25 INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2025 Chipping of both Acacia and Eucalyptus resumed at both Richards Bay and DWC within a month or so of each other, during September through to November. Member Services were careful to ensure allocations catered for the oldest stored Acacia, with the intentions to have all that consumed before new-season Acacia was given access, all the while sharing with members the rolling intake plans at both complexes. The GST for the new supply season was also being rolled out around this time. This roll out was a watershed event given that it was the first time that an almost entire electronic roll out had occurred. This was done via the NCT app and the member website. This innovation made for a much quicker GST signing and immediate availability of tonnage data. We were therefore able to assess the collective GST against the forecast market demand and provide members with their revised GST in record time. The NCT App, whilst still in process of extensive development, began to play an increasingly critical role during the course of the year. The high EUDR focus of a key domestic market drove the increased use by NCT of the source verification functionality of the app. NCT further developed the processes required to verify timber sources via geo references, map polygons, satellite and GIS imagery and implement and enhance monitoring of CoC protocols all along the supply chain. EUDR-related training and information briefs were accordingly rolled out to members and staff. On board vehicle tracking, contributing towards the traceability of timber processes along the supply chain, became compulsory during the year and NCT was able to source tracking service providers on behalf of members who still needed to install the equipment. As NCT’s EUDR and CoC remote sensing ability improved, it was necessary to keep members appraised of the correct protocols to follow and the methodologies to employ. Workshops and briefs were designed and rolled out for this purpose. FSC remained an important factor during the year despite the circumstances, with NCT maintaining its minimum rating of 30% FSC intake throughout. Engagements with key clients towards the end of the year indicated that they were considering much higher percentages of FSC material. This was not entirely unexpected, and NCT has reacted both by informing members of this dynamic and engaging with external FSC accreditation service providers, with a view towards ultimately increasing the overall NCT FSC offering. With huge pressure being placed on members, by the markets, to supply only ethically sourced timber and to ensure a breach-free chain of custody all along the supply chain, it was necessary to repeat, regularly to both members and staff, the commitment that we all have to the NCT Code of Conduct. FSC Workshops and information sessions commenced towards the year end. FSC certified suppliers were also given preferential allocations in oversupplied markets or months (higher than previous) to start to bolster the FSC intake and encourage attainment of FSC accreditation. To provide some relief to members who had come through a traumatic year, NCT announced, in December the following Guaranteed Supply Premium (GSP): - • All C500 contract holders, Eucalyptus and Acacia received R40 against all Eucalyptus and Acacia tonnes supplied up to 500 tonnes maximum.
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