Status of DoubleHelix services in Myanmar since 1st February 2021

DoubleHelix has been closely monitoring the situation in Myanmar since the military asserted control at the beginning of February.

Our primary concern has been for the safety and welfare of our staff in Myanmar. At this time, they are all staying safe at home.

Our next priority is to our customers and partners operating in Myanmar. DoubleHelix continues to support the private sawmills and trading businesses that underpin the livelihoods of tens of thousands of workers and their families. We continue to support our partners, international organisations and donors that are working to establish sustainable forestry and trade in Myanmar timber products.

To this end DoubleHelix intends to continue provision of timber verification and certification services in Myanmar. Continued service will ensure a stable source of income for all local staff, help local industry to operate, and support the implementation of projects that will contribute to the long-term development of the country.

DoubleHelix will continue to help clients manage and mitigate risk in their timber supply chains. With the changing circumstances, our services are even more relevant; establishing traceability of timber back to areas at negligible risk of illegal harvest, and excluding both timber that comes from areas of conflict and confiscated timber resold into the market.

Services will be subject to disruption, partly due to interruptions in internet services, but also due to delays in the issuance of legally required documentation (such as certificates of origin, cutting permits and export licenses) as staff from Government agencies including the Forest Department, Myanmar Timber Enterprise and the Department of Trade are participating in strikes and protests.

Be assured that DoubleHelix fully complies with all requirements of international trade regulations regarding Myanmar, and we will continue to do so as the situation evolves.