In search of comprehensive standards for non-timber forest products in the botanicals trade

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are receiving increased attention from standard-setting agencies including governments, trade associations, and private sector certification organisations. A sub-set of the NTFP category, botanicals, is witnessing a proliferation in standards-setting initiatives addressing topics as diverse as ecological sustainability, social justice, and product safety and efficacy. To examine this trend a survey of companies, industry associations, research institutions and NGOs worldwide was undertaken, and more than 100 sets of voluntary standards and regulations that apply to the trade or sourcing of botanicals were collected and analysed. It was found that many sets of standards under development are single-issue oriented and fail to address the wide and overlapping range of questions that arise as a product moves from source to shelf. Although a range of problems arises from this fragmented approach, steps are available to streamline processes and make standards development and implementation more effective.