SFI Inc. applies for PEFC re-endorsement
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®), an independent North American forest certification program, has applied for re-endorsement by PEFC.
SFI Inc. applies for PEFC re-endorsement
19 November 2015 News
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®), an independent North American forest certification program, has applied for re-endorsement by PEFC. The public is invited to comment on the documentation submitted by the SFI Program for their SFI 2015-2019 Standard and Rules by 3 January 2016.
In 2001 the SFI program became a PEFC National Member and in 2005, the SFI Forest Management Standard was endorsed by PEFC after a detailed examination by a PEFC-approved assessor. This endorsement adds international value to SFI Inc.’s position as a highly respected, third-party certification program in North America. The SFI program has grown to cover more than 100 million hectares of forest area in both the United States and Canada – nearly 40% of all PEFC-recognized certified forest worldwide.
SFI is not only the largest national forest certification system in the world, but also the one with the most comprehensive requirements for forestry research. These include improving forest health, productivity and sustainability. Better management of forest resources and enhancing the environmental benefits and performance of forest products are also central to the SFI research mission.
SFI’s application for PEFC endorsement of the SFI 2015-2019 Standards and Rules is now under global public consultation as part of the PEFC re-endorsement process. PEFC’s sustainable forest management criteria are founded on internationally recognized criteria and indicators developed by government agencies around the world. Its endorsement process takes place every five years and includes a detailed application, an independent assessment, 60 days of public comment and a report by an independent assessor with recommendations for the PEFC board.
PEFC now seeks comments and feedback from all interested parties to ensure full compliance of the national systems with PEFC's Sustainability Benchmark during the 60-day global public consultation.
All comments received during the global public consultation will provide valuable information for the third-party assessor in determining whether the respective national system is in compliance with international requirements.
The public is invited to comment on the documentation submitted by the SFI Program for their SFI 2015-2019 Standard and Rules by 3 January 2016.