Country Risk Profiles

Mitigation Option : Verify Order launching the tender procedure

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Minutes of the award committee

Ensure it is mentioning the tender procedure and indicating that the winning bidder’s tender submission file is complete.

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Notification from the Director General of Forest Economy issuing the forest committee’s favourable opinion

Ensure it is not dated prior to the tender submission deadline.

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Order approving the management and processing agreement (CAT) for the forest unit or the industrial processing agreement (CTI)

CTIs must have been converted after August 2023 and will no longer be valid from this date.

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Management and processing agreement (CAT) or the plantation timber promotion agreement

Main part plus the general terms and conditions and specific terms and conditions. CTIs must have been converted after August 2023 and will no longer be valid from this date.

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Concession contract or partnership contract

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify all relevant legal documents (documents regarding the dispute, court decision, etc.).

For concessions awarded through legal proceedings

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Validation reports issued by the interministerial committee relating to the technical studies carried out (inventory, environmental study, dendrometric study, socio-economic study, etc.)

When the forest management plan is in place

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Forest management plan

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Forest management plan

Ensure that the yearly rotation of UFP set up in the management plan is complied with (information on the UFP logged can be found in the annual logging licence).

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Forest management plan

Ensure that species listed in the logging licence are provided for by the forest management plan. Ensure that volumes indicated in the logging licence are not higher than the volumes provided for in the agreement

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Forest management plan

Ensure that species prohibited from being harvested at forest level (forest management plan and annual logging licence) are not being felled and sold (cross-check with site log books, waybills and trade documents).

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Forest management plan approval decree

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Management and processing agreement (CAT) or industrial processing agreement (CTI)

When the forest management plan is in the process of being drawn up. Ensure that the forest management plan deadline stipulated by the agreement and the memorandum of understanding has not been exceeded

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Management and processing agreement (CAT) or industrial processing agreement (CTI)

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Memorandum of understanding defining the general management conditions

When the forest management plan is in the process of being drawn up. Ensure that the forest management plan deadline stipulated by the agreement and the memorandum of understanding has not been exceeded

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Report of the consultation procedure carried out with the indigenous populations

Report on the adoption of the forest management plan by the participative committee (departmental level) in the presence of the stakeholders (departmental authorities, relevant administrations notably water and forests, prefecture, local communities and indigenous peoples, NGOs, associations and the company concerned).

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Report of the consultation procedure carried out with the indigenous populations

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Report on the examination and validation of the management programme

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify 5-year management programme

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Annual operations plan

When the forest management plan is in place

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Annual operations plan

It must be dated prior to the logging licence

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Annual logging licence

When the forest management plan is in the process of being drawn up:
check that the annual logging areas and a volume schedule are indicated in the agreement and defined in the annual logging licence

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Annual logging licence

Ensure that the yearly rotation of UFP set up in the management plan is complied with (information on the UFP logged can be found in the annual logging licence).

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Annual logging licence

Collect the applicable licence depending on when the logging activities are conducted. Ensure that the time frames indicated in the licence(s) are respected.

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Annual logging licence

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Annual logging licence

Ensure that the annual logging licence has been issued before 15th of December of the previous year. Ensure that species listed in the logging licence are provided for by the forest management plan. Ensure that volumes indicated in the logging licence are not higher than the volumes provided for in the agreement

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Annual logging licence

Ensure that species prohibited from being harvested at forest level (forest management plan and annual logging licence) are not being felled and sold (cross-check with site log books, waybills and trade documents).

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Annual forest management plan follow-up and evaluation report

Report is produced by the central forest administration.

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Provisional logging licence

Collect the applicable licence depending on when the logging activities are conducted. Ensure that the time frames indicated in the licence(s) are respected.

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Clearing licence for timber felled

Collect the applicable licence depending on when the logging activities are conducted. Ensure that the time frames indicated in the licence(s) are respected.

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Harvesting inventory approval notice

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Harvesting inventory approval notice

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Field check reports by the relevant departmental directorate of water and forests

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Field check reports by the relevant departmental directorate of water and forests

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Field check reports by the relevant departmental directorate of water and forests

Collect field check reports by the relevant departmental directorate of water and forests

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Field check reports by the relevant departmental directorate of water and forests

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Field check reports by the relevant departmental directorate of water and forests

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Field check reports by the relevant departmental directorate of water and forests

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Completion logging licence

If applicable, ensure that the completion logging licence has been issued by the 2nd of January and for a harvesting period not exceeding 6 months. Ensure that species listed in the logging licence are provided for by the forest management plan. Ensure that volumes indicated in the logging licence are not higher than the volumes provided for in the agreement

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Proof of payment of the portion of area tax designated to local communities and indigenous populations

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Proof of payment of the portion of area tax designated to local communities and indigenous populations

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Waybills

For forests under the concession regime: ensure that the company’s waybills and site log books (recording both the quantity and quality of the logs harvested on each site) have been submitted to the forest administration within the time frames indicated (quarterly)

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Waybills

Ensure that species prohibited from being harvested at forest level (forest management plan and annual logging licence) are not being felled and sold (cross-check with site log books, waybills and trade documents).

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Waybills

Ensure that species registered in field log books, waybills and trade documents are indeed provided for in the logging licence

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Waybills

Ensure information on other transport documents align

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Waybills

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Site log books

Ensure that species prohibited from being harvested at forest level (forest management plan and annual logging licence) are not being felled and sold (cross-check with site log books, waybills and trade documents).

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Site log books

For forests under the concession regime: ensure that the company’s waybills and site log books (recording both the quantity and quality of the logs harvested on each site) have been submitted to the forest administration within the time frames indicated (quarterly)

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Site log books

Ensure that species registered in field log books, waybills and trade documents are indeed provided for in the logging licence

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Visit Harvesting site

Ensure that no logging activity is conducted outside the prescribed areas.

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Site log books

Ensure that site log books and clearly and completely filled

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Site log books

Ensure information on other transport documents align

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Proof of payment into the local development fund (FDL)

For forests under the concession regime and under the production sharing regime: if applicable, proof of payment into the local development fund (FDL) in line with the conditions established by the order for the creation of the fund and the concessionaire’s specific terms and conditions.

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Document relating to the logging operator’s internal procedures regarding the waste management system

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Documents relating to the implementation and running of the anti-poaching unit (USLAB).

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Document relating to the logging operator’s internal procedures regarding the waste management system

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Document relating to the logging operator’s internal procedures regarding the waste management system

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Environmental and social impact assessment report

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Environmental and social impact assessment report

For peeling units and units that contain wood kilns

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify most recent Finance Laws

Consult the most recent Finance Laws to determine the applicable prescriptions relative to the area tax. A prescription can be valid for successive years until a revised version is adopted in an annual Finance Law. Ensure that such applicable prescriptions are implemented to determine the amount of the area tax.

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Environmental and social management plan

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Environmental and social management plan

For peeling units and units that contain wood kilns

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Certificat de moralité fiscale (certificate of “taxpayer morality”) for a yearly duration or attestation de moralité fiscale (declaration of “taxpayer morality”) for a quarterly duration, issued if the company is up to date with all their tax payments

Ensure that all direct and indirect taxes due have been paid

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Certificat de moralité fiscale (certificate of “taxpayer morality”) for a yearly duration or attestation de moralité fiscale (declaration of “taxpayer morality”) for a quarterly duration, issued if the company is up to date with all their tax payments

Collect Certificat de moralité fiscale (declaration of “taxpayer morality”) issued by the tax administration. Check the precise identity of the entity declared as the exporter of the wood coming from the Congo (the entity must actually be registered in the Congo). Check the geographical location of the first importer of the wood coming from the Congo (special attention should be paid to countries that are considered tax havens or that have very low income tax rates), as well as whether it is a subsidiary of the exporter

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Document relating to the creation and running of the health and safety committee

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Document relating to the creation and running of the health and safety committee

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Acknowledgement of receipt of statistical and tax declarations

Collect the acknowledgement of receipt of statistical and tax declarations or balance sheet for the year underway before 15 May

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Instructions relating to the prevention of occupational risks for each workstation

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Instructions relating to the prevention of occupational risks for each workstation

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Declaration of the existence of the company to the Labour Inspectorate

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Declaration of the existence of the company to the Labour Inspectorate

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Declaration of the existence of the company to the Labour Inspectorate

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Certificate of registration with the national social security fund (CNSS)

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Certificate of registration with the national social security fund (CNSS)

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Employment contracts

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Employment contracts

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Payslips

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Payslips

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Documents relating to staff delegates (for companies with more than 7 employees).

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Documents relating to staff delegates (for companies with more than 7 employees).

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Agreement outlining the socio-economic obligations to be respected for the benefit of the local populations

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Order for the creation of the local development fund (FDL)

If applicable

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Map of the land and resources of the indigenous populations concerned

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Documents and attestations regarding restitution or compensation received for depossession

If applicable

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Map of the sacred and spiritual sites of the indigenous populations concerned

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Specification sheets stamped by the forest administration

Ensure information on other transport documents align

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Specification sheets stamped by the forest administration

Ensure that the FOB and FOT values indicated in the specifications are compliant with those in the export verification declaration (AVE). Ensure that the characteristics of the forest products stated on the export declarations are coherent with those stated in the specifications, AVEs and sales documents

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Production reports

Ensure information on other transport documents align

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Any document (letter, email, receipt…) showing that production statements and annual statements are handed over to the forest administration

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Any document (letter, email, receipt…) showing that production statements and annual statements are handed over to the forest administration

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Invoice issued between the exporter and importer

Check the prices stated on the invoice issued between the exporter and importer (they must correspond to market prices).

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Logger, forest industry company or exporter professional accreditation

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Export verification declaration

Ensure that the FOB and FOT values indicated in the specifications are compliant with those in the export verification declaration (AVE). Ensure that the characteristics of the forest products stated on the export declarations are coherent with those stated in the specifications, AVEs and sales documents

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Document certifying payment of export taxes

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Certificate of origin

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Phytosanitary certificate

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Export declaration

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Consult Forest administration

Check with the forest administration that current log export requirements are complied with

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Licence to carry out industrial activities

Licence to carry out industrial activities issued by the Ministry of Industry or an approved written declaration, depending on the case.

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Documents relating to the concessionaire’s processing unit

MARK AS DONE

Mitigation Option : Verify Record of accidents at work, occupational illnesses and illnesses of an occupational nature

Collect the record of accidents at work, occupational illnesses and illnesses of an occupational nature

MARK AS DONE