PEFC Forest management certification process

PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) is a global system that promotes sustainable forest management and ensures that forest products come from forests managed in an environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and economically viable manner. The certification process is structured, transparent, and based on independent third-party assessment.

1. Key Participants in the Certification Process:

• PEFC Latvia (Standard-setting body): This association is the representative of the international PEFC organization in Latvia and is responsible for the development and maintenance of the national forest management standard, involving various interested parties.

• Certification Body: An independent, accredited institution that assesses the conformity of a forest management system with the Standard. In Latvia, a certification body must be accredited by the Latvian National Accreditation Bureau (LATAK) or another organization that is a member of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).

• Accreditation Body: An institution that evaluates, accredits, and oversees the operations of certification bodies, ensuring their competence and objectivity.

• Forest Manager: Any natural or legal person, or a group of forest owners, who applies for certification and undertakes to comply with the requirements of the Standard.

2. Steps of the Certification Process:

• Preparation Phase:

  • The forest manager reviews the PEFC Standard requirements and defines the scope of their forest management system.

  • Forest inventory is conducted, and a forest management plan is developed or updated, including long-term social, economic, and environmental objectives, as well as information on resources and ecosystem services.

  • Interested parties must be identified, and their needs and expectations assessed.

  • Necessary documentation is prepared, such as a management system description, policies, and procedures, demonstrating commitment to Standard requirements.

  • An internal audit is performed to assess system compliance and identify areas for improvement before the external audit.

• Application and External Audit:

  • The forest manager submits an application for PEFC forest management certification to an accredited certification body.

  • The certification body conducts an external audit (assessment), during which the forest management practices, documentation, and compliance with the Latvian national PEFC forest management standard requirements are evaluated. The auditor assesses environmental, social, and economic aspects.

• Certificate Issuance:

  • If the external auditor confirms compliance with the Standard requirements, a PEFC certificate is issued. The certificate is typically valid for five years.

  • The certified forest management unit(s) must be clearly identifiable on maps and in the field.

• Surveillance and Renewal:

  • After obtaining the certificate, the forest manager undergoes annual surveillance audits to ensure continuous compliance with the Standard requirements and system effectiveness.

  • At the end of the certificate's validity period (usually 5 years), a re-certification audit is conducted for certificate renewal.

  • The sustainable forest management system and practices must be continuously improved, addressing non-conformities and implementing corrective actions.

3. What a PEFC Certificate Attests To:

A PEFC certificate attests that the forest manager within their forest management unit adheres to high environmental, social, and economic standards, including:

• Management of forest resources and their contribution to the global carbon cycle.

• Maintenance and enhancement of forest ecosystem health and vitality, including the preservation and improvement of biological diversity.

• Maintenance and promotion of forest productive functions (timber and non-wood forest products).

• Maintenance of protective functions (e.g., soil and water protection).

• Maintenance of other socio-economic functions and conditions, such as occupational safety, human rights, public access to forests for recreation, and preservation of cultural and historical values.

The certification process is designed to guarantee transparency and reliability, ensuring that the PEFC label provides consumers with confidence in sustainable and responsible forest management.

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