PEFC Certification in Saudi Arabia

A major value of PEFC Chain of Custody is the control it brings to the movement of forest-based materials.

A typical supply chain could look like:

Supplier → Importer → Manufacturer → Processor → Distributor → Customer

At each relevant stage, businesses need appropriate controls for certified materials and PEFC claims.

For a Saudi organization, this can mean reviewing how materials are purchased, received, stored, processed, sold, and recorded.

PEFC’s Chain of Custody standard specifically establishes requirements for organizations handling forest and tree-based products.

• Stronger Supply-Chain Transparency: PEFC Certification can help organizations establish clearer controls over the sourcing and handling of forest-based materials.
• Greater Customer Confidence: Businesses can provide customers with a recognized basis for responsible sourcing claims instead of relying only on general environmental statements.
• Support for Responsible Procurement: PEFC can help organizations build responsible sourcing practices into purchasing and supplier-management processes.
• Better Market Positioning: Some customers, brands, retailers, and procurement programs may specify or prefer certified forest-based products.
• Improved Internal Controls: Implementing Chain of Custody requirements can strengthen material identification, documentation, purchasing records, and product-claim controls.
• Support for International Supply Chains: For Saudi businesses working with international customers, it can help address supply-chain expectations relating to responsible forest products.

The requirements depend on the organization’s activities, products, sites, and certification scope. For Chain of Custody certification, businesses should generally have controls covering areas such as:

• Purchasing certified materials
• Supplier information
• Material identification
• Separation or control of relevant materials
• Production and processing
• Sales documentation
• PEFC claims
• Record keeping
• Employee responsibilities
• Internal procedures
• Trademark use where applicable

PEFC Forest Certification Saudi Arabia’s current Chain of Custody standard is PEFC ST 2002:2020, while PEFC ST 2001:2020 covers the requirements for using PEFC trademarks.

The exact requirements should be assessed according to the organization’s activities and applicable certification scope.

International markets are placing greater emphasis on proving the origin and responsible sourcing of forest-based materials. PEFC has responded with tools that help certified organizations address these changing supply-chain expectations.

One important development is PEFC ST 2002-1:2024, the PEFC EUDR Due Diligence System module. It is a voluntary module designed to be used alongside the PEFC Chain of Custody standard. It helps participating organizations implement a due diligence system for demonstrating alignment with relevant EUDR requirements. Both EU and non-EU PEFC Chain of Custody certificate holders can use it.

For Saudi businesses supplying forest-based products to European customers, this creates an important opportunity to strengthen traceability, due diligence, and responsible sourcing controls.

1. Define the Certification Scope: Identify the sites, products, materials, processes, and activities to be covered.

2. Review Existing Practices: Assess purchasing, supplier controls, material handling, production, documentation, and sales processes.

3. Establish PEFC Procedures: Develop the necessary controls for managing certified materials and PEFC claims.

4. Train Relevant Employees: Employees involved in procurement, warehousing, production, sales, and documentation should understand their responsibilities.

5. Conduct an Internal Review: Review the system before the external certification audit and address identified gaps.

6. Certification Audit: An independent certification body evaluates the organization against the applicable PEFC requirements.

7. Corrective Actions and Certification: Address any nonconformities identified during the audit and complete the certification process.

8. Maintain the System: Continue applying the procedures, maintaining records, and preparing for ongoing certification activities.

Difference Between FSC and PEFC:
Both are internationally recognized forest certification systems, but they are separate systems with their own standards, governance structures, certification requirements, and claims.

The better choice depends on:

• Customer requirements
• Target markets
• Product specifications
• Supplier availability
• Contract requirements
• Certification scope

Are you worried about how to prepare for PEFC Certification in Saudi Arabia? Please do not be. Ascent EMIRATES will help you prepare your organization for the certification process. Here is our strength:

• We help you during the process of preparing for PEFC Certification.
• Assist with understanding applicable PEFC requirements, reviewing existing practices, identifying gaps, and preparing the necessary documentation.
• Have experienced specialists who assist the workers in understanding the purpose, responsibilities, processes, material controls, and requirements of the PEFC Chain of Custody.
• Provide support for PEFC Chain of Custody documentation, employee awareness, training, supplier controls, material control review, and internal audit preparation.
• Help organizations identify gaps and provide guidance on corrective actions that may be required before the independent certification audit.
• Support organizations with preparing for the certification audit and understanding the procedures and records that may be reviewed by the certification body.
• Guide businesses dealing with wood, paper, packaging, furniture, and other forest-based products to strengthen responsible sourcing and supply-chain traceability.
• The PEFC certificate is issued by an independent certification body. Ascent EMIRATES provides consultancy and preparation support to help organizations meet the applicable certification requirements.

Ascent EMIRATES can help you get into PEFC Standard in Saudi Arabia, today! So, connect with our expert advisory team @ ascentemirates@gmail.com to learn more. Dial : +971-4-4558490 to avail Best Offers.