The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has introduced the Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme to promote sustainable forests and agroforestry.

What does the scheme offer?

This scheme offers:
• Voluntary third-party certification to promote sustainable forest management and agroforestry in the country
• Forest management certification
• Tree outside forest management certification, and
• Chain of custody certification
• Market incentives to various entities that adhere to responsible forest management and agroforestry practices in their operations

Objectives and intended impact:

• To promote sustainable forests and agroforestry
• To encourage responsible practices throughout the wood supply chain
• To enhance market value for entities adhering to certification standards

Stakeholders:

Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal will act as the scheme operating agency and will be responsible for overall management of the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme.

The Indian Forest and Wood Certification Council will act as a multistakeholder advisory body. The Council is represented by members from the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Forest Survey of India, Quality Council of India (QCI), and the Indian Institute of Forest Management. These include representatives from the Ministries of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, State Forest Departments, Forest Development Corporations, and representatives from wood-based industries.

The National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies under the (QCI) will accredit the certification bodies.