PEFC Chain of custody certification

What is a chain of custody?

Chain of custody certification is for companies that manufacture or sell timber products, including paper manufacturers, traders, and printing houses. A supply chain certification allows companies to verify that the timber used in production comes from well-managed forests, considering economic, ecological, and social aspects.

For a product to be considered PEFC-certified, all companies involved in the production, processing, repackaging, and selling of the product must be certified in accordance with the chain of custody standards. Only then companies are entitled to use certification statements and label products with the PEFC trademark, thus identifying materials obtained from responsible sources.

What is PEFC?

Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) is an international forest certification scheme that promotes sustainable, environmentally friendly, economically sound, and socially responsible forest management.

Forest certification verifies the sustainable management and use of forests. A product with the PEFC-certified material mark and/or label reassures operators and consumers that the raw materials used in the production of the product are sourced from sustainably managed forests. The global goal of forest certification is to reduce the uncontrolled use of forests in third world countries.

Why certify PEFC Supply chains?

By certifying supply chains according to the PEFC standards, you demonstrate your commitment to responsible and successful management and maintenance of the supply chain, also ensuring:

• added value to your products;
• increased competitiveness and access to new markets;
• compliance with legislation;
• the traceability of material sources;
• the possibility to use the PEFC marks and labels,
• a guarantee that the certified products you offer come from an environmentally friendly, socially just and economically managed forest that will be ecologically functional and viable in the future;
• the opportunity for your customers to contribute to the preservation of the environment and the promotion of economic stability.

PEFC EUDR Due Diligence System (DDS)

In accordance with EU Regulation 2023/1115 (EUDR), PEFC has developed standard PEFC ST 2002-1:2024 Requirements fo rimplementation of PEFC EUDR Due Diligence System (DDS). This standard is integrated into the PEFC Chain of Custody certification requirements.

Key elements of the PEFC EUDR DDS include:

• Precise identification of geographic origin (at the land plot level);
• Assessment of deforestation risk, using satellite imagery and other independent sources;
• Verification of legal compliance, including human and land rights;
• Risk mitigation measures, where any risks are identified;
• Documentation and evidence of compliance, to be retained and made available to competent authorities.

As an accredited PEFC certification body, BM Certification conducts evaluations in line with PEFC EUDR DDS requirements.

PEFC RED III Certification

In May 2025, PEFC approved the RED III standards, aligning certification with the EU’s updated Renewable Energy Directive. The scheme helps organisations prove compliance with sustainability and GHG criteria for forest biomass, building on RED II with stronger traceability and reporting.

Organisations that already hold a PEFC Chain of Custody certificate can now expand their certification scope by obtaining a PEFC RED III certificate according to standard PEFC ST 5002:2025.

Who is it for?
PEFC RED III certification is available globally to economic operators that:

• Use or supply forest-based biomass, including ligno-cellulosic residues, forest processing by-products, and wood waste;
• Are involved in biomass fuel production or energy generation using forest biomass;
• Require validated GHG emission savings (default or actual values).

Organisations not yet PEFC certified can apply for both PEFC Chain of Custody and RED III certification simultaneously.

For more information or to begin your PEFC RED III certification process, please contact BM Certification.

How to obtain the PEFC Chain of custody certification?

To be certified, an organization needs to implement the PEFCsupply chain standard requirements.

BM Certification can provide you public informative seminars on standard requirements, as well as provide certification services

Contact us for more details.

License code: PEFC/12-44-001