Centre launches forest certification scheme to counter foreign agencies

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Last Updated20/12/2023

Amid global concerns about deforestation and illicit timber trade, the Indian government has launched its own certification scheme.
The Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme (IFWCS) aims to validate entities adhering to sustainable practices in forest management and product production.

Private foreign certification agencies have been operating in the Indian market for two decades.
However, concerns about their integrity were raised in a global investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ).
The government's move to establish its certification scheme follows these concerns and the need for improved market regulation.

New standards for forest management have been developed, encompassing eight criteria, 69 indicators, and 254 verifiers.
These standards are mandatory for all forest divisions in the country, providing a basis for the IFWCS.
While obtaining certification is not mandatory for forest divisions, adherence to the standards makes them eligible.
The certification scheme is expected to enhance trust, transparency and international acceptance of Indian forest-based products.

It will offer certification for ensuring traceability of forest products throughout the supply chain for
- Sustainable forest management
- Management of trees outside forests (e.g. plantations)
- Chain of custody
Caters to various entities such as forest management units, corporations, wood-based industries, tree growers, traders, saw millers, exporters and importers of wood-based and non-timber forest products.

Given that Europe and the US are major export markets for India's forest-based products, the IFWCS is crucial.
Tightening import rules in these markets, driven by concerns about deforestation and climate change, underscore the need for reliable certification.
The global commitment at the Glasgow climate change conference in 2021 to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030 adds urgency to India's efforts in sustainable forest management.