The Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) Board of Trustees (BOT) has approved the adoption of the newly developed ‘MTCS ST 1004:2024 – Requirements for Certification Bodies Operating the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) Malaysia Criteria & Indicators Sustainable Forest Management (MC&I SFM) Certification’ on 10 September 2024, with an effective date of 1st January 2025.
This standard aims to harmonise and set the requirements for certification bodies carrying out MTCS ST 1002:2021 Malaysian Criteria and Indicators for Sustainable Forest Management standard. Furthermore, the development of this standard is in reference to and in line with the recently launched PEFC ST 1004:2024 – Requirements for Certification Bodies Operating Certification against PEFC Endorsed Forest Management Standards, published on the PEFC website on 20 August 2024.
PEFC ST 1004:2024 is a pioneer standard which combines benchmark and international requirements. As it is a mix of both, the standard requires for it to be adopted by national members into their systems, including MTCC and to be implemented directly by certification bodies. The standard also:
- embraces technological advancements by including a section with requirements for remote audits, elevating the certification process to a new level;
- emphasizes stakeholder engagement whereby the chapter on the audit process includes a dedicated section on stakeholder engagement, outlining its importance for the implementation of the PEFC requirements;
- expanded the requirement for auditor education, with a minimum education requirement for auditors established to be at the tertiary level, encompassing education from universities, technical schools, colleges, and similar institutions.
Introduction of this standard will also address various issues such as inconsistent application and interpretation of forest certification standards among auditors leading to lack of transparency and accountability in the certification process. Hence, ensuring consistency among auditors helps maintain the integrity and reliability of the certification system and supports its goals of promoting sustainable forest management.
MTCC believes that the adoption of PEFC ST 1004:2024 as MTCS ST 1004:2024 does not only enhance the credibility of Malaysian timber products but also aligns with our global commitment to sustainable practices. It is a commendable move that reflects a dedication to ensuring that Malaysian forests are managed responsibly, thereby contributing to environmental preservation, social equity, and economic viability.