The SAFAS Certification Scheme achieved PEFC endorsement on 9 November 2018.

2017 system documentation

Endorsement milestones

To maintain its PEFC endorsement, the system must meet specific endorsement milestones. The first milestone is the start of the periodic review within five years of the national approval of the sustainable forest management standard.

• National approval date: 6 October 2017
• Review date: 6 October 2022
  

System history

• System endorsed: 9 November 2018
• Public consultation: 10 November 2017 - 9 January 2018
• System submitted for assessment: October 2017
• Joined PEFC: 31 May 2017 

SAFAS

History before PEFC

The SAFAS NGB was established in March 2016 with the aim of developing and administering a certification system based on the South African Principles, Criteria, Indicators and Standards (Government standard). It was created out of the need to develop a certification system that was relevant to South African Plantation Forests management and to cater for all scales of management.

What are the benefits of being part of the PEFC alliance? 

Being a Member of the PEFC alliance has provided guidance and support for developing a credible certification system. This included the standard setting process and key elements to include in the standard; developing governance- and administrative structures. The PEFC staff has been approachable and supportive throughout the process.

Once endorsement has occurred, the SAFAS standard will be more credible because it will provide assurance that we have followed internationally recognised requirements in both the standard setting process and the contents of the standard.
We also anticipate that being a member of the alliance will enhance market access for timber produces from timber farms certified against the standard.