Third party certification

What is forest certification?

Third-party forest management certification provides verified assurances that forests are managed responsibly. Mills and manufacturers in the forest products sector use these assurances to meet corporate sustainability targets and access markets where sustainable forest products are in demand. Learn more about the basic elements of third-party forest certification.

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Becoming certified

All Tree Farms are verified to comply with the ATFS Standards of Sustainability and Eligibility. However, mills and manufacturers in the forest products sector may only make verified claims of sustainability on lands that have been issued a certificate by an accredited certification body. Learn more about pathways to receive certificates through Independently Managed Groups, individual ownerships, and state Tree Farm programs here.

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Verifying certification

Certificate holders are audited annually and provide their enrollment records to AFF for inclusion in the ATFS Verification Database. Learn more about that ATFS verification database and how to access it.

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ATFS Normative Documents and Support Guidance

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Conformance Innovations

In addition to third-part forest management certification through ATFS, the American Forest Foundation has worked with partners to create additional innovative tools that support validation and verification of sustainability.

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