Forest and timber certification schemes - Revision history

Editor: moved Forest certification to Forest and timber certification schemes

2026-01-13T10:55:02Z

moved Forest certification to Forest and timber certification schemes

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Revision as of 10:55, 13 January 2026

Editor at 08:54, 15 July 2022

2022-07-15T08:54:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:54, 15 July 2022
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	Below is a list of country or regional level schemes and whether they are operational and endorsed (NB their status changes and should be checked).		Below is a list of country or regional level schemes and whether they are operational and endorsed (NB their status changes and should be checked).

		+	* UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) is an independent certification standard for verifying sustainable woodland management in the UK that is used for both Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) certification.
	* Responsible wood - Responsible Wood is the National Governing Body for PEFC in Australia.		* Responsible wood - Responsible Wood is the National Governing Body for PEFC in Australia.
	* SFI - Sustainable Forestry Initiative - USA (& parts of Canada). In operation and endorsed by PEFC.		* SFI - Sustainable Forestry Initiative - USA (& parts of Canada). In operation and endorsed by PEFC.
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	* Assurance Services International (ASI) [https://www.asi-assurance.org/s/ https://www.asi-assurance.org]		* Assurance Services International (ASI) [https://www.asi-assurance.org/s/ https://www.asi-assurance.org]
	* Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO UN) [https://www.fao.org/sustainable-forest-management/toolbox/modules/forest-certification/in-more-depth/en/ https://www.fao.org/sustainable-forest-management/toolbox/modules/forest-certification/in-more-depth/en/]		* Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO UN) [https://www.fao.org/sustainable-forest-management/toolbox/modules/forest-certification/in-more-depth/en/ https://www.fao.org/sustainable-forest-management/toolbox/modules/forest-certification/in-more-depth/en/]
		+	* The UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) [https://ukwas.org.uk https://ukwas.org.uk]
	* [https://fsc.org/en/fsc-public-certificate-search https://fsc.org/en/fsc-public-certificate-search]		* [https://fsc.org/en/fsc-public-certificate-search https://fsc.org/en/fsc-public-certificate-search]
	* [https://pefc.org/find-certified https://pefc.org/find-certified]		* [https://pefc.org/find-certified https://pefc.org/find-certified]

Designing Buildings at 09:23, 29 June 2022

2022-06-29T09:23:39Z

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Editor at 09:27, 25 June 2022

2022-06-25T09:27:16Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:27, 25 June 2022
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	Although many certification schemes are voluntary they may also directly or indirectly relate to guidelines, laws, regulations, terms and acronyms, so firstly some of these re outlined below:		Although many certification schemes are voluntary they may also directly or indirectly relate to guidelines, laws, regulations, terms and acronyms, so firstly some of these re outlined below:

−	EUTR - ~~[https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/European_Union_Timber_Regulation~~ European Union Timber Regulation] aims to counter illegal logging and associated trade in timber and timber products in the member states of the European Union, and ultimately contribute to sustainable management of forests and reduced emissions from deforestation and forest degradation beyond EU borders.	+	EUTR - European Union Timber Regulation aims to counter illegal logging and associated trade in timber and timber products in the member states of the European Union, and ultimately contribute to sustainable management of forests and reduced emissions from deforestation and forest degradation beyond EU borders.

−	FLEGT - ~~[https://www.euflegt.efi.int/what-is-flegt~~ Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade]. The EU's FLEGT Action Plan was established in 2003. It aims to reduce illegal logging by strengthening sustainable and legal forest management, improving governance and promoting trade in legally produced timber.	+	FLEGT - Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade. The EU's FLEGT Action Plan was established in 2003. It aims to reduce illegal logging by strengthening sustainable and legal forest management, improving governance and promoting trade in legally produced timber.

−	ASI - ~~[https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=~~Assurance+Services+International~~&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8 Assurance Services International]~~ is responsible for checking certification body compliance with rules and procedures through a combination of field and office audits.	+	ASI - Assurance Services International is responsible for checking certification body compliance with rules and procedures through a combination of field and office audits.

−	FAO UN - ~~[https://www.fao.org/sustainable-forest-management/toolbox/modules/forest-certification/in-more-depth/en/~~ Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations] applies the Forest Principles, which were included in Chapter 11 of Agenda 21, adopted by nations at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.	+	FAO UN - Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations applies the Forest Principles, which were included in Chapter 11 of Agenda 21, adopted by nations at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.

	= Country based certification schemes =		= Country based certification schemes =
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	PEFC - Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification		PEFC - Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification

−	~~[https://preferredbynature.org/certification/legalsource~~ LegalSource] - is a registered trademark owned by Preferred by Nature (previously NEPCon). LegalSource Certified claim and label promote products covered by a commitment to legal timber sourcing. The website indicates it meets the European Union Timber Regulations. Not for on product use.	+	LegalSource - is a registered trademark owned by Preferred by Nature (previously NEPCon). LegalSource Certified claim and label promote products covered by a commitment to legal timber sourcing. The website indicates it meets the European Union Timber Regulations. Not for on product use.

−	SBP - ~~[https://sbp-cert.org~~ The Sustainable Biomass Program] is a certification system designed for woody biomass, mostly in the form of wood pellets and woodchips, used in industrial, large-scale energy production.	+	SBP - The Sustainable Biomass Program is a certification system designed for woody biomass, mostly in the form of wood pellets and woodchips, used in industrial, large-scale energy production.

−	RSPO - ~~[https://rspo.org~~ Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil] includes stakeholders from the 7 sectors of the palm oil industry: oil palm producers, processors or traders, consumer goods manufacturers, retailers, banks/investors, and environmental and social non-governmental organisations (NGOs), to develop and implement global standards for sustainable palm oil. The RSPO has developed a set of environmental and social criteria which companies must comply with in order to produce Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO).	+	RSPO - Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil includes stakeholders from the 7 sectors of the palm oil industry: oil palm producers, processors or traders, consumer goods manufacturers, retailers, banks/investors, and environmental and social non-governmental organisations (NGOs), to develop and implement global standards for sustainable palm oil. The RSPO has developed a set of environmental and social criteria which companies must comply with in order to produce Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO).

−	RASA - ~~[https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/for-business/2020-certification-program/~~ Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture] The Rainforest Alliance is an international non-profit organization working at the intersection of business, agriculture, and forests to make responsible business the new normal. The Rainforest Alliance works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior. Products bearing the seal originate on--or contain ingredients sourced from--Rainforest Alliance Certified farms or forests.	+	RASA - Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture The Rainforest Alliance is an international non-profit organization working at the intersection of business, agriculture, and forests to make responsible business the new normal. The Rainforest Alliance works to conserve biodiversity and ensure sustainable livelihoods by transforming land-use practices, business practices and consumer behavior. Products bearing the seal originate on--or contain ingredients sourced from--Rainforest Alliance Certified farms or forests.

−	SCS - ~~[https://www.scsglobalservices.com/scs-marks-and-labels~~ Scientific Certification Systems] is now doing business as SCS Global Services, is a trusted leader in third-party environmental, sustainability and food quality certification, auditing, testing and standards development including forestry.	+	SCS - Scientific Certification Systems is now doing business as SCS Global Services, is a trusted leader in third-party environmental, sustainability and food quality certification, auditing, testing and standards development including forestry.

−	~~[http://www.sacert.org/woodmark~~ Woodmark Soil Association’s certification scheme] for Forest Management and Chain of Custody for forest products. Woodmark was one of the first Forest Stewardship Council® accredited certification bodies and has a long track record of carrying out certification assessments of forest enterprises and the timber processing industry as well as training and capacity building in certification. FSC® accredited since 1996.	+	Woodmark Soil Association’s certification scheme for Forest Management and Chain of Custody for forest products. Woodmark was one of the first Forest Stewardship Council® accredited certification bodies and has a long track record of carrying out certification assessments of forest enterprises and the timber processing industry as well as training and capacity building in certification. FSC® accredited since 1996.

−	~~[https://www.proforest.net/~~ ProForest] a network that helps people to manage and source natural resources sustainably. Its team is made up of experts in the responsible production and sourcing of palm oil, soy, sugar, beef, timber and other agricultural and forest commodities.	+	ProForest a network that helps people to manage and source natural resources sustainably. Its team is made up of experts in the responsible production and sourcing of palm oil, soy, sugar, beef, timber and other agricultural and forest commodities.

	= External links =		= External links =
		+
		+	European Union Timber Regulation: [https://ec.europa.eu/environment/forests/timber_regulation.htm https://ec.europa.eu/environment/forests/timber_regulation.htm]
		+
		+	Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT): [https://www.euflegt.efi.int/what-is-flegt https://www.euflegt.efi.int/what-is-flegt]
		+
		+	Assurance Services International (ASI) [https://www.asi-assurance.org/s/ https://www.asi-assurance.org]
		+
		+	Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO UN) [https://www.fao.org/sustainable-forest-management/toolbox/modules/forest-certification/in-more-depth/en/ https://www.fao.org/sustainable-forest-management/toolbox/modules/forest-certification/in-more-depth/en/]

	[https://fsc.org/en/fsc-public-certificate-search https://fsc.org/en/fsc-public-certificate-search]		[https://fsc.org/en/fsc-public-certificate-search https://fsc.org/en/fsc-public-certificate-search]

	[https://pefc.org/find-certified https://pefc.org/find-certified]		[https://pefc.org/find-certified https://pefc.org/find-certified]
		+
		+	[https://preferredbynature.org/certification/legalsource https://preferredbynature.org/certification/legalsource]
		+
		+	[https://rspo.org https://rspo.org]
		+
		+	[https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/for-business/2020-certification-program/ https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/for-business/2020-certification-program/]
		+
		+	[https://www.scsglobalservices.com/scs-marks-and-labels https://www.scsglobalservices.com/scs-marks-and-labels]
		+
		+	[http://www.sacert.org/woodmark http://www.sacert.org/woodmark]
		+
		+	[https://www.proforest.net/ https://www.proforest.net/]
		+
		+	[https://sbp-cert.org https://sbp-cert.org]

	[https://fsc-watch.com https://fsc-watch.com]		[https://fsc-watch.com https://fsc-watch.com]

Editor at 09:19, 25 June 2022

2022-06-25T09:19:42Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:19, 25 June 2022
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	Certification of forest management might be defined as “an established and recognised procedure which results in a certificate confirming the quality of forest management in relation to a set of predetermined standards, based on an independent (third party) assessment.” (Baharuddin and Simula, ITTO, December 1997).		Certification of forest management might be defined as “an established and recognised procedure which results in a certificate confirming the quality of forest management in relation to a set of predetermined standards, based on an independent (third party) assessment.” (Baharuddin and Simula, ITTO, December 1997).

−	The two most well known forest certification labels are the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) which is an international mark and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) which is ~~a European standard~~. For more information on these, visit the pages directly. Whilst it is generally accepted these schemes are an important tool in the management of forests and the primary check mechanism both in Europe and Internationally they are not perfect and are not without criticism.	+	The two most well known forest certification labels are the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) which is an international mark and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) which is also international and often favoured by smaller scale producers. For more information on these, visit the pages directly. Whilst it is generally accepted these schemes are an important tool in the management of forests and the primary check mechanism both in Europe and Internationally they are not perfect and are not without criticism.

	It should also be noted that, although arguably the most established, FSC and PEFC certification schemes are not the only schemes in existence, many country level schemes also exist, (recognised to varying degrees by both FSC / PEFC) as well as other certification schemes. In all cases certification schemes are not perfect but should be third party recognised and asssessed individually.		It should also be noted that, although arguably the most established, FSC and PEFC certification schemes are not the only schemes in existence, many country level schemes also exist, (recognised to varying degrees by both FSC / PEFC) as well as other certification schemes. In all cases certification schemes are not perfect but should be third party recognised and asssessed individually.

Editor at 08:30, 25 June 2022

2022-06-25T08:30:46Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:30, 25 June 2022
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	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

−	* BREEAM Responsible sourcing of materials.
	* Carbon footprint.		* Carbon footprint.
	* Embodied energy.		* Embodied energy.

Editor at 08:30, 25 June 2022

2022-06-25T08:30:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:30, 25 June 2022
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	= External links =		= External links =
		+
		+	[https://fsc.org/en/fsc-public-certificate-search https://fsc.org/en/fsc-public-certificate-search]
		+
		+	[https://pefc.org/find-certified https://pefc.org/find-certified]

	[https://fsc-watch.com https://fsc-watch.com]		[https://fsc-watch.com https://fsc-watch.com]

Editor at 08:27, 25 June 2022

2022-06-25T08:27:13Z

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Editor at 07:03, 25 June 2022

2022-06-25T07:03:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:03, 25 June 2022
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	FLEGT - Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade. The EU's FLEGT Action Plan was established in 2003. It aims to reduce illegal logging by strengthening sustainable and legal forest management, improving governance and promoting trade in legally produced timber.		FLEGT - Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade. The EU's FLEGT Action Plan was established in 2003. It aims to reduce illegal logging by strengthening sustainable and legal forest management, improving governance and promoting trade in legally produced timber.
		+
		+	ASI - Assurance Services International is responsible for checking certification body compliance with rules and procedures through a combination of field and office audits.

	FAO UN -Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations applies the Forest Principles, which were included in Chapter 11 of Agenda 21, adopted by nations at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.		FAO UN -Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations applies the Forest Principles, which were included in Chapter 11 of Agenda 21, adopted by nations at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.

	SFM - Sustainable Forest Management is defined by the UN as“dynamic and evolving concept, which aims to maintain and enhance the economic, social and environmental values of all types of forests, for the benefit of present and future generations.”		SFM - Sustainable Forest Management is defined by the UN as“dynamic and evolving concept, which aims to maintain and enhance the economic, social and environmental values of all types of forests, for the benefit of present and future generations.”
		+
		+	Country based Certification schemes:

	FSC - Forest Stewardship Council		FSC - Forest Stewardship Council
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	PEFC - Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification		PEFC - Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification

−	LegalSource - is a registered trademark owned by Preferred by Nature. As a LegalSource certificate holder, you may use this trademark in promotional claims and statements, providing you comply with our trademark requirements.	+	LegalSource - is a registered trademark owned by Preferred by Nature (previously NEPCon). As a LegalSource certificate holder, you may use this trademark in promotional claims and statements, providing you comply with our trademark requirements.

	You may also use the LegalSource Certified claim and label to promote products covered by your certificate or to underpin your organisation's commitment to legal timber sourcing.		You may also use the LegalSource Certified claim and label to promote products covered by your certificate or to underpin your organisation's commitment to legal timber sourcing.

Editor at 06:38, 25 June 2022

2022-06-25T06:38:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:38, 25 June 2022
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	Certification of forest management might be defined as “an established and recognised procedure which results in a certificate confirming the quality of forest management in relation to a set of predetermined standards, based on an independent (third party) assessment.” (Baharuddin and Simula, ITTO, December 1997).		Certification of forest management might be defined as “an established and recognised procedure which results in a certificate confirming the quality of forest management in relation to a set of predetermined standards, based on an independent (third party) assessment.” (Baharuddin and Simula, ITTO, December 1997).

−	The two most well known forest certification labels are the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) which is an international mark and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) which is a European standard. For more information on these, visit the pages directly. Whilst it is generally accepted these schemes are an important tool in the management of forests and the primary check ~~mechanisms~~ both in Europe and Internationally they are not perfect and are not without criticism. It should also be noted that, although these certification schemes are not the only schemes in existence, many country level schemes also exist, recognised to varying degrees by both FSC / PEFC, there are also other certification labels. Some of these are outlined below.	+	The two most well known forest certification labels are the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) which is an international mark and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) which is a European standard. For more information on these, visit the pages directly. Whilst it is generally accepted these schemes are an important tool in the management of forests and the primary check mechanism both in Europe and Internationally they are not perfect and are not without criticism.

−	FSC	+	It should also be noted that, although arguably the most established, FSC and PEFC certification schemes are not the only schemes in existence, many country level schemes also exist, (recognised to varying degrees by both FSC / PEFC) as well as other certification schemes.

−	~~[https~~:~~//www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Pefc PEFC] - [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Programme_for_the_Endorsement_of_Forest_Certification Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification]~~	+	Although many certification schemes are voluntary they may also directly or indirectly relate to guidelines, laws, regulations, terms and acronyms, so firstly some of these re outlined below:

−	~~LegalSource /~~ EUTR - [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/European_Union_Timber_Regulation European Union Timber Regulation]	+	EUTR - [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/European_Union_Timber_Regulation European Union Timber Regulation] aims to counter illegal logging and associated trade in timber and timber products in the member states of the European Union, and ultimately contribute to sustainable management of forests and reduced emissions from deforestation and forest degradation beyond EU borders.
		+
		+	FLEGT - Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade. The EU's FLEGT Action Plan was established in 2003. It aims to reduce illegal logging by strengthening sustainable and legal forest management, improving governance and promoting trade in legally produced timber.
		+
		+	FAO UN -Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations applies the Forest Principles, which were included in Chapter 11 of Agenda 21, adopted by nations at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.
		+
		+	SFM - Sustainable Forest Management is defined by the UN as“dynamic and evolving concept, which aims to maintain and enhance the economic, social and environmental values of all types of forests, for the benefit of present and future generations.”
		+
		+	FSC - Forest Stewardship Council
		+
		+	PEFC - Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification
		+
		+	LegalSource - is a registered trademark owned by Preferred by Nature. As a LegalSource certificate holder, you may use this trademark in promotional claims and statements, providing you comply with our trademark requirements.
		+
		+	You may also use the LegalSource Certified claim and label to promote products covered by your certificate or to underpin your organisation's commitment to legal timber sourcing.
		+
		+	Note: The LegalSource trademark is not eligible for on-product use.

	SBP - [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Sustainable Sustainable] [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Biomass Biomass] [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Program Program]		SBP - [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Sustainable Sustainable] [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Biomass Biomass] [https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Program Program]