PEFC General Assembly Approves RED III Standards

On 8 May 2025, the PEFC General Assembly approved the new PEFC RED III standards, developed in accordance with the European Renewable Energy Directive (RED III). RED III reduces the thresholds for applying sustainability and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions saving criteria — these requirements now also apply to installations producing electricity, heating, or cooling from solid biomass fuels, where the total rated thermal input is equal to or exceeds 7.5 MW. All EU Member States must transpose the directive into national legislation by 21 May 2025. As of 21 May 2025, companies using recognised voluntary schemes must comply with RED III requirements, even if the directive has not yet been fully transposed into national law.

What Does the Approval of the PEFC RED III Standards Mean?

The RED III requirements de jure came into force in November 2023, but their practical application for businesses will begin in May 2025, following implementation into national regulations by EU Member States.

The new PEFC RED III standards:

• Enable forest sector businesses to demonstrate compliance with RED III sustainability criteria;
• Ensure that the forest biomass used complies with EU regulations on greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions;
• Are implemented through the PEFC Chain of Custody certification mechanism, with additional interpretations and requirements to ensure consistent and transparent implementation.

Global Availability

PEFC RED III certification is available to economic operators worldwide. It covers:

• Forest biomass;
• Ligno-cellulosic materials derived from forest industry residues;
• Recycled resources and biomass fuels used for heating, cooling, and electricity generation;
• GHG emission calculations and declarations (both default and actual values).

From RED II to RED III

The PEFC RED III certification is a continuation and enhancement of the PEFC RED II scheme. It:

• Maintains alignment with the PEFC Chain of Custody standard;
• Provides updated guidelines for certification bodies;
• Includes technical requirements to ensure the integrity and harmonised implementation of the scheme.

BM Certification previously offered PEFC RED II certification and is officially recognised by the PEFC Council. We are now actively transitioning to the PEFC RED III requirements, with the goal of offering this enhanced certification service to our partners.

How to Obtain PEFC RED III Certification?

Companies that are already PEFC Chain of Custody certified can obtain the RED III certificate as an additional certification, while new applicants can obtain both certificates simultaneously. As of 21 May, audits may only be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the PEFC RED III standard.

Source: https://pefc.org/news/pefc-general-assembly-greenlights-red-iii-standards