FSC™ and PEFC™ Certification

Consumers are becoming increasingly aware that many timber products can often come from illegal sources or be the product of unsustainable logging. This type of logging can lead to mass deforestation which leads to a loss of habitats, livelihood and is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. The unsustainable timber trade threatens forests across the world and the very people who depend on them.  

Chain of custody certification ensures timber or timber products originate from responsibly managed forests. It gives independently verified assurance that the wood used originates from responsibly managed forests by demonstrating the material is tracked through every stage of the process, from forest to end-user.

By maintaining a certified chain of custody system, you can provide reassurance that your timber products are sourced and produced in compliance with a globally recognized ecological, social and economic standard.

For a product to qualify for certification, all companies who take legal ownership of the products and process ranging from trade or repacking them, need to be certified.

The benefits of chain of custody certification

Having your chain of custody system independently certified by internationally recognized certification body BM TRADA demonstrates to your customers your commitment to responsible supply chain management. Specifically, chain of custody certification will provide:

• Added value to your products and services 
• Access to new markets enabling you to win new customers 
• Compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements  
• Enhanced business reputation and confidence in the supply chain 
• Use of the FSC or PEFC trademark
• Assurance to your customers that they are contributing to environmental conservation and economic stability

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)

FSC is an international not for profit organization that brings people together to find solutions which promote responsible stewardship of the world’s forests.
The FSC trademark allows consumers worldwide to recognize products that support the growth of responsible forest management.

Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)

PEFC is a global umbrella organisation for the assessment and mutual recognition of national forest certification schemes developed in a multi-stakeholder process. These national schemes build upon the inter-governmental processes for the promotion of sustainable forest management.

PEFC works throughout the forest supply chain to promote good practice and to ensure forest products are produced with respect for the highest ecological, social and ethical standards.

Who needs chain of custody?

Chain of custody certification is applicable to all companies who process, manufacture or trade in timber or timber-derived products including manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, sawmills, printers and paper merchants.

Customer testimonial

''It took us about three years to make the decision to move forward with ISO 9001 and FSC certification with BM TRADA. Since having it in place not only has it made us more efficient, but it’s also opened up doors to additional business.'' Mathew Bragg from CKJ Joinery Manufacturing, Doncaster.

About the FSC

FSC is an international not-for-profit organization that brings people together to find solutions which promote responsible stewardship of the world’s forests.The FSC trademark allows consumers worldwide to recognize products that support the growth of responsible forest management.

The FSC Certificate database can be accessed here 

FSC Standards can be obtained here

Organizations are not permitted to make statements or promotional claims including either BM TRADA or FSC logos or trademarks without gaining the appropriate permissions before use.

Organizations are not permitted to promote or use any statements or claims in relation to certification that has not yet been granted.  This includes the names or trademarks of BM TRADA or FSC.

Certification body licence numbers:

• FSC licence number A000503
• PEFC licence number PEFC/16-44-002