UKWAS endorsed by PEFC Council

The UKWAS Steering Group is pleased to announce that the third edition of the UK Woodland Assurance Standard has been endorsed by PEFC Council at its General Assembly in Montreux, Switzerland.

UKWAS Executive Chair, Peter Wilson said: The news from the PEFC General Assembly came as the UKWAS Steering Group was meeting today in Edinburgh. This is really excellent news and a real boost for all those who worked so hard to develop the third edition of the UKWAS. Unfortunately, there has been a delay in FSC concluding its assessment and it looks like the decision on approval will not be made until January or February 2012.

Those seeking PEFC certification using the UKWAS should use the new third edition from 1st January 2012. There is a transition period of 12 months.

Those seeking FSC certification using the UKWAS should continue to use the UKWAS Second Edition (Amended November 2008) until further notice.