The European Commission has developed an IT system named FLEGIT/TRACES to support the implementation of FLEGT Licensing Scheme in the EU. FLEGIT allows importers to electronically submit a FLEGT Licence to a Competent Authority and enables the electronic and fast validation of the FLEGT Licence by the Competent Authorities and subsequent clearance by the Customs.

Through to September 2017, FLEGIT was used by 25 EU member states for the management of roughly half of the licenses issued since the start of the FLEGT Licensing Scheme in November 2016. Three member states (UK, Netherlands and Spain) have developed national electronic systems for the management of FLEGT Licences and work is currently undertaken for their integration/connection with FLEGIT.

Although FLEGIT is widely used by importers and competent authorities, the same does not apply to customs. Customs authorities in some member states are not yet using the system to upload data on FLEGT shipments. As a result the data available on FLEGIT does not, at this stage, allow comprehensive assessment of imports covered by FLEGT Licences.

Furthermore, connection between FLEGIT and SILK would allow immediate verification of FLEGT Licences and thereby help to speed up the import process for FLEGT licensed timber.

The FLEGIT system, including details of how to register, can be accessed at  https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/tracesnt/login.