How to Become a Certified Timber Supplier with TWK

Becoming a certified timber supplier is an important step towards sustainable forestry, improved market access, and responsible environmental management. Here’s how to do it.

TWK supports growers throughout the journey from choosing your certification to securing it – and beyond. It does this by providing guidance and assistance to ensure the certification process is clear, structured, and achievable.

Step 1: Choose Your Certification

The first step is to decide which certification you would like to pursue. In South Africa, the recognised forestry certification schemes are:

·        PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification)

·        FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)

You may choose to be certified under one of these schemes or opt for dual certification, depending on your operational needs and market requirements.

Step 2: Engage with TWK

Once you have selected your preferred certification, contact a Group Scheme Certification Manager or the TWK Certification Manager and Timber Marketer. During this engagement, the certification process, requirements, costs, and benefits will be discussed to ensure you have a clear understanding of what certification entails.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documentation

Before the certification process can begin, the following documentation must be submitted:

·        Farm maps

·        Title deed and proof of ownership

·        Planting permits, water licences, or proof of pre-1972 or pre-1998 planting

·        Registration for water use and proof of payment

·        Compartment list

These documents confirm legal compliance and form the basis of the certification assessment.

Step 4: Application and Costing

Once all the required documentation has been submitted, the Group Scheme Certification Manager will prepare a certification cost quotation and an application form for certification.

Step 5: Implementation and Compliance Support

You will be guided through the required management systems and operational practices to ensure compliance with forestry best practices and certification standards.

As part of this process, a Value-Based Risk Assessment is completed by the farmer with the assistance of a TWK representative or the Group Scheme Certification Manager. This ensures that all certification requirements and risks are identified and addressed.

Step 6: Internal Audit and Certification

An internal audit will be conducted to assess compliance with the applicable certification standards. Once all requirements have been met, the grower will be certified under PEFC, FSC, or Dual Certification, as selected.

Ongoing Support Through Group Scheme Certification

Certification is an ongoing commitment. TWK’s Group Scheme Certification provides continued support to assist growers in maintaining their certification through:

·        Information sharing and guidance

·        Ongoing compliance support

·        Regular surveillance audits

This approach ensures that timber suppliers remain compliant, sustainable, and aligned with recognised forestry standards.

For more information, please contact Nwabisa Langa (Manager: Certification) at 072 590 9547 or enviro@twkagri.com