PEFC UK Ltd

PEFC is the world’s leading forest-certification system and an internationally recognised brand devoted to ensuring that forests are managed according to environmental, social and economic criteria.

We are an international, non-profit, non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting Sustainable Forest Management through independent third-party certification.

PEFC works by endorsing national forest certification systems developed collaboratively by all interested stakeholders and has recognised certification systems in 36 countries.

PEFC UK Ltd is responsible for:

• Managing the PEFC UK forest certification scheme to meet the endorsement requirements of PEFC International
• Developing and reviewing the design of the PEFC UK forest certification scheme with a view to continuous improvement
• Developing, implementing and reviewing the rules and requirements for participation in the PEFC UK forest certification scheme by certification applicants, with particular reference to the requirements and conditions set out by PEFC International
• Promoting the use and credibility of the PEFC UK forest certification scheme and ensuring its accessibility to the forest industry and all interested stakeholders
• Helping to promote the UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS), as the national certification standard for Sustainable Forest Management in the UK
• Participating in the development, monitoring and review of the UK Woodland Assurance Standard
• Issuing and updating of all documentation relating to administration and implementation of the UK forest certification scheme
• Setting and reviewing, in liason with UKWAS, the eligibility criteria for certification bodies wishing to carry out third party audits under the UK forest certification scheme
• Maintaining a register of Accredited and Notified Certification Bodies and monitoring these bodies to ensure continued compliance with the existing eligibility criteria
• Establishing and maintaining records of all forest areas / organisations / enterprises certified under the UK forest certification scheme and certified for Chain of Custody
• Resolving appeals, complaints and disputes arising out of the operation of the UK forest certification scheme that cannot otherwise be resolved between the Certification Body and the auditee or the UKWAS Interpretation Panel
• Setting, collection and review of all legitimate costs / fees associated with participation in the UK forest certification scheme by certification applicants
• Licensing and control of the use of any logos, claims and labels used in association with the UK forest certification scheme

What Makes PEFC Unique?
PEFC has spent almost 20 years promoting Sustainable Forest Management and creating a strong framework for the protection of the world’s forests and at the same time promoting a strong global timber market.

As the world's largest forest certification system, PEFC remains the certification system of choice for small, non-industrial private forests, with hundreds of thousands of family forest owners certified to comply with our internationally recognised Sustainability Benchmark.

PEFC's programme:

• sets robust standards and realistic criteria for sustainable forest management at a global level that enjoy acceptance by stakeholders around the world, and that are continuously updated to incorporate new knowledge, best practices and changing expectations
• is flexible enough to reflect the specific national circumstances as elaborated with input from all interested parties at local level, yet is also in compliance with international requirements
• is accessible, viable and affordable not only to multinational corporations managing large areas of natural forests and plantations, but also to the millions of small family and community-forest owners for which forests represent an important part of their livelihoods

Forestry
Forests are critical for sustainable development, providing a wealth of goods and services that are essential for a greener economy. Forest certification is crucial in providing evidence of sustainable forest management.

PEFC expands forest certification globally through its unique bottom-up approach to certification and is the certification system of choice for family and community-owned forests. The UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) is the national forest certification standard for the UK.

Sustainability & PEFC
PEFC's 'act locally, think globally' approach offers substantial benefits and contributes positively to the maintenance and enhancement of global forestry.

The simple act of sourcing or purchasing a product with the PEFC label can have far-reaching positive implications, not least in terms of sustainable consumption.