HOW TO CERTIFY
Getting certified to SFI is one of the best things that organizations can do to support the long term sustainability of forests and ensure the multitude of benefits that forests provide for future generations.
All SFI Standards require third-party independent certification audits by competent and accredited certification bodies. All certification bodies must be accredited by a member of the International Accreditation Forum — ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) or the Standards Council of Canada (SCC).
STEP 1: Determine which SFI Standard(s) applies to your organization. (Descriptions of the Standards follows these steps below).
STEP 2: Complete and submit the SFI PARTICIPATION APPLICATION FORM to SFI. This includes applicants for all SFI Standards, including those interested in SFI’s Small-Scale Forest Management Module for Indigenous Peoples and Families.
Note that certification bodies cannot issue an SFI certificate to an organization that does not have an approved application from SFI Inc.
STEP 3: Prepare for an Audit – Ensure your operations meets SFI Standard requirements and contact a third-party accredited certification body to schedule an audit.
STEP 4: Get Audited – The certification body you select will visit your operations and determine if you meet the SFI standard requirements. Your auditor will register your new certificate with SFI.
STEP 5: Sign a SFI Trademark License Agreement.
STEP 6: Use SFI Trademarks – SFI will provide the necessary artwork to use the SFI promotional and on-product labels and any certification statements to support your certification and trademark use.
SFI STANDARDS
SFI FOREST MANAGEMENT
The SFI Forest Management Standard is the largest single forest management certification standard in the world. Among its requirements are measures to protect water quality, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, species at risk, and forests with exceptional conservation value.
The SFI Small-Scale Forest Management Module for Indigenous Peoples and Families applies in Canada. It’s designed for landowners and managers in Canada that want a solution for group or individual certification.
WHO CAN APPLY:
Organizations that own or have management authority for forestlands in the USA and/or Canada. This includes industrial and family forest owners, universities, conservation groups, public agencies, timber investment management organizations and real estate investment trusts.
SFI FIBER SOURCING
The SFI Fiber Sourcing Standard is for manufacturers that source from a variety of ownerships or that don’t own forestland. It distinguishes SFI from all other forest certification organizations in that it governs how SFI-certified organizations procure fiber from non-certified forest landowners in a responsible way, including avoidance of controversial sources in the supply chain.
The SFI Small Lands Group Certification Module is designed for any organization certified to the SFI Fiber Sourcing Standard. This module applies in both the U.S. and Canada. Certification to the SFI Fiber Sourcing Standard is a prerequisite to achieving the small lands group certification. SFI developed the Module in partnership with the American Forest Foundation (AFF).
WHO CAN APPLY:
Organizations that source roundwood or field-manufactured or primary-mill residual chips to support a forest products facility in the USA and/or Canada.
SFI CHAIN OF CUSTODY
The SFI Chain-of-Custody Standard is an accounting system that tracks forest fiber content through production and manufacturing to the end product. This standard also has measures to avoid controversial sources in the supply chain.
WHO CAN APPLY:
Organizations that source, process, manufacture, handle, trade, convert or print forest-based products globally.
SFI CERTIFIED SOURCING
The SFI Certified Sourcing Standard contains the requirements for SFI-certified organizations to use the SFI-certified sourcing claim and label. This standard also has measures to avoid controversial sources in the supply chain.
WHO CAN APPLY:
Organizations that source, process, manufacture, handle, trade, convert or print forest-based products globally.
Q&A
GET CERTIFIED & THIRD-PARTY AUDITS
HOW TO CERTIFY
GUIDANCE TO THE SFI 2022 STANDARDS AND RULES
AUDITS AND REPORTS
INDEPENDENT CERTIFICATION BODIES
COVID-19 UPDATE FOR AUDITORS
INCONSISTENT PRACTICES
COMPLAINTS
2022 TRANSITION PROCESS
Major Enhancements in the SFI 2022 Forest Management Standards and Rules
Major Enhancements in the SFI 2022 Fiber Sourcing Standards and Rules
Transition to the SFI 2022 Standards and Rules
Gregor Macintosh
Senior Director, Standards
Tel: 778-351-3358
Rachel Dierolf
Director, Standards Reporting and Label Use
Tel: 613-274-0124
Major Enhancements in the SFI 2022 Forest Management Standards and Rules
Major Enhancements in the SFI 2022 Fiber Sourcing Standards and Rules
Transition to the SFI 2022 Standards and Rules
Gregor Macintosh
Senior Director, Standards
Tel: 778-351-3358
Rachel Dierolf
Director, Standards Reporting and Label Use
Tel: 613-274-0124