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Certification Journey
Access the requirements, application process, and guidance for obtaining MTCS certification for forests and forest-based products.
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MTCS Certification
A step-by-step guide to applying for Forest Management Certification and Chain of Custody Certification under the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS).
The Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) provides independent, third-party assurance that forests are sustainably managed and that timber and forest-based products can be traced through the supply chain.
Whether you manage a forest or are involved in the processing, manufacture, trading, export or sale of certified timber and forest-based products, MTCS certification can help demonstrate your commitment to sustainable practices, responsible sourcing and supply chain integrity.
MTCS is endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), the world’s largest forest certification system. This means the MTCS has been independently assessed against PEFC’s international sustainability benchmarks. To read more about this endorsement, visit our PEFC International page.
Forest
Management Certification
Forest Management Certification provides independent assurance that a forest is managed in accordance with recognised sustainability requirements.
Under the MTCS, forest management is assessed against the Malaysian Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management (MC&I SFM), MTCS ST 1002:2021, which applies to both natural forests and plantation forests.
Plantation forests established on land converted from natural forest after 31 December 2010 are not eligible for certification, except in narrow circumstances involving the conversion of severely degraded forest, subject to strict conservation, social, and economic conditions set out in the MC&I SFM (Criterion 6.10).
Who
Can Apply
Forest Management Certification is applicable to:
Forestry departments
Concessionaires
Plantation forest owners
(private owners, smallholders)
How
to Apply
1. Understand the Requirements & Prepare Your System
Review the applicable standard to understand the certification requirements. Develop the necessary documents, procedures and systems within your organisation to meet these requirements.
2. Submit a Formal Application
Choose a recognised Certification Body and submit your application for Forest Management Certification.
3. Audit Stage
Initial (Stage 1) Audit
The Certification Body conducts an initial review of your forest management system and relevant processes to determine whether you are ready for the
certification audit
Certification (Stage 2) Audit
The Certification Body carries out a more detailed assessment, including a review of relevant documents, an on-site/field audit, and interviews or communication with stakeholders
4. Award of Certificate
If the requirements of the certification standard are successfully met, the Certification Body awards the Forest Management Certificate.
After
Certification
Surveillance Audit (Years 2 to 4): The Certification Body conducts surveillance audits to check for continued compliance with the certification standard and verify the closing-out of any non-conformity reports (NCRs), where applicable.
Re-certification Audit (Year 5): The Certification Body conducts a re-certification audit to confirm the continued relevance and applicability of the scope of certification.
Chain of
Custody Certification
Chain of Custody (COC) Certification provides assurance that certified timber and forest-based materials can be tracked through the supply chain from certified forest sources, through processing and manufacturing, to the final product.
As a PEFC-endorsed scheme, MTCS fully adopts the PEFC ST 2002:2020, Chain of Custody of Forest and Tree Based Products – Requirements for COC certification.
Who
Can Apply
COC Certification is relevant to organisations involved in the processing, manufacture, trading, export or sale of forest and tree-based products, including:
How
to Apply
1. Understand the Requirements & Prepare Your System
Review the applicable standard to understand the certification requirements. Develop the necessary documents, procedures and systems within your organisation to meet these requirements.
2. Submit a Formal Application
Choose a recognised Certification Body and submit your application for Forest Management Certification.
3. Audit
The Certification Body audits your Chain of Custody system against the applicable requirements.
4. Award of Certificate
If the requirements of the certification standard are successfully met, the Certification Body awards the Chain of Custody Certification.
After
Certification
The Certification Body conducts annual surveillance audits to verify continued compliance and maintain the validity of your certificate.
How
to Apply
If you have questions or need further information on applying for MTCS certification, contact the relevant MTCC team at:
[email protected] for Forest Management Certification enquiries
[email protected] for Chain of Custody Certification enquiries
You can also visit our FAQ page to learn more about MTCS certification and its benefits.