Timber Certification


The process of certification arose from growing concerns regarding the environmental impact of deforestation globally.

In 1992 the Forest Principles were produced at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. These are principles for a global consensus on management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests. As a result a number of endorsement systems have evolved. 

Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC). This is the world’s largest forest certification system which approves other schemes including the Australian Forestry Certification Scheme (AFCS).

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). An organisation established to promote the responsible management of the world's forests which also has a certification system. 

Other systems such as Malaysian Timber Certification Council and Certisource a DNA Lumber track program.

Timber certification is a statement of authenticity which verifies the sustainable source of raw wood materials. It involves the validation of performance based upon specified sustainable forestry criteria and standards which differ from country to country. The certification process consists of two parts; sustainable forest management and the tracking of timber material through production and distribution to verify it has come from certified forests.  

Sustainable forest management certification occurs in the country of origin. In Australia nearly all native and plantation forest producers are assessed according to the Australian Forestry Standard. The  Forest Stewardship Council interim standard is also used some producers may use both.

Certification of timber material also known as the Chain of Custody, involves certification of all traders in the supply chain. This system provides a guarantee to the end user about the source and production of certified products.

The timber certification system provides consumers with the opportunity to choose timber products from sustainably managed forests.

Further information
Timber certification: an overview
Australian Timber Database