NEWS
UKWAS revision update
This is a joint communication from PEFC UK and FSC UK.
We are now able to provide greater clarity on the next steps towards the adoption of UKWAS 5.
PEFC UK is pleased to confirm that PEFC International has completed its endorsement process and is able to move forward with the adoption of UKWAS 5.0 as a PEFC-conformant standard for the UK. In accordance with the timeframe set by PEFC International, the ‘effective date’ is 1st December 2024. This PEFC-only version of UKWAS 5.0 is being prepared for publication but the pre-publication text of UKWAS 5.0 is available here.
FSC International has indicated that UKWAS 5 will require further amendment to conform fully with its requirements; it aims to provide its assessment results early in November. The UKWAS Revision Working Group will then meet to consider and respond to any issues raised.
FSC UK and PEFC UK both wish to restate their commitment to the UKWAS process and to the development of a revised joint UKWAS 5 standard for the UK. However, it is now likely that there will be some differences between the FSC and PEFC requirements. While this was not the desired outcome, it is noted that this has been the case in previous versions of UKWAS for areas such as pesticide use.
This has the following implications:
1. UKWAS 5.0 will become a PEFC-only conformant standard on the 1st December 2024 (the ‘effective date’).
2. PEFC Certificate Holders will therefore need to complete an UKWAS 5 transition audit before the 1st December 2025 in accordance with the UKWAS Standard Setting Process.
3. Until such time as the FSC revision process is completed this will mean that PEFC certificate holders will be audited to UKWAS 5 while FSC certificate holders will continue to be audited to UKWAS 4.
4. The UKWAS Revision Working Group will be requested to continue its work on the revision of UKWAS 5 to achieve FSC conformance by considering the FSC re-assessment considerations.
FSC UK (Andy Sharkey) and PEFC UK (John Kirkby) are both happy to discuss any queries or concerns you may have and advice can also be sought from your Group Scheme Manager or Certification Body.