On 4 August 2020, the ad-hoc working group convened the ninth meeting to update about the sub-working groups’ progress and the development of the ongoing projects under the FLEGT-VPA process. Getting ready for JEM 5 and NEG 3 meetings, the AHWG approves LD annex draft and JEM 5 and NEG 3 meeting agendas.

RECOFTC – The Center for People and Forests presented the VPA Impact Monitoring and Independent Monitoring project plan, which will study the roles and scopes of works of CSOs as an independent monitoring organization in the VPA process. Reclaimed Timber sub-working group (RT SWG) presented a project plan to develop a supply chain control system for reclaimed timber. FAO supports both projects.

The Product Coverage sub-working group (PC SWG) reported on the current progress. The sub-working group has hosted several meetings in which business sectors expressed their concerns about products such as bamboo and recycled material that are not covered in the Product Coverage draft. The AHWG assigned the PC SWG to make a report on this subject and present it in the next AHWG meeting.

The Import Control sub-working group (IC SWG) reported the comparison between pre-import and post-import control for due diligence documents, which was discussed in the last sub-working group meeting and presented a draft import control system.

Gearing up to the JEM 5 and NEG 3 meetings, the AHWG reviewed the amended Legality Definition (LD) annex draft and agreed to adopt the draft. The annex draft will be presented to the Sub-Committee group to approve next. Before wrapping up the meeting, the AHWG reviewed JEM 5 and NEG 3 draft agenda.