The Chamber of Furniture Inds. of the Philippines is supporting the creation of a certification system that would help make sure exporters are using legally harvested wood in furniture, according to a report in online resource GMA Network.com

GMA Network reported that the CFIP and its export members believe it is important to ensure that furniture does not use materials considered illegal by consumers in the United States, Europe and Australia. Furniture exporters in the Philippines consider these to be key export markets.

The Philippines shipped $80.5 million in furniture to the U.S. in 2012, down 4% from the $83.7 million it shipped in 2011, according to Furniture/Today research. Most of that product was wood furniture, including wooden bedroom.

GMA Network said the CFIP is asking the government to create a timber tracking system that would discourage the cutting of trees in natural forest areas. The group is also encouraging the passage of a Sustainable Forest Management bill that would allow for timber tracking and create a chain of custody of lumber.