CERTIFICAZIONE PEFC
The Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC), is an independent, non-profit, nongovernmental association that promotes sustainable forest management. Through the reciprocal recognition of different forest management schemes, it currently represents the scheme with the largest number of certified hectares in the world.
The PEFC forest certification scheme in Europe is founded on three fundamental principles:
- compliance with the Criteria and Indicators of good forest management defined in the Ministerial Conferences for the protection of forests in Europe (Helsinki 1993, Lisbon 1998) which initiated the so-called “Pan-European Process”;
- application at regional or group level (although individual membership is also possible);
- audits and certification entrusted to an independent and accredited third party.
The PEFC brand guarantees that the product has been made with raw materials deriving from sustainably managed forests or plantations in accordance with the PEFC system.
The PEFC certification scheme is a third-party scheme. Inspections are carried out by certification bodies accredited by national bodies such as
FAQ
How long are PEFC certificates valid for?
PEFC certificates are valid for five years.
What businesses should get PEFC certification?
PEFC certification is a product certification that guarantees the traceability of the certified material along the entire production chain, up to the finished product. All companies that purchase PEFC certified raw materials and intend to resell them as such must therefore hold a valid PEFC chain of custody certificate.
Where can I view a list of PEFC certified companies?
All companies that hold a PEFC certificate are entered into the PEFC database.
Two distinct databases are available: the first, pefc.start2000.net/aziende_online, shows the list of certified companies in Italy, the second, www.pefc.org/find-certified/certified-certificates, shows the complete list of all certified companies worldwide.
Chain of custody standard
The PEFC Chain of Custody (COC) is a company-wide traceability system used for all stages of wood processing, transformation and distribution that certifies that the company’s applied wood flow record system meets the requirements set by the certification scheme. The latter requires that no timber from controversial sources (e.g., illegal logging or timber from protected areas) can enter the chain of certified products.
The PEFC Chain of Custody certificate (which is also called CoC certification) is the prerequisite for a company that wants to use the PEFC mark on its products made from PEFC-certified material.
In short, it ensures that the company has and uses the necessary security mechanisms to track certified products within its production process.
What steps should our company follow to obtain PEFC certification?
The company must prepare the documents and procedures required by the PEFC chain-of-custody standard, which can be found in our download area. Once the documentation is ready, the certifying body will conduct an on-farm inspection. If the outcome of the view is positive, a valid PEFC chain of custody certificate will be issued to the company. Periodic inspection visits are conducted to maintain certification.
Downloads
Contractual terms and conditions FSC-PEFC
By signing the proposal, the client declares to have downloaded this contractual document, to have carefully read it and to accept its contents.
PROCEDURE FOR FSC/PEFC APPEALS AND REPORTS
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE USE OF THE PEFC TRADEMARKS
PEFC CHAIN OF CUSTODY STANDARD ITA 1002-2020
NEW STANDARD FOR THE USE OF FSC TRADEMARKS: FSC-STD-50-001, V2-1
NEW CHAIN OF CUSTODY STANDARD FSC-STD-40-004 V3.1
CERTIFICATION GUIDANCE
The attached document contains the certification contracts according to the FSC® and PEFCTM standards and lists the rights and obligations of certificate holders according to these standards.
TESTIMONIES
PUBLISTAMPA
We were looking for a certifying body in tune with our style characterized by constructive participation and growth in education and awareness, so that certifications are attestations of improvement processes, useful to all stakeholders in the work and social contexts of the enterprise. We chose Vireo and found the partner we were looking for, who added promptness, simplicity, rapidity in the professional relationship to expertise.
BISAZZA
We found in Vireo a reliable and professionally trained partner!
COMUNICA
We started working with Vireo about ten years ago, acquiring FSC and PEFC certifications. The professionalism and seriousness of the staff have always proven to be a guarantee of reliability and competence, in every situation.
CARTIERE DEL CHIESE SPA
The balance on the working relationship that has now existed for several years between Cartiera del Chiese SPA and Vireo is definitely positive. Witness to this is the fact that in addition to product certifications such as FSC, PEFC and Blue Angel, in 2016 we also relied on Vireo for ISO 14001/2015 certification. For Cartiera del Chiese, which is located in an environmentally difficult context, it was of paramount importance to obtain a Certified Environmental Management System that is recognized by all the controlling bodies such as the Municipality, Arpa and the Province. We certainly have to acknowledge Vireo, in addition to the professionalism and competence in conducting inspection visits, the timely willingness of the staff to pick up the issues that a structured and articulated company like ours often has.