PEFC Chain-of-Custody Certification
Responsible wood products sourcing with PEFC-certified supply chain traceability and global market recognition
Forestry Business Group
Demonstrate Responsible Forest Product Sourcing
PEFC Chain of Custody (CoC) certification enables you to demonstrate that your forest-based products originate from responsibly managed sources and are tracked throughout the supply chain. Whether you are a manufacturer, processor, distributor, printer, or retailer, certification provides independent assurance that your materials meet globally recognized sustainability requirements.
By achieving PEFC Chain of Custody certification, you strengthen supply chain transparency, meet customer and procurement expectations, and expand access to markets that require verified responsible sourcing. SCS Global Services helps you verify compliance systems, validate material flows, and communicate your sustainability commitments with confidence.
SCS Global Services Expertise
SCS Global Services is an internationally recognized leader in forest certification, with decades of experience auditing complex forest product supply chains. As an accredited certification body, SCS Global Services delivers PEFC Chain of Custody certification with the rigor, credibility, and global recognition required by manufacturers, brands, and procurement programs worldwide.
Organizations choose SCS Global Services for our deep technical expertise, responsive service, and ability to streamline multi-standard certifications, including FSC® Chain of Custody and recycled content verification. Our auditors understand diverse industries and supply chain structures, helping you achieve efficient certification while maintaining strict compliance with PEFC requirements.
- Eligibility
- Process
- Program Details
- Service Details
- FAQs
- Documents
PEFC CoC certification is available to all companies that process or sell forest products, including sawmills, secondary manufacturers, brokers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, printers, and paper merchants. This certification verifies use of input materials from FSC-certified forests and recycled sources.
We also offer triple Chain of Custody certification with FSC and SFI.
Complementary Services
PEFC Chain of Custody certification audits can be conducted concurrently with FSC and SFI Chain of Custody audits, enabling you to get even more value from your certification efforts.
Woody biomass producers may also wish to combine PEFC Chain of Custody audits with Sustainable Biomass Program (SBP) audits to reduce overall audit time and expense.
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Application & Scope Definition
Establish certification scope, products, and participating sites
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System Review
Evaluate your Chain of Custody procedures and documentation
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On-site Audit
Verify material tracking, records, and operational controls
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Certification Decision
Independent review and issuance of certification upon compliance
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Ongoing Surveillance
Annual audits to maintain certification and ensure continued conformity
PEFC Chain of Custody certification ensures that certified forest-based materials are identified, tracked, and controlled at every stage of processing, manufacturing, and distribution. The program is designed to maintain the integrity of certified content and prevent mixing with non-compliant sources without proper controls.
Core elements of the program include:
- A documented Chain of Custody management system
- Due diligence procedures to avoid controversial and illegal sources
- Material accounting systems to track inputs and outputs
- Segregation or controlled mixing methods for certified materials
- Proper use of PEFC labels and claims
- Annual surveillance audits to maintain certification
PEFC certification is applicable across a wide range of industries, including wood products, paper and packaging, furniture, printing, and construction materials.
SCS Global Services provides comprehensive support for PEFC Chain of Custody certification across organizations of all sizes and complexities, including:
- Certification audits for single-site and multi-site operations
- Integration with SFI and Responsible Wood (RW)
- Guidance on PEFC trademark use and claims
- Ongoing client support throughout the certification lifecycle
Our services are designed to deliver a clear, efficient certification pathway while minimizing disruption to your operations.
What is PEFC Chain of Custody certification?
It is a third-party certification that verifies forest-based products are sourced from responsibly managed forests and tracked through each stage of the supply chain. PEFC is able to endorse national forest certification systems (for example, SFI and Responsible Wood).
Who needs PEFC Chain of Custody certification?
Any organization that takes ownership of PEFC-certified or endorsed materials and wants to sell products with certified claims, including manufacturers, processors, distributors, and retailers.
What types of products can be certified?
Wood (lumber, wood chips, mass timber), paper, packaging, furniture, and other forest-based materials are eligible if they meet PEFC sourcing and traceability requirements.
What is required to become certified?
Organizations must implement a Chain of Custody system, track material inputs and outputs, conduct due diligence on sources, and comply with PEFC standards.
How much does certification cost?
Pricing is based on the scope of services and company size. Chain of Custody systems range from simple to very complex, affecting the amount of time it takes to complete an audit. Annual surveillance audits are required to maintain your certification Please ask your sales associate about bundling certifications that might benefit your company.
How long does certification take?
The timeline depends on your organization’s readiness and complexity but is typically completed within a few months.
Can PEFC certification be combined with other certifications?
Yes. PEFC-endorsed standards (PEFC, SFI, and RW) are well-aligned, creating a better opportunity for combined certification with each other. Many organizations pursue bundled certification, and SCS Global Services can conduct integrated audits to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
What happens after certification is achieved?
Annual surveillance audits are required to maintain certification and ensure continued compliance.
How long is a PEFC Chain of Custody certificate valid?
A PEFC Chain of Custody certificate is valid for five years. Annual surveillance audits are required to maintain your certificate.
How does PEFC certification support sustainability goals?
It provides credible proof of responsible sourcing, supporting ESG reporting, risk mitigation, and environmental commitments.
Why choose SCS Global Services for PEFC Chain of Custody certification?
SCS Global Services offers global recognition, experienced auditors, and integrated certification solutions that ensure credibility, efficiency, and alignment with your business objectives.
| Document Name | Document |
|---|---|
| PEFC Certification Requirements | Visit Site |
| PEFC ST 2001-2008 V2-0 - PEFC Logo Usage Requirements | English |
| PEFC ST 2002-2013 V2-0 - PEFC Chain of Custody Requirements | English |
| SCS International Responsible Forestry Certification – Qualifications Profile | English |
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Forestry Business Group
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