Introducing PEFC Project Chain of Custody Certification

Submitted by: The Two Sides Team November 28, 2011

PEFC’s Chain of Custody (CoC) certification is now well-known and established. Indeed, some 9,000 companies and businesses worldwide have achieved Chain of Custody certification.

Chain of Custody certification is a mechanism for tracking certified material from the forest to the final product. It offers assurances that all the wood or wood-based inputs in a product or product range originated from sustainable sources. CoC certification is especially useful for businesses and organizations involved in long-term or continual provision of goods and services, including but not limited to, furniture manufacturers, wood and timber suppliers, sawmills, printers, etc.

But what of those who are involved in a one-off or short-term project? Can they too take advantage of the benefits of PEFC’s CoC certification? The answer is a resounding: Yes! As part of efforts to complement PEFC’s CoC certification and make it available to a wider constituency, PEFC has introduced Project Chain of Custody Certification. Project CoC certification is a mechanism whereby contractors and others involved in shorter-term projects are able to obtain Chain of Custody certification for the timber that they use.

Project CoC is particularly suited to projects such as new build commercial and office buildings; private and social housing projects; renovation and refurbishment schemes; airports and railway stations; schools, playgrounds, skate parks and sports arenas; boats and harbours; event and trade show infrastructure (stages, seating, stands, etc.); civil engineering projects such as bridges and tunnels; and others.

As part of efforts to assist organizations seeking to obtain Project Chain of Custody certification, PEFC has published two brochures about the scheme. The first, entitled PEFC Project Chain of Custody Certification: An Introduction offers an overview of the mechanism, including how it works, to whom it applies and a list of the different steps involved in applying for and achieving Project Chain of Custody Certification. You can obtain a PDF of this brochure by clicking on the link below.

A second, longer publication, entitled PEFC Project Chain of Certification: One Project, One Message is much more technical. It covers much of the same information, but also goes into a greater level of detail about the Accounting Method, the Management System, and Social, Health and Safety Requirements. It also explains in detail the process and steps required to achieve Project Chain of Custody certification. You can obtain a PDF of this report if you visit the Reports and Studies section of the Two Sides website.

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