PEFC in Finland

PEFC certification is suitable for the conditions of forestry in Finland. This is why it is the largest forest certification system in Finland.

Some 95 percent of Finland’s commercial forest area is certified according to the PEFC Finland forest certification system. The Finnish Forest Certification Standard was endorsed by the PEFC Council in 2000.

The PEFC Finland standard meets all the requirements set for a credible forest certification system on the management and use of forests, for monitoring the origin of wood and in ensuring the competence and independence of certifying bodies. In addition, the forest certification standard must be revised and updated every five years. The standard was revised in 2002-03. International assessment and endorsement process of the latest standard revision in 2008-09 is underway.

Almost all forest owners certified according to the Finnish PEFC standard have joined via regional group certification.

The requirements and rules of the PEFC Finland standard are presented in documents called standards. Compliance with the standards is monitored by an independent body; a certifying company accredited by the relevant authorities.

The Finnish PEFC system is governed by the PEFC Finland. The development of the system was initialized in 1996.