Participants included certification bodies such as Preferred by Nature, Control Union, SGS, Intertek, DNVGL, BM Certification, and more. Accreditation bodies like Accredia, COFRAC, CAI, and TUNAC also joined.
Rob Shaw, PEFC’s Head of Standards and Integrity, emphasised the importance of close cooperation and appreciated the candid dialogue, especially on attracting new auditors.
Key discussions included the transition from RED II to RED III, with a focus on auditing biomass under PEFC’s framework. Interest in PEFC RED certification was high, recognising its potential to support companies.
Technology partners CommonShare, LiveEO, and Osapiens showcased digital tools enhancing transparency and audit reliability. Participants previewed PEFC’s new RED database, FREDII, and learned about plans for a full certification system upgrade.
Accredia presented the accreditability evaluation for international standards. An update on the PEFC EUDR DDS accreditation status confirmed final evaluation is expected by end-July, enabling certification bodies in EA countries to extend their accreditation scope.
Updates were also shared on sustainable forest management, circular economy, trees outside forests, and demonstrating positive impacts.
This event set the stage for deeper collaboration and continuous improvement of PEFC standards.
