FSC® and PEFC Chain of Custody Certification for timber products
Who is responsible for obtaining FSC® and PEFC certification for timber products?
Chain of Custody certification is applicable to all companies who process, manufacture or trade in timber, including manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, sawmills, printers and paper merchants.
For a product to qualify for certification, all companies who take legal ownership of the products and process need to be certified.
Learn about our FSC® and PEFC Project Certification here.
Please be informed the NQA Management Review Meeting took place on 12th August 2025. We value feedback from our stakeholders, please share your thoughts with us by sending your comments to enquiries@nqa.com.
Helps you with
Consumers are increasingly becoming aware that many timber products often come from illegal sources. This type of logging contributes to mass deforestation, which leads to a loss of habitats, livelihood and is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. The unsustainable timber trade threatens forests, and those who depend on them, across the world.
Independent, third party accredited Chain of Custody certification, such as that provided by NQA provides assurance that timber and timber-based products originate from Responsibly Managed Forests and other controlled sources, by demonstrating the material is tracked through every stage of the process, from forest to end-user.
By maintaining a certified Chain of Custody system, you can provide reassurance that your timber products are sourced and produced in compliance with a globally recognised environmental, social and economic standard.
Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) Certification
FSC ® is an international not-for-profit organisation, bringing people together to find solutions which promote responsible stewardship of the world’s forests.
The FSC ® trademark allows consumers worldwide to recognise products that support the growth of responsible forest management.
Organisations are not permitted to make statements or promotional claims including either NQA or FSC® logos or trademarks without gaining the appropriate permissions before use.
Organisations are not permitted to promote or use any statements or claims in relation to certification that has not yet been granted. This includes the names or trademarks of NQA or FSC®.
Forest Stewardship Council ® Certification body licence number: A000503
Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)
PEFC is a global umbrella organisation for the assessment and mutual recognition of national forest certification schemes developed in a multi-stakeholder process. These national schemes build upon the inter-governmental processes for the promotion of sustainable forest management.
PEFC works throughout the forest supply chain to promote good practice and to ensure forest products are produced with respect for the highest ecological, social and ethical standards.
PEFC Certification body licence number:
- UK - PEFC/16-44-2600
- Ireland - PEFC/17-44-103
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The PEFC Certification database can be accessed here.
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PEFC Standards can be obtained here.
Learn more about PEFC on their website: www.pefc.co.uk