FAQs

1. What is timber certification?

Timber certification is a process which results in a written statement (a certificate) proving the origin of wood raw material and its status following validation by an independent third party. It is an important market-linked tool to encourage sustainable forest management which takes into consideration the economic, environmental and social well-being of the forests. The goal is to link trade in forest/timber products to the sustainable management of the forest resource by providing buyers with the confidence that the manufactured/exported products are indeed sourced from sustainably managed forests.

2. What is MTCS and how does it operate?

Timber certification is a process which results in a written Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) is a voluntary scheme operated by the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) which promotes the implementation of sustainable forest management in Malaysia. MTCS is endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), the world’s biggest forest certification system. It comprises two components, Forest Management Certification and Chain of Custody Certification. MTCS requires that forest management practices, including the consideration of economic, social and environmental aspects in managing the forests, are conducted responsibly, conform with the requirements of the prescribed certification standard and assessed through independent auditing by accredited Certification Bodies (CBs).  For details on how the scheme works, click here.

3. How does MTCS help your business?

Certifying your forests or timber/timber products under MTCS means that:

  • You can assure your customers that your forests are managed according to the best sustainable forest management standard.  
  • You can prove to your customers that your products come from sustainably managed forests and can be traced throughout a responsible supply chain.  
  • You can gain access to green markets and gain competitive edge at the global level as MTCS is mutually recognised by 47 other PEFC endorsed schemes and accepted under the national timber procurement policies of many developed countries especially in Europe. 

4. What is MTCS and how does it operate?Why should you buy certified timber products?

Buying certified timber products means that:

  • You are assured that your purchase comes from sustainably managed forests and a responsible supply chain.
  • You are helping to ensure that Malaysia’s forests are managed in an environmentally-friendly manner and the well-being of people living in or near the forests are taken care of.
  • You are contributing to Malaysia’s sustainability efforts by ensuring the sustainability of forest resources and services to benefit future generations.   

5. Is MTCS globally recognised?   

Yes. MTCS is endorsed by PEFC and recognised by the public procurement policies and green building schemes as follows: [More]

6. What are MTCC’s roles in implementing MTCS?

MTCC is the National Governing Body of the PEFC-endorsed MTCS. MTCC is the facilitator in the development and revision of certification standards to ensure continuous improvement and the MTCS standards are at par with international requirements.

As a non-profit organisation and scheme owner, MTCC does not have any authority to grant harvesting right/license to a logging operator or a concessionaire. It also does not have any role in the decision-making process of a certification body to grant Forest Management or Chain of Custody certificates to applicants.

7. What is MTCS How does MTCS protect the rights of indigenous peoples?

When it comes to sustainability requirements, forest certification under the MTCS requires the Forest Management Unit (FMU) to be assessed transparently and independently and provides a platform that supports positive and mutually beneficial on-going engagement with all stakeholders such as the indigenous peoples.

Under the scheme, the forest manager is required to undertake stakeholder consultations on matters pertaining to their legal or customary rights, application of their traditional knowledge as well as fair and equitable compensation for the use of the knowledge. As a compliance monitoring tool, certification is an assurance that the indigenous peoples’ rights are safeguarded because the process dictates that those living within and adjacent to the FMU are consulted, and any areas with any special attribute is protected.   

8. How do I apply for certification?

To apply for certification, click here.

9. How do I apply for PEFC Logo Usage Licence?

To apply for PEFC Logo Usage License, click here.
For further enquiry, kindly contact [email protected]

10. How do I submit a proposal, comment or complaint on the certification process or the issuance of certification?

Based on the current institutional arrangement,

  • any proposal or comments on the certification process or protest against the issuance of certification should be directed to the certification body (CB).
  • any dissatisfaction with regard to the performance of the CB in awarding the certification can be addressed to the Department of Standards Malaysia as the national accreditation body (AB).

For other enquiries, click here.

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