Technical Note SB96 - Forest Certification

The New Zealand plantation forest estate is covered by two voluntary certification standards administered by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).

Forests provide us with clean water, fresh air, biodiversity, recreation and help combat global warming. They also provide food, medicine and important natural resources, such as timber and paper. If managed responsibly, forests and plantations benefit forest people and the global community. However, in some countries as much as 80% of the timber is harvested illegally. This often involves violation of human rights and felling of protected forests.

Both FSC and PEFC certifications ensure that timber used doesn't come from protected forests to produce certified products. This includes ensuring that species are protected and not used for production or go towards deforestation, and there is no negative impact on the local communities.