Russian certification scheme moves to join PEFC

The Russian National Forest Certification System has applied for approval to the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC).

PEFC said that it was "delighted to start the endorsement process as Russia's forests have been identified as the "highest priority" under its new strategic plan.

"Russia has been identified as the highest priority in regional certified area growth over the next 10 years," said PEFC secretary-general Ben Gunneberg.

"PEFC Certification is of utmost importance to the forest and timber sector in Russia," said Professor Alexander Isajev, chairman of the Russian National Council for Forest Certification.

"We are delighted to submit our forest certification scheme for PEFC endorsement and look forward to advancing forest certification in Russia."

PEFC is undertaking a public consultation on the application, with Pöyry Forest Industry Consulting carrying out the assessment.