Certification to Australian Forestry Standard
DERM Forest Products’ forest management system is independently certified to The Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) AS 4708–2007, which sets stringent criteria for forestry management for timber production from an environmental, social, cultural and economic perspective.
These criteria require that forestry management on land designated for commercial activity:
- be undertaken in a systematic manner that addresses a range of forest values
- provide for public participation and fosters productive community relationships, particularly with neighbours
- protect and maintains the biological diversity of forests, including their successional stages across the regional landscape
- maintain the productive capacity of forests
- maintain forest ecosystem health and vitality
- protect soil and water resources
- maintain forests’ contribution to carbon cycles
- protect and maintains the natural, cultural, social, religious and spiritual heritage values of indigenous and non-indigenous people
- maintain and enhances long-term social and economic benefits.
The AFS has international status via mutual recognition with other similar national certification schemes granted by the Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification Schemes (PEFC)—the global forest certification body.
Forest Products’ certification covers the commercial harvest of timber products and related native forest activities on State-controlled land designated for this purpose. The AFS defines this area as the Defined Forest Area. This area is detailed in Forest Products' Defined Forest Area maps.
- Certification brochure (PDF, 264K)*
To gain AFS certification, DERM Forest Products' forest management system was evaluated against the above criteria covering 40 specific forest management requirements in a rigorous independent audit process.
AFS certification is current for a three-year period. During this period, the organisation’s ongoing compliance and improvement against the standard is tested and confirmed through six-monthly surveillance audits by an accredited independent authority. Auditors review operational documentation, interview senior managers and conduct field visits to view forest management activities.
Following an intensive recertification audit by independent auditors Det Norske Veritas in February 2009, DERM Forest Products was granted certification for a further three years.
Note: On 26 March 2009, the former Department of Natural Resources and Water (NRW) and the former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were amalgamated to form the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM). As a result of this amalgamation, NRW Forest Products became DERM Forest Products.
- DERM Forest Products AFS Summary Audit Report, August 2011 (PDF, 60K)*
- DERM Forest Products AFS Summary Audit Report, September 2010 (PDF, 83K)*
- DERM Forest Products AFS Summary Audit Report, November 2009 (PDF, 78K)*
- NRW Forest Products AFS Summary Audit Report, February 2009 (PDF, 59K)*
- NRW Forest Products AFS Summary Audit Report, October 2008 (PDF, 59K)*
- NRW Forest Products AFS Summary Audit Report, April 2008 (PDF, 68K)*
- NRW Forest Products AFS Summary Audit Report, September 2007 (PDF, 59K)*
- NRW Forest Products AFS Summary Audit Report, January 2007 (PDF, 60K)*
- NRW Forest Products AFS Summary Audit Report, June 2006 (PDF, 57K)*
Benefits of certification
AFS certification benefits the timber processing and manufacturing industries by giving them the opportunity to demonstrate that their products originate from well-managed forests. Our log timber processing customers may now seek timber ‘chain-of-custody’ certification under Australian Standard 4707–2006 (PDF)* . This enables a company to label and promote its timber products as coming from AFS certified forests and thus tap into the growing market demand for certified timber.
By using certified timber products, consumers are supporting responsible forest management and helping to reduce the trade in timber sourced from illegal logging operations overseas.
During 2007–08, the then NRW Forest Products joined with the Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry, and Forestry Plantations Queensland to provide funding for the Chain of Custody Support Scheme (PDF, 140K)* , which helps eligible businesses meet expenses incurred in achieving chain-of-custody certification. The peak industry body, Timber Queensland 
, administers the scheme on behalf of the funding bodies.
* Requires Adobe Reader
Last updated 5 September 2010