PEFC CoC Certification

Ensure wood and paper products are sustainably sourced

As demand for wood, paper and other forest products continues to climb, the market increasingly requires assurance that these products are sourced from responsibly managed forests. Suppliers need to ensure that they exclusively use sources that limit their damage to the forest environment as well as forest-dependent indigenous communities. Their products have to meet regulatory requirements in the U.S. (the Lacey Act), Europe (EU Timber Regulation) or other countries.

What is PEFC Chain of Custody certification?

The Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is an international non-profit, nongovernmental organisation promoting sustainable forest management through third-party certification. It is the only international forest scheme that bases its criteria on internationally accepted intergovernmental conventions and guidelines. Wood products such as furniture must meet the high standards set by the organisation in order to be labelled as PEFC certified. The entire flow of wood material from forest to consumer must be monitored and documented to demonstrate its origins. This evidence is known as the Chain of Custody (CoC).

Why is it important?

Documenting the sustainability of your wood sources will give your customers confidence that your business does not harm forests. It enables you to offer origin of material and promotion of responsible forestry as added value propositions. Use of PEFC material also allows your business to open up new opportunities in markets requiring the certification.

How can we help?

TÜV SÜD Czech is an internationally accredited Certification Body for PEFC CoC. Our trusted audit experts understand all the technical and social complexities of CoC certification for a wide range of industries in wood processing, pulp and paper, packaging, and printing. We can offer combined PEFC CoC audits in combination with other audit services such as forest management schemes or ISO standards. Our comprehensive services extend from pre-audit throughout the entire five-year certification cycle.

Our PEFC CoC services

PEFC CoC certification

PEFC CoC certification is designed for all businesses involved in the supply chain of forest-based products. The certification requires ongoing annual audits. We perform these audits during the five-year certification cycle to monitor your implementation of requirements for the separation of certified and uncertified material. In addition, we identify gaps where the two types of material may potentially get mixed. Our auditors observe your company’s separation and flow of material, its management systems, as well as the use of the PEFC trademarks.

Alignment with EU Timber Regulation through PEFC Due Diligence System (DDS)

Our experts assist you to demonstrate alignment with EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) requirements through PEFC CoC certification. PEFC claims that its Chain of Custody standard is fully aligned with EUTR requirements through its integral PEFC Due Diligence System (PEFC DDS). The DDS is a systematic approach to assess the risk related to illegally harvested wood in line with the EUTR.

Why choose TÜV SÜD

TÜV SÜD Czech is a trusted market leader for credible CoC certification. We are known worldwide for the high quality of our certifications and the outstanding performance of our auditors. Our experts are committed to a fast turnaround on approvals. What’s more, our knowledge and understanding of CoC certification allows us to offer PEFC CoC audits combined with other forest management schemes or ISO standards. This eliminates duplication of work and saves you time and money.

Your benefits at a glance

• Demonstrate certification - by featuring the prestigious PEFC trademark on your products and packaging.
• Gain a competitive edge - by targeting purchasers in the print sector and other industries who increasingly prefer wood and paper products that are originally sourced from sustainably managed forests.
• Enhance your brand image - as a company in the forest product sector that is environmentally aware.
• Improve transparency - by having your business listed as a certified company on the PEFC website.