PEFC Chain of Custody Certification

Demonstrate Traceability with PEFC Chain of Custody Certification

PEFC Chain of Custody (CoC) Certification demonstrates that wood, wood-based products and forest-based materials originate from PEFC-certified forests and controlled sources throughout the supply chain.

PEFC Chain of Custody certification enables organisations to make credible PEFC claims and use the PEFC label on certified products, providing customers with confidence that the materials originate from responsibly managed forests.

STEP UP Certification provides independent PEFC Chain of Custody certification services for organisations involved in processing, manufacturing, trading, distributing and selling forest-based products.

What is PEFC Chain of Custody Certification?

PEFC Chain of Custody certification is an independent conformity assessment verifying that certified material is effectively identified, controlled and traceable throughout the supply chain.

The certification confirms that organisations have established management systems capable of maintaining the integrity of PEFC-certified material from receipt through production and sale.

PEFC Chain of Custody certification supports transparency, traceability and responsible sourcing within the global forest products industry.

Who Needs PEFC Chain of Custody Certification?

PEFC Chain of Custody certification is suitable for organisations that manufacture, process, trade or sell forest-based products, including:

• sawmills;

• timber merchants;

• wood processors;

• furniture manufacturers;

• paper and packaging manufacturers;

• printing companies;

• biomass suppliers;

• construction material manufacturers;

• wholesalers and distributors;

• retailers;

• other organisations handling PEFC-certified materials.

Certification is applicable regardless of company size, from small businesses to multinational organisations.

Benefits of PEFC Chain of Custody Certification

International Market Recognition

PEFC is recognised worldwide and accepted across international timber and forest product supply chains.

Access to New Markets

Many customers, retailers, public authorities and procurement organisations require or prefer PEFC-certified products.

Product Traceability

Certification provides confidence that certified materials remain identifiable and controlled throughout production and distribution processes.

Demonstration of Responsible Sourcing

PEFC certification demonstrates an organisation's commitment to responsible procurement and sustainable forest management.

Increased Customer Confidence

Independent certification strengthens confidence among customers, business partners and other stakeholders.

Certification Process

PEFC Chain of Custody certification follows a structured certification process.

Application

The certification process begins with submission of an application to determine the certification scope and prepare the audit programme.

Certification Audit

Independent auditors evaluate conformity through:

• review of documented procedures;

• interviews with management and relevant personnel;

• verification of purchasing, production and sales processes;

• evaluation of traceability systems;

• sampling of transactions and records.

Certification Decision

Certification decisions are made independently based on objective evidence collected during the audit.

Certificate Issuance

Following successful certification, a PEFC Chain of Custody certificate is issued.

Surveillance Audits

Certification is maintained through regular surveillance audits throughout the certification cycle.

What Does the Audit Cover?

Depending on the organisation's activities, the audit may include evaluation of:

• supplier verification;

• purchasing procedures;

• material identification;

• physical separation or percentage systems;

• volume control;

• production records;

• sales documentation;

• PEFC claims;

• due diligence system requirements;

• internal audits;

• management review;

• staff competence and training.

The audit evaluates whether certified material can be traced throughout the organisation's processes.

PEFC Due Diligence System

PEFC Chain of Custody certification includes requirements for implementing a Due Diligence System (DDS) to minimise the risk of sourcing material from controversial or illegal sources.

The Due Diligence System includes procedures for:

• gathering supplier information;

• risk assessment;

• risk mitigation measures where applicable;

• maintaining documented records.

Implementation of the Due Diligence System supports responsible sourcing and compliance with applicable PEFC requirements.

Why Choose STEP UP Certification?

STEP UP Certification is an accredited certification body providing independent conformity assessment services.

Our auditors have extensive experience in Chain of Custody certification and conduct audits in accordance with applicable PEFC standards while ensuring impartiality, independence and confidentiality throughout the certification process.

We provide certification services across Latvia and internationally where applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a PEFC Chain of Custody certificate valid?

PEFC Chain of Custody certificates are generally issued for a five-year certification cycle, subject to successful surveillance audits.

Can small companies become certified?

Yes. PEFC Chain of Custody certification is suitable for organisations of all sizes.

Does certification include on-site audits?

Yes. Certification audits are conducted on-site unless otherwise permitted by the applicable PEFC certification requirements.

Can certified organisations use the PEFC logo?

Certified organisations may use the PEFC trademarks and labels only after obtaining the appropriate PEFC trademark licence and in accordance with PEFC trademark requirements.

Contact Us About PEFC Chain of Custody Certification

If your organisation is interested in PEFC Chain of Custody Certification, contact STEP UP Certification for information about the certification process, certification scope and audit requirements.

Our certification team will be pleased to provide further information and answer your questions about PEFC Chain of Custody certification.