MTCS-PEFC Chain of Custody Certification (CoC)

Product manufacturers and exporters want assurance that the timber products they buy, or export, are sourced from MTCS managed forests. Chain of custody certification from SGS ensures the traceability of timber as well as visibility of any processes it has been through. This is a guarantee sought by customers and consumers alike.

MTCS-PEFC CoC certification audits conducted by SGS are third party audits of timber product manufacturers or exporters to ascertain that the timber products manufactured or exported are sourced from MTCS certified forests. A successful audit leads to the award of an MTCS-PEFC Chain of Custody certificate.

Certification Process

There are five key stages to SGS’s MTCS-PEFC CoC process:

1. Preparation by the applicant organization: The applicant organization prepares a standard operating procedure (SOP) that fulfills the requirements of the CoC standard, conducts training and an internal audit. Finally, the management team reviews the findings of the internal audit (meeting minutes must be recorded).
   
   
2. Main audit: SGS carries out an audit against the PEFC-CoC standard, prepares a report and submits it to the organization for comments. The audit report, together with organization’s comments, are submitted to SGS's Certification Committee for decision.
   
   
3. Certification: If eligible, SGS will issue certification to the applicant (organization). Certification is valid for a maximum period of five years.
   
   
4. Surveillance: An annual surveillance audit is carried out to ensure continued compliance. At the same time, SGS will check that any corrective actions have been completed.
   
   
5. Re-certification: Renewal of certification requires the organization to undergo a full audit. SGS will re-evaluate the compliance with the requirements of the CoC standard. If the organization meets the CoC requirements, SGS will re-issue the certificate (valid for up to five years).

About the MTCS

Developed and operated by the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC), the MTCS is a third party audit scheme that provides for independent assessment of forest management practices, to ensure the sustainable management of Malaysia’s natural forest and forest plantations, as well as to meet the demand for certified timber products. It is endorsed by the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), the largest forest certification program, representing more than 200 million ha of certified forests worldwide. In addition, the MTCS is the first tropical timber certification scheme in the Asia Pacific region to be endorsed by the PEFC.

Why choose SGS?

SGS is an accredited Certification Body, appointed by the Department of Standards Malaysia (Standards Malaysia), for both the MTCS’s chain of custody and forest management certification programs.

Add value to your timber with MTCS-PEFC Chain of Custody certification from SGS.