Start your certification journey by completing our service request form or contacting us directly. Our experts will guide you through the scope of certification that best suits your company’s set-up and needs. The process outlined below details the PAFC Certification procedure:

Step 1. Application Process

Contact Preferred by Nature to express your interest and initiate the certification process. We will provide you with an overview of the PAFC Congo Basin Forest Management Standard and its national interpretation guides to gain a better understanding of forest management certification. Meeting the requirements outlined in the document is essential for certification.

Step 2. Audit

Undergo a comprehensive audit of forest management practices and chain of custody systems in alignment with the PAFC Congo Basin standard. All necessary documentation regarding your scheme should be submitted in advance. Our auditors will carry out a site visit to evaluate your concession.

Step 3. Earning Certificate

Receive a certification decision based on the audit findings. Upon a positive certification decision, your certificate will be issued. The certificate is granted for a maximum period of five years.

Step 4. Surveillance Audits

To maintain your certification status, you must participate in annual surveillance audits.

Step 5. Re-certification

You must complete a new certification audit to renew your current certificate before it expires.

Complaints and resolutions

If a complaint is raised about our certification services or one of our clients, we handle this in accordance with our Dispute Resolution Policy. 
 

The PAFC Congo Basin certification applies to forest owners, operators, and companies engaged in the forest supply chain who wish to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable forest management.

There are two certification options under the PAFC Congo Basin scheme: Forest Management (FM) and Chain of Custody (CoC). Preferred by Nature offers only FM certification under this scheme, as we are already accredited to provide PEFC Chain of Custody certification.

Wood processing companies in the Congo Basin can apply for PEFC CoC certification to sell PAFC-certified material and ensure traceability through the supply chain.

Sustainable Forest Management Certification

Sustainable Forest Management certification attests to compliance with forest management's environmental, social, and economic functions. It ensures that all stakeholders in the forest, such as owners, loggers, and forest contractors, meet requirements. The PAFC Congo Basin Sustainable Forest Management Standard is recognised by the PEFC Council, which allows timber from certified forests to enter the PEFC chain of custody.

The PAFC Congo Basin Sustainable Forest Management Standard, endorsed by PEFC in 2021, promotes responsible forest management and ensures timber traceability across Gabon, Cameroon, and the Republic of Congo. You can access the standard here:

>> PAFC Congo Basin Sustainable Forest Management Standard (2020)
 

Additional resources:

>> PAFC Congo Basin Endorsement Certificate
>> PAFC Congo Basin Full System Documentation (2020)

For more information:

Feel free to contact us for more information or if you have any comments or questions. We will be happy to connect with you.