Standard for chain of custody for forest products under review
September 19, 2013
Australian Forestry Standards Limited (AFS) has put out a call for public comment on the draft Revised Australian Standard for chain of custody for forest products (AS4707).
The standard underpins the traceability of wood from well-managed forests into the wood and paper products.
Developed by AFS as a key component of the Australian Forest Certification Scheme (AFCS), it forms part of the sustainable forest management program.
AS4707 Standard Reference Committee Chairman Peter Zed says the standard is recognised as a world-class forest certification scheme.
“The chain of custody standard is a vital component of the AFCS system because it ensures forest certification claims made on forest products are valid and can be verified,” Zed says.
The Committee is made up of organisations involved in the production and distribution of forest products including furniture makers, paper manufacturers, and timber mills.
AFS provides Australian and overseas consumers with an independent, internationally recognised third-party certification for forest management, and supports sustainable forest management practices.
Key stakeholders from all levels of the forestry industry have commented on the draft, which is now open for public comment.
The draft revised standard and the comment form can both be downloaded fro the AFS website.
Comments should be submitted by 8 November 2013.