16 Mar 2026
For this report, we worked with two partners: Malaysian environmental think tank RimbaWatch and investigative organisation Earthsight.
Together, we've exposed how the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) is failing to protect globally important forests. This is threatening the communities and wildlife that depend on them.
For the first time we've been able to connect these serious failings with Malaysian timber entering UK markets.
The UK is a key importer of Malaysian timber and reliance on MTCS certification (endorsed by the international Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification - PEFC) means UK companies are importing timber labelled as “sustainable” despite its potential links to deforestation and Indigenous rights abuses.
Our report provides recommendations for the UK government to:
- Urgently investigate Malaysian timber imports to find out how timber that's harming Indigenous communities and the environment is entering the UK.
- Introduce a new law to ensure UK companies prevent harm to communities and the environment in their global supply chains.
It also sets our clear recommendations for the Malaysian government and the timber industry.
Read our full briefing for MPs and decision makers to find out more about the report and why the UK urgently needs a Business, Human Rights and Environment Act.
CTA - Read our briefing
Further reading
Our research draws on The Trouble with Timber by our partners, RimbaWatch. That report is a detailed analysis of human rights and environmental violations in certified forest management areas in Peninsular Malaysia.
For more information on our methodology and the responses we received from UK companies on the timber they import from Malaysia please see our appendix –
CTA: Read: Tainted timber methodology.