The Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) has become the first tropical timber certification scheme in the Asia Pacific region, and the second in the world after the Gabonese Forest Certification Scheme, to be endorsed by PEFC.
The endorsement enables the MTCS to achieve mutual recognition with 26 other PEFC-endorsed certification schemes. This means that the MTCS-certified timber product manufacturers and exporters will soon be able to combine PEFC-certified material from Malaysia with other PEFC-certified material under the PEFC logo.
The decision to endorse the 2002 Malaysian Criteria and Indicators for Forest Management Certification was based on an assessment of the MTCS by an independent assessor appointed by the PEFC Council. The endorsement is valid for a five year period, with periodic review to ensure the continued compliance of the MTCS.