FSC™ and PEFC™ Certification

FSC and PEFC Chain of custody certification for timber products

Consumers are becoming increasingly aware that many timber products often come from illegal sources or may 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.

Independent, third party accredited, 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.

Who needs chain of custody certification for timber products?

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.

How do I achieve chain of custody certification for my timber products?

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

There are different chain of custody certification schemes, specific to the type of product that you are trying to trace through the supply chain. For timber and timber-based products, BM TRADA. offers FSC and PEFC certification

Undergoing certification through these schemes with BM TRADA will allow you to use the FSC or PEFC trademark on your products and packaging.

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certification

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

Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)

PEFC is a global umbrella organization 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.