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Teak is inseparable from slatted decks, non-slip side decks and beautifully appointed cockpits. But behind the aesthetics and strength of the wood, the question of traceability and regulatory compliance has become a key issue for all players in the nautical industry. Faced with these regulatory and geopolitical developments, Directeck is adjusting its teak sourcing and reinforcing its traceability, with a direct impact for boatyards and yachtsmen alike.
European regulations governing imported teak
Visit European Union Wood Regulations rBUE 995 2010, imposes a due diligence obligation on importers. The aim is clear: to limit the entry of illegally logged timber into the European market.
For a distributor of teak for shipbuilding, this means assessing the risk of illegality, documenting the origin of the logs and demonstrating that the risk is low or under control. Traceability becomes central, with document collection, additional checks and recourse to third-party organizations.
In 2018, Directeck's imports were inspected by the DREAL. The company then engaged in exchanges with its Burmese suppliers, consulted lawyers specialized in environmental law and dialogued with other European importers.
For shipyards, fitters and sailboat owners, this compliance is not just theoretical. It conditions the legality of supply and secures projects, particularly in the context of public contracts or international resales.
Advantage: a more transparent supply chain. Disadvantage: cumbersome administrative procedures and longer import channels.
Burma, coup d'état and orders halted
Burma is historically renowned for the quality of its teak, which has been used for decades in shipbuilding. The trade is a state monopoly, managed by the Myanma Timber Enterprise.
But the coup d'état of February 2021 reshuffled the deck. A decree of June 21, 2021 imposed a guarantee that no funds would benefit the military junta or certain related companies, including MTE. Against this backdrop, Directeck has stopped ordering from Burma. This choice alters the supply chain and leads us to look for other origins in Asia.
For teak deck professionals, the stakes are twofold. On the one hand, to preserve the mechanical quality and dimensional stability of Tectona grandis. On the other, to ensure the legal security of financial flows. And for the yachtsman rebuilding his deck, the question becomes concrete: where does the wood on the roof and cockpit come from?
India and Indonesia: what technical guarantees?
Teak is not listed under CITES, but forest management varies from country to country. Directeck now sources its teak from India and Indonesia. The characteristics of Tectona grandis grown in these regions are well known to lumberyards. Density between 600 and 800 kg per m3, high natural oil content, resistance to insects and humid environments. Slow growth, taking around 70 years to reach maturity, conditions the quality of the fibers and the stability of the wood. A straight, tight grain facilitates decking and caulking operations.
For solid teak deck installers, the advantage is continuity of supply in compliance with EUWR. The disadvantage may lie in variations in shade, from pale yellow to bronze, depending on the area of cultivation. However, when used at sea, it is above all resistance to puncturing, UV resistance and stability in the face of humidity-drought cycles that count.
Traceability and certification, a challenge for the marine industry
In addition to declarations of origin, the industry has explored more advanced control solutions. The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes, PEFC and Double Helix organized a meeting in Burma with European producers and importers. The aim was to align practices with the requirements of the RBUE and to implement enhanced traceability. Directeck reports that it worked with its local partner and an inspection body to obtain and certify the documents required by the European Union.
A genetic wood traceability system has even been proposed, aimed at identifying forest origin by analysis. This system exceeds the minimum requirements of the EUWR. However, it has not yet received official approval from the European Union, and the political events of 2021 have put the brakes on its development.
Anticipating new regulations
Teak remains the wood of choice for sailboat decks and exterior fittings. Its natural resistance to water and biological aggression makes it a rational choice for marine environments. In an increasingly demanding regulatory context, Directeck continues to adapt its model. Obtaining FSC certification in June 2025 marks a major step forward, providing a recognized framework for responsible forest management and traceability of teak for decks and marine fittings.
And the regulatory pressure is not about to ease. RBUE 995 2010 will evolve into RDUE, the European Regulation against Imported Deforestation, due to come into force in mid-2027. This new text will further strengthen control, risk analysis and traceability obligations for timber importers.
By anticipating these deadlines and structuring its supply chain around documented certifications and procedures, Directeck is committed to sustainable compliance. For shipyards, refiters and yachtsmen, this means sourcing teak from Asia in a controlled, documented way, in line with future European standards. Indeed, it's no longer just a question of the wood's shade or grain, but also of its origin and legality. By integrating these parameters into its strategy, Directeck demonstrates its ability to evolve with its environment, while remaining positioned in a material central to shipbuilding.
