Australian Forest Certification Scheme

The Australian Forest Certification Scheme (AFCS) is a nationally recognized certification program that independently verifies sustainable forest management and responsible timber supply chains across Australia. Administered by Australian Forestry Standard Limited, it is designed for forest managers, timber producers, wood product manufacturers, merchants, and retailers who need credible, third-party confirmation that their operations or sourced materials meet rigorous sustainability standards tailored to Australian forest ecosystems and regulatory requirements.

The scheme covers two distinct certification pathways: Forest Management (FM) certification, which applies to the practices of those directly managing forest land, and Chain of Custody (CoC) certification, which tracks timber and wood-based products through the supply chain from forest to end consumer. Organizations that achieve certification are entitled to use the AFCS/AFS trademark on their products, which signals verified responsible sourcing to buyers, procurement bodies, and regulators.

AFCS is endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), giving it international mutual recognition. This makes it particularly valuable for Australian businesses trading in markets where green procurement policies or environmentally conscious buyers require independently certified sustainable sourcing. For those deciding whether this certification is the right fit, it is most relevant if you operate within Australia's forestry or wood products sector and need a credible, audited standard that carries both domestic regulatory weight and international market recognition.