- Latin America /
- Supply Chain Management /
- PEFC Chain-of-Custody
LATAM Business Group
What is PEFC Chain-of-Custody?
Throughout the world, more and more retailers are requiring that their forest-based products meet acceptable levels of ethics, sustainability and traceability, creating a compelling case for LATAM product producers to undergo certification to a forestry chain of custody standard. One such certification program is the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) chain of custody (CoC), a certification program for international traceability of forest products. PEFC recognizes both national and international regulations for forest products in the supply chain, ensuring the link back to certified sustainable forests under PEFC-endorsed national forest management standards. PEFC endorses national forest management standards in more than 48 countries worldwide and has chain of custody certificate holders in more than 70 countries.
SCS provides the independent third-party audit to forest product manufacturers that want to achieve PEFC certification. Certification helps organizations to expand market access internationally for certified products, and it enables them to demonstrate sourcing of products that support responsible environmental, social, and economic practices.
To get certified, organizations will undergo an audit to review procedures and documentation for tracking certified material, including a site visit to tour facilities and interview key staff. If conformance to the PEFC CoC Standard is met, companies are issued a certificate and given the trademarks for on-product and off-product promotions. PEFC Certification also contributes to LEED® for building products.
Why Choose SCS?
SCS Global Services is a premier forestry certifier in the LATAM region offering both forestry management certification and Chain-of-Custody (CoC) certification to the PEFC standard as well as triple certification to the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) standard and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) standard. A leader in third party certification for nearly three decades, SCS is well-positioned to address your certification needs every step of the way. Our dedicated professional staff will guide you through the CoC certification process with fast and reliable service.
- Eligibility
- Process
- Certified Clients
- 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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Apply for Certification
Complete and submit the SCS Application form. SCS will then prepare a proposal for your approval with suggested scope of work, timeline, and quote. If the proposal meets your needs you will sign a Work Order and the audit will be scheduled.
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Written Procedures
Create company procedures that demonstrate how certified wood or paper products will be tracked throughout your operation. SCS provides guidance to help explain the Chain-of-Custody requirements.
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Pre-Audit Assessment
An SCS auditor will review your procedures for thoroughness and conformance. The auditor identifies areas for improvement in the procedures prior to the audit.
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On-site Audit
During a site visit, an SCS auditor will review the Chain-of-Custody procedures and documentation for a typical job (from receipt of inputs to the final sale). Additionally, the auditor will tour the facilities where certified material is handled and interview key staff. We look for evidence that staff has been duly trained in the responsibilities that have been assigned to them and that staff possess an understanding of the workflow for certified products.
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Assessment Report
Based on audit findings, SCS produces an audit report. The audit report is submitted to a Technical Associate who validates the appropriateness of the auditor's methodology and conclusions.
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Make Certification Decision
The Technical Associate decides whether to grant certification. If granted, you will be issued a certificate valid for a five-year period. Any conditional Major Corrective Action Requests (CARs) identified by SCS will need to be closed prior to obtaining certification. SCS can also provide client marketing support.
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Maintain Certification
Annual surveillance audits are required to maintain Chain-of-Custody certification. Certified companies and product offerings are listed in the official certificate holder database (PEFC or SFI). Certified companies are granted permission to use trademarks for on-product and off-product applications in conformance with the appropriate trademark standard.
SCS provides certification services for a number of forest product chain of custody standards.
All companies currently certified according to the requirements of the PEFC Chain of Custody standard can be found using Responsible Wood – Chain of Custody for forest products
For a list of the Australian based businesses that have achieved certification to either AS4707 Chain of Custody for certified wood and forest products or PEFC Chain of Custody of Forest Based Products see Responsible Wood/PEFC Australia Chain of Custody Certification Register.
*At this time it is not possible to search the official Responsible Wood list for only those certificate holders who have been certified by SCS Global Services. However, the validity of a given certification can be verified with SCS upon request.
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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