Tuesday, February 3, 2026
In response to recent claims questioning the integrity of the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), Responsible Wood has issued a firm statement reaffirming the strength of the certification system and its crucial role in promoting responsible and sustainable timber sourcing. These claims, which allege that PEFC-endorsed certification enables illegal logging and harms endangered species, are being directly challenged by Responsible Wood as both inaccurate and misleading.
Responsible Wood, as the national governing body for PEFC in Australia, stands behind the credibility of the certification process, emphasizing that it is built on a foundation of legality, environmental integrity, and ethical responsibility. PEFC-endorsed timber is not only sourced legally but is also verified to be deforestation-free and managed within strict ethical supply chains.
This assertion is backed by an independent review commissioned by Forest & Wood Products Australia, which affirmed that the PEFC certification system ensures compliance with over 215 sustainability indicators. These include crucial areas such as biodiversity, cultural heritage, and comprehensive environmental and social safeguards. Forest managers are required to meet these standards to maintain their PEFC certification, with regular audits and oversight to guarantee ongoing compliance.
One of the cornerstones of the PEFC certification process is its commitment to continuous improvement. An independent, third-party audit system is in place to monitor forest managers and ensure that they adhere to PEFC’s rigorous standards. If any issues or non-conformances are identified during these audits, corrective actions are mandated, with the possibility of suspension or even withdrawal of certification if necessary.
This robust auditing framework ensures that any shortcomings are swiftly addressed, reinforcing the integrity of the certification and strengthening forest management practices. Importantly, the independent auditors are accredited by the joint Australia and New Zealand accreditation body (JASANZ), ensuring impartiality and technical competence.
In Australia, the PEFC-endorsed Responsible Wood standard is recognized under the country’s illegal logging laws, which prohibit the import of timber and wood products linked to illegal harvesting. This recognition highlights the certification’s alignment with national and international regulatory frameworks, which are designed to prevent illegal logging and its negative environmental impacts.
Furthermore, Responsible Wood emphasizes that forest managers must comply with strict forestry regulations and laws that govern plant and animal protection. These regulations are enforced by the government, and non-compliance can result in legal prosecution, adding another layer of accountability to the PEFC certification process.
A recent independent review conducted by Forest & Wood Products Australia evaluated the performance of global forest certification schemes operating in Australia. The review found that PEFC and its endorsed certification system, Responsible Wood, deliver credible outcomes across several critical areas, including deforestation-free supply chains, ethical sourcing practices, community welfare, and alignment with climate goals.
The review underscored the importance of the PEFC certification system in fostering sustainable forest management and ensuring that timber products meet the highest environmental and social standards. It also highlighted the system’s ability to identify and address potential issues through proactive audits and self-assessments conducted by forest managers.
Responsible Wood is steadfast in its commitment to maintaining a transparent, robust, and credible certification system. The organization continues to support independent assurance systems that foster trust in sustainable forest management and verified timber supply chains. PEFC certification remains a vital tool for ensuring that timber sourcing is done responsibly, with an ongoing focus on continual improvement through transparent standard-setting and independent oversight.
By adhering to these rigorous standards, Responsible Wood ensures that the timber supply chain remains ethical, legal, and environmentally responsible, offering consumers and stakeholders confidence in the sustainability of PEFC-certified timber products.
As the national body overseeing PEFC certification in Australia, Responsible Wood will continue to promote the integrity of the certification process, standing by its commitment to sustainable forestry practices and ensuring that the timber industry remains a force for environmental and social good.
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Tags: forest management, PEFC certification, Responsible Wood, sustainable forest practices, timber supply chain
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