FSC vs PEFC: What’s the Difference?
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) are the two major forest certification schemes used worldwide, and both are widely recognised, credible, and used across the timber and paper industries. But they’re run by separate organisations, with separate standards — and for a business further down the supply chain, that distinction matters.
What they have in common
Both schemes certify that timber comes from responsibly managed forests, and both operate a parallel Chain of Custody system that tracks certified material from forest to finished product. Both are accepted by most public and corporate procurement policies, and both use a recognisable on-product logo.
Where they differ
- Structure: FSC is a single global standard-setter. PEFC is an umbrella organisation that endorses national forest certification schemes (for example, the UK Woodland Assurance Standard in the UK), so requirements can vary slightly by country of origin.
- Market presence: Globally, PEFC certifies more forest area; FSC has traditionally had stronger recognition in some markets and sectors. Which one your customers actually ask for is often the deciding factor.
- Chain of Custody detail: The two Chain of Custody standards aren’t identical — percentage-based claims, labelling rules, and documentation requirements differ enough that a system built for one won’t automatically satisfy the other.
Do you need both?
Many suppliers end up dual-certifying, particularly if they sell into multiple markets or their customers are split between the two. Dual certification isn’t simply “twice the work” — a well-designed system can run both schemes through largely the same operational process, with the differences handled at the documentation and labelling stage.
How to decide
The honest answer is: it depends on what your customers and target markets actually require. Before committing to (or dropping) either scheme, it’s worth checking your customer base, any tenders or contracts that specify a scheme by name, and where your raw material actually originates — since availability of certified material varies by scheme and region.
Not sure which scheme fits your business? Get in touch for a straightforward answer →