The present paper is written as a non-technical discussion paper on the connection between the international trading regime and the practice of forest certification. The purpose of the paper is, primarily, to stimulate debate concerning the desirability and feasibility of forest certification in light of the interantional trading environment determined by GATT and the World Trade Organization. This is important in view of the Seattle Ministerial Conference, where tariff reductions in timber are on teh agenda and an increased awareness of the pertinent world trade disciplines may be of use. Ishall first present a brief outline of the complex relationship between trade and environment generally, followed by a brief outline of the world trading regime. Subsequently, various ways of reconciling trade and environment will be discussed, before the focus comes to rest upon forest certification. However, for reasons to be explained below, it may prove to be impossible to say anything of finalita on the topic of forest certification in light of international trade rules: too much depends on the precise implementation of any set of standards and on the precise circumstances in which certification plays a role. Instead, I will discuss a number of factors which may, depending on the circumstances, have a bearing on the question of legality. By way of conclusion, I will advocate the further harmonzation of voluntary standards.
