PEFC UK Ltd was established in 2000 and is a member of PEFC International.
PEFC is an international non-profit, non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) through independent third-party certification. PEFC works throughout the entire forest supply chain to promote good practice in the forest and to ensure that timber and non-timber forest products are produced with respect for the highest ecological, social and ethical standards. PEFC’s distinctive ‘green trees’ logo make it a truly global brand and means customers and consumers are able to identify products from sustainably managed forests.
PEFC has recognised certification systems in 51 countries. Together these account for over 311 million hectares of certified forests, making PEFC the world’s largest forest and wood product certification system.
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.