Standards

AS/NZS 4708 Forest Management, AS 4707 and PEFC ST 2002 Chain of Custody

Certification under AS/NZS 4708 verifies sustainable forest management, providing assurance that your products are from responsibly managed forests.

BSI is accredited to certify forest managers under the internationally recognised Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).

Demonstrate your commitment to supporting sustainable forest management.

Help support the implementation of forest management practices that deliver internationally agreed criteria for sustainable forest management and also provide your customers with assurance that the products they buy from you are derived from sustainably managed forests.

Support sustainable and reliable practices with AS/NZS 4708 and AS 4707

Reassure consumers and retailers that their purchasing decisions are supporting sustainable forest management.

Demonstrate responsible forestry practices and sustainable sourcing practices.
Enhance market access.
Ensure regulatory and industry compliance.
Inspire trust in your business, and boost brand reputation.
Provide supply chain transparency.
Meet customer demands for sustainable products.

Partners in progress

Supporting your sustainable forestry management journey

BSI a leading JAS-ANZ accredited certification body ready to verify your commitment to sustainable forest management certification.

Get in touch

Find answers to the most common questions about Sustainable Forest Management and Chain of Custody

Learn more about AS/NZS 4708 and AS 4707.

AS/NZS 4708 is the Australian and New Zealand Standard for Sustainable Forest Management (FMS). It ensures responsible forest management practices, balancing environmental, social, cultural, and economic values. Certification monitors and verifies compliance with regulatory requirements and confirms that sustainable forestry principles and practices are being achieved. Certification can also secure market access and provide stakeholder confidence.

Certification to AS/NZS 4708 provides the first link in the sustainability supply chain. Customers with Chain of Custody certification can pass on the sustainability claim with the products they sell.
Certification provides assurance to stakeholders that your forest management practices meet all regulatory requirements and deliver internationally recognized standards for sustainable forest management. Benefits include improved market access, regulatory compliance, risk management, stakeholder trust, and contribution to climate change mitigation through sustainable forestry practices.
Chain of Custody (CoC) certification is a system that verifies the tracking of certified forest products from the forest through every stage of processing, manufacturing, and distribution to the final consumer. It ensures that the wood, paper, or other forest-based products come from responsibly managed forests that meet sustainability standards.

CoC Certification:
• Ensures traceability of certified materials through the supply chain
• Provides credibility and market access for businesses selling sustainably sourced products
• Helps companies meet sustainability goals and regulatory requirements
• Enhances consumer trust, as customers can verify the sustainable origin of the product.
The process includes:
1. Application and Agreement – Submit an application and sign an agreement with BSI.
2. Gap Analysis (Optional) – Consider a pre-assessment to help you identify any areas needing improvement.
3. Stage 1 Audit – A document review and initial evaluation.
4. Stage 2 Audit – An on-site assessment to verify conformance.
5. Certification Decision – Based on audit findings, certification is granted if requirements are met.
6. Ongoing Surveillance – Periodic audits to ensure continued conformance.
Costs vary based on the nature of your business. For forest management system (FMS) certification, factors such as the size and complexity of your forest estate, location, and the number of staff and contractors, are taken into consideration to determine the required audit days. BSI will prepare a proposal which will provide you with details of all associated costs.

The timeline for obtaining certification varies depending on the nature of your business. Typically, it takes several months from application to certification. BSI will assess your state of readiness and this will provide you with a clearer understanding of how long it is likely to take.
Key requirements include:
• Compliance with legal and regulatory obligations
• Sustainable harvesting and regeneration practices
• Protection of biodiversity, water resources, and soil quality
• Respect for Indigenous rights and cultural values
• Social and economic benefits for communities
• Continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement.
If non-conformities are found, you will receive a report detailing the nature of any deficiency. It will be up to you to determine the cause and the necessary corrective actions. Minor non-conformities typically require corrective actions to be completed by the next audit. Major non-conformities may delay certification until resolved.
AS/NZS 4708 is endorsed by PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), meaning certification under this standard is recognized internationally. While it differs from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), many principles are closely aligned, and some organizations seek dual certification. At present, BSI is not accredited to offer FSC certification.
After initial certification, surveillance audits are conducted at least annually to ensure continued conformance. BSI will develop an audit plan that spans the life of the certificate, ensuring that the plan has the capacity to audit any season-specific activities as they occur. A full re-certification audit is required every five years.
Preparation involves:
• Conducting an optional internal gap analysis or pre-audit assessment
• Ensuring documentation and records meet standard requirements
• Implementing corrective actions for identified gaps
• Training staff on the requirements of the Standard
• Engaging stakeholders and demonstrating responsible forest management practices.

Why BSI

Helping organizations create a sustainable future

As your partner for progress, we can help meet your commitment to environmentally responsible forestry practices.

Obtaining certification may seem daunting, but our team is dedicated to making the process seamless and maximizing its benefits.

Let's shape your organization's future together

Talk to us about how we can help you progress towards a sustainable world and become an environmental sustainability leader.

Get in touch

Certification

Certification for Forest Management and Chain of Custody

Learn more about certification for AS/NZS 4708 Forest Management, AS 4707 and PEFC ST 2002 Chain of Custody.