Choosing PEFC certification is a positive step towards demonstrating your commitment to responsible sourcing and sustainable forest management. Whether you’re managing woodlands, operating within a supply chain, or working on a specific project, we’re here to help you through the process.
Getting certified might seem complex at first, but we’ve broken it down into clear, manageable steps. From understanding the standards to working with a certification body and using the PEFC label, this guide will take you through everything you need to know.
Steps to Certification
Choose the Right Certification. Decide which certification type suits your organisation:
Understand the Standards
Download and review the relevant PEFC standards to get to grips with the requirements. Links to the relevant standards can be found below:
- Forest Management Standards
- Trees Outside Forests Standards
- Chain of Custody Standards
- Guidance for Project Certification
Implement Your Management System
Use the standards to develop a management system that meets all applicable requirements. Click here for Guidance. Need a hand? Consider working with a consultant specialising in PEFC Certification.
Engage a Certification Body
Contact one of our PEFC-accredited certification bodies for a quotation and to arrange an audit of your system.
Get Certified
If your system meets the standard, the certification body will issue your certificate – typically valid for five years.
* If any issues arise during the audit, you’ll need to address them before certification can be granted.
Trademark Contract
Once certified, we’ll send you a PEFC Trademark Contract to sign. This gives you access to use the PEFC logo.
Database Registration
After the contract is returned, we’ll upload your details to the PEFC database and activate your access to the PEFC logo generator.
Surveillance Audits
Your certification body will carry out yearly surveillance audits to ensure ongoing compliance.
Renewal After Five Years
At the end of the certification cycle, a re-certification audit will be conducted. Pass, and your certification is renewed for another five years.
Notification Fees
All PEFC certificates are subject to an annual notification fee, which helps fund our operations in the UK and adds value to your certification.
Fees vary depending on the type and size of organisation, and are collected via your accredited certification body. Click here for more information on how fees apply.
If you have any questions regarding the certification process, reach out to our Executive Director, John Kirkby, he is a trained auditor and will be happy to help.