The Chinese Forest Certification Scheme has been endorsed by Forest Certification (PEFC), which is globally recognised for its sustainability benchmarks and currently has the world’s largest area of forests under certification. Source: Timberbiz
China voluntarily sought endorsement.
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Senator Richard Colbeck said PEFC also endorses the Australian Forest Certification Scheme, including the Australian Forestry Standard (AFS), which certifies a significant amount of production forest area in Australia.
Internationally, PEFC has endorsed 37 national forest certification schemes and another eight countries are in the process of applying for endorsement.
“It is very encouraging that China is promoting long-term sustainable forest management by voluntarily seeking endorsement by PEFC for its national forest certification scheme,” Senator Colbeck said.
“China’s dominant market position means that demand for AFS (PEFC) certified forest products will only increase and places Australia well in accessing global markets.”
Senator Colbeck said there was a potential for increased demand of AFS certified products due to China’s recognition under the PEFC system.
“Australian exporters of AFS certified forest products can have confidence that China, one of the world’s biggest timber markets, recognises the authenticity of the global PEFC certification system,” he said.
“The Australian Forestry Standard has been endorsed by PEFC since 2004 and AFS certified products are recognised in the international market place,” he said.
