MTCS Forest Certification
Forest Certification Scheme
Description:
Timber certification is a meticulous process that culminates in an official written certificate, serving as tangible evidence of the wood’s origin and its compliance with established standards, all verified by an impartial third-party entity. This process serves as a pivotal tool in the marketplace, actively promoting the principles of sustainable forest management.
Sustainable forest management, underpinned by considerations for economic, environmental, and social aspects, lies at the heart of this endeavor. The ultimate objective is to forge a robust connection between the trade in forest and timber products and the responsible stewardship of forest resources. In essence, timber certification provides buyers with the assurance that the products they purchase or export are derived from forests managed in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner.
MTCS Forest Certification Scheme
- MTCS ST 1002:2021 Malaysian Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management (MC&I SFM)
- PEFC ST 2002:2020 Chain of Custody of Forest and Tree Based Products – Requirements
Main Components:
- MTCS ST 1002:2021 Malaysian Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management (MC&I SFM)
The MTCS Forest Certification Scheme involves a third-party audit process that assesses the forest management practices in either a natural forest (Forest Management Unit or FMU) or a forest plantation (Forest Plantation Management Unit or FPMU). This evaluation determines compliance with specific standards, ultimately resulting in the issuance of a Forest Management Certificate or Forest Plantation Management Certificate within the MTCS framework.
In essence, MTCS forest management certification offers forest owners and managers impartial recognition, verifying that the practices within a forest or plantation unit adhere to the highest standards of sustainable forest management.
- PEFC ST 2002:2020 Chain of Custody of Forest and Tree Based Products – Requirements
Chain of Custody (CoC) involves a third-party audit of timber product manufacturers or exporters. Its purpose is to verify that the timber products they produce or export originate from forests with either a Forest Management Certificate or a Forest Plantation Management Certificate, resulting in the issuance of a Chain of Custody Certificate under the MTCS.
Notably, the PEFC CoC standard incorporates the PEFC Due Diligence System (DDS). This system serves as a safeguard, ensuring that materials from “controversial sources” do not enter the PEFC CoC, enhancing the credibility of the certification process.
Who should be certified:
- Forest managers and concession holders
- Timber and wood-based product manufacturers
- Exporters of Malaysian timber products
- Retailers and traders seeking sustainable and PEFC-endorsed timber
Benefits:
- Ensures sustainable forest management and responsible timber sourcing.
- Protects biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural resources.
- Supports climate change mitigation through forest conservation.
- Improves market access with PEFC recognition for global trade.
- Enhances competitiveness by meeting international sustainability standards.
- Strengthens traceability and transparency in the supply chain.
- Ensures legal compliance and reduces the risk of illegal logging.
- Protects indigenous rights and supports local communities.
- Demonstrates corporate commitment to environmental and ethical practices.
Contributes to SDGs:
- Goal 1: No Poverty
- Goal 2: Zero Hunger
- Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Goal 4: Quality Education
- Goal 5: Gender Equality
- Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequality
- Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Goal 13: Climate Action
- Goal 14: Life Below Water
- Goal 15: Life on Land
- Goal 16: Peace and Justice Strong Institutions
- Goal 17: Partnerships to Achieve the Goal
