Kuala Lumpur, 11 November 2025 – The Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) today announced the formal decision by the Government of the Netherlands to affirm the admitted status of the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) International under its stringent Dutch Timber Procurement Policy (TPP).
In an official letter dated 6 November 2025, the definitive finding was conveyed to PEFC International by the Director-General for the Environment and International Affairs, Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, Netherlands.
The Government of Netherlands has reached this decision following a comprehensive and independent review by the Timber Procurement Assessment Committee (TPAC), culminating in its ‘Final Judgement Detailed Research MTCS’ report. In its official statement, the Minister for the Environment has received and formally endorsed the TPAC report. TPAC has concluded that both PEFC International and MTCS are compliant with the requirements of the Dutch Timber Procurement Assessment System (TPAS). Hence, based on TPAC’s expert advice, the Minister has officially decided to maintain the admitted status of PEFC International to the Dutch timber procurement policy.
This extensive assessment, which included a detailed desk study and an on-site verification mission in Sarawak and Perak from 12–19 February 2025, was commissioned in direct response to specific concerns raised by certain non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in 2022.
The TPAC’s findings, which underpin the Dutch Government’s final determination, provide independent substantiation of the MTCS’s integrity. This international validation reflects the scheme’s robust operational effectiveness and decisively challenges the false claims made by certain NGOs.
This final recognition by the Government of the Netherlands establishes a significant and powerful reaffirmation of international stakeholder confidence in the operational integrity, transparency, and robustness of MTCS as Malaysia’s national timber certification scheme.
This decision further solidifies the credibility of MTCS-certified timber and forest-based products and underscores Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to sustainable forest management, aligning with national policies and international frameworks, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
MTCC recognises the value of insights provided by the field visit, in which two TPAC members participated as observers, and remains committed to aligning with PEFC International’s efforts for continual improvement. MTCC extends its appreciation to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management of the Netherlands, the Timber Procurement Assessment Committee (TPAC), and PEFC International for facilitating this objective and thorough review. The reaffirmation of compliance demonstrates Malaysia’s sustained progress in promoting sustainable, legally verified, and climate-resilient timber supply chains for global markets.
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About the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC)
MTCC was established to develop and operate the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS), a voluntary national timber certification program that provides independent audits of forest management practices to ensure sustainability. For over 25 years, MTCC has championed sustainable forest management and responsible sourcing. As the first tropical timber certification scheme in the world to be endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), MTCS plays a crucial role in promoting responsible forest management in Malaysia.
Website: https://mtcc.com.my
About the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)
PEFC is the world’s largest forest certification system, dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management through independent third-party certification. As a global non-profit, PEFC works with national organizations to endorse forest certification systems tailored to local conditions. With over 80 members globally, including NGOs, businesses, and forest owners, PEFC plays a vital role in supporting responsible forestry practices worldwide. Since its founding in 1999, PEFC has grown to certify almost 300 million hectares of forest across the globe.
Website: https://www.pefc.org
About the Netherlands’ Timber Procurement Assessment Committee (TPAC)
TPAC assesses timber certification systems and advises the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (I&W) on the outcome. The objective of the Committee is to facilitate the government’s commitment to procure 100% sustainable timber.
Website: https://www.tpac.smk.nl/32/home.html
Media Contact:
Muhammad Hasif Azizan
Director, Communications & Marketing
Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC)
Tel: +603-2161 2298 / +6018-322 5742
Email: [email protected]