating to the forest sector; 
–  Finance Law for each year; 
–  General Tax Code; 
–  Investment Charters; 
–  National COMIFAC Convergence Plan; 
–  Poverty reduction strategy document; 
–  Order  creating  the  validation  commission  for  forest  land-use  management 

documents (PG and PAO). 

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The regulatory texts to be adopted during the implementation phase will also be made public. 

4. INFORMATION ON THE PROCEDURES FOR ALLOCATING CONCESSIONS 

•  Exploitation and land-use permits (PEAs) 

–  Tender procedures manual for the PEA award process; 
–  Notice of calls for tenders relating to permit allocations; 
–  Notice of calls for tenders relating to the recruitment of the independent monitor 

in the PEA award process; 

–  Minutes  of  the  Joint  Commission  for  Allocating  Exploitation  and  Land-use 

Permits (PEAs); 

–  Order establishing the Joint Commission for Allocating Exploitation and Land-use 

Permits; 

–  List of bidders for exploitation and land-use permits; 
–  Report of the independent monitor on the PEA award procedure; 
–  List of valid concessions with names of beneficiary people and/or companies; 
–  Minutes  of  meetings  related  to  respect  for  local  and  indigenous  communities’ 

customary rights of access and use in forest concessions. 

•  Plantation forests 

–  Notices of calls for tenders to run State plantations; 
–  List of bidders to run plantations; 
–  Authorisations to run plantations; 
–  Environmental conformity certificate; 
–  List of State plantations. 

5. INFORMATION ON FOREST PLANNING 

•  Exploitation and land-use plan 

–  Environmental assessment reports (EIES, environmental audits); 
–  Land-use planning document; 
–  List and total areas of concessions under development; 
–  List and total areas of concessions awaiting development; 
–  National standards for producing land-use plans (Volumes 1, 2 and 3). 

•  Plantation 

–  Notice of call for tenders for environmental impact studies; 
–  Environmental assessment report; 
–  Simple management plan. 

6. INFORMATION ON PRODUCTION 

–  Total  annual  production  of  timber  and  derived  products  in  all  PEAs  under 

exploitation; 

–  Total  annual  production  of  timber  and  derived  products  in  all  plantations  under 

exploitation; 

–  Annual volume of timber and derived products for processing at national level, by 

species, concession and company; 

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–  List  of  destination  countries  and  volumes  exported  by  species,  concession  and 

company; 

–  Annual volumes of timber seized; 
–  Annual volumes of timber having transited through the CAR and their origin; 
–  Volumes on the Central African Republic’s market.  

7. INFORMATION ON PROCESSING 

–  List of approved operational processing companies; 
–  Location of processing facilities; 

8. INFORMATION ON THE LEGALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM 

–  FLEGT licensing scheme; 
–  Report of the civil society independent monitor 
–  Information  on  forest  activity  and  social  clauses  in  the  management  plans 

(information and maps); 

–  Information  and  maps  on  forest  activity  and  social  clauses  in  the  annual 

operational plans; 

–  Official report in the case of destruction of assets belonging to local or indigenous 

communities by the company; 

–  Proof of compensation by the incriminated company; 
–  Inspection visit report from the forestry administration; 
–  Cases of non-compliance with the FLEGT licensing scheme in the Central African 

Republic and actions taken to resolve these cases; 

9. INFORMATION ON THE INDEPENDENT AUDIT 

–  Regular summary audit reports; 
–  Procedure for challenging the audit. 

10. INFORMATION ON THE PAYMENT OF FOREST TAXES AND FEES  

–  Annual rent;  
–  Felling taxes; 
–  Reforestation taxes; 
–  Exit fees. 

11. INFORMATION ON THE INSTITUTIONAL SET-UP 

–  Structure and functioning of the Joint Implementation Committee; 
–  Structure  and  functioning  of  the  National  Monitoring  and  Implementation 

Committee; 

–  Permanent Technical Secretariat. 

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