Introduction to the South African regional system
Introduction to the South African regional system
System introduction webinar
The SAFAS Regional Scheme has been submitted to PEFC for assessment. The public consultation, which is your chance to give your feedback on this new regional system, will run from 5 May to 4 July 2025.
SAFAS has expanded its forest certification system to become a regional system for Southern Africa. By providing the policy framework and administrative support, the regional system will enable other Southern African countries to develop their national sustainable forest management standard and achieve PEFC endorsement by joining the regional system.
In addition, SAFAS has revised its national sustainable forest management standard to ensure its forest management standard is up-to-date and continues to meet stakeholder demands and expectations.
To provide you with additional information about this regional system, we are holding a webinar on 5 May at 14:00 CEST.
The endorsement process
After developing the new regional system and revising the national South African forest management standard in line with PEFC requirements, SAFAS submitted the full system to PEFC for endorsement.
The regional system is now undergoing the PEFC assessment process, carried out by an independent PEFC Registered Assessor. It must pass this process and be approved by the PEFC General Assembly before it can achieve endorsement.
An important aspect of the assessment process is the public consultation. Over the sixty-day consultation, stakeholders from around the world can give their comments and provide feedback on any aspect of the system. The Registered Assessor will use the information received from this consultation in their assessment of the system.