The industry didn't need this. For the past three months, customs controls have intensified in Belgium and France, particularly in the ports of Antwerp, Le Havre, and Marseille, explains Dominik Mohr. In France, customs officials are challenging certain import documents, especially those concerning cumaru, due to inconsistencies in the generic classifications of this wood. This is resulting in containers being held up. Some importers have even suspended their purchases of cumaru, which is nevertheless essential for the decking sector. The financial risk is all the greater for importers because the goods are payable upon shipment. These regulatory, customs, and health constraints are hindering sales, even though the market could absorb these shipments! "This is leading to additional storage costs in the ports, which is a critical issue," adds François Laresche. We're talking about around fifty containers stuck for three months, containing high-value products. The financial immobilization is significant, with no possibility of bringing the goods to market, creating a squeeze between cash advances and the lack of revenue. "This situation generates real uncertainty: suppliers are never sure they can export a shipment with a CITES import certificate. Delays have increased, from 4 to 6 months to 6 to 9 months," worries Callens African Woods.