Notices to Users

Transition to the UKWAS Third Edition (updated 8th April 2013)

The current version of the UK Woodland Assurance Standard is UKWAS 3.1.

The standard is used by both the FSC and PEFC schemes and each has its own processes for approving/endorsing updated versions of the UKWAS. The UKWAS Steering Group does everything it can to facilitate the schemes making a rapid transition to the latest version of the UKWAS but at times the two certification schemes will be using different versions of UKWAS.

The current situation for FSC and PEFC users is outlined below.

For FSC users:

The amended Third Edition of the UKWAS standard (UKWAS 3.1) was approved by the Forest Stewardship Council for use in its UK certifications in place of UKWAS 2 from 1st July 2012.

UKWAS 3.1 differs from UKWAS 3.0 by incorporating a small number of minor amendments required by FSC as a condition of approval. There is a transition period of one year for FSC certificate holders to adapt to the revised standard so users must be certified using UKWAS 3.1 no later than 30th June 2013.

The UKWAS 3.1 can be viewed in this on-line version and is also available in PDF format: UK Woodland Assurance Standard (Version 3.1).

A Summary Revision Report detailing the changes from UKWAS 3.0 has been prepared to help you see what has changed.

For PEFC users:

The Third Edition of the UKWAS standard (UKWAS 3.0) was endorsed by PEFC Council for use in its UK certifications in place of UKWAS 2 from 1st January 2012. There is a transition period of one year so users must be certified using UKWAS 3.0 no later than 31st December 2012 .

The UKWAS 3.0 is available in PDF format here.

A Summary Revision Report detailing how UKWAS 3.0 differs from UKWAS 2 will help you see what has changed. An Appendix shows every text deletion and addition.

Transition to UKWAS 3.1 for PEFC users

PEFC UK has submitted the amended UKWAS 3.1 to PEFC Council for its endorsement; a decision on this had been anticipated in November 2012 but due to delays in the endorsement process this is not now expected until May 2013.