The Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) has officially assumed ownership of the Accredited Certification Body – Forest Management Certification (ACB-FMC) documents from the Department of Standards Malaysia (DSM). This transfer, completed on 14 March 2025, ensures streamlined governance as we transition toward new international standards.
Key Changes & Background
- Purpose of Transfer: To allow MTCC, as the scheme owner, to harmonize existing requirements with the new global standard, PEFC ST 1004:2024.
- Historical Context: Developed between 2011 and 2013, these documents were originally held by DSM to ensure auditor competency when dedicated PEFC standards were unavailable. Accordingly, the ACB-FMC framework comprises eight documents, categorised as follows:
Natural Forest
- ACB-FMC 1-1: Auditor Competency
- ACB-FMC 1-2: Audit Duration
- ACB-FMC 1-3: Peer Review
- ACB-FMC 1-4: Stakeholder Consultation
Forest Plantation
- ACB-FMC 2-1: Auditor Competency
- ACB-FMC 2-2: Audit Duration
- ACB-FMC 2-3: Peer Review
- ACB-FMC 2-4: Stakeholder Consultation
- Document Updates: MTCC has updated the front pages and “Background” sections of all eight ACB-FMC documents to reflect this change in ownership.
Implications for Certification Bodies (CBs)
- Continued Validity: The ACB-FMC documents remain valid and applicable for use in all audits until MTCC formally releases and implements the updated national standard for MTCS SFM.
- Operational Continuity: There is no disruption to current CB operations; you may continue to reference these documents as per previous practice.
- No Retroactive Impact: All audits, decisions, and certifications conducted prior to or immediately following this transfer remain fully valid.
- New Governing Authority: MTCC is now the official authority for these documents. All inquiries regarding interpretation, clarification, or revisions should be directed to MTCC.
For further information, please contact:
Published: 16 January 2026