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An independent audit is required for all SFI certifications. These audits are rigorous, on-the-ground assessments of an organization’s operations conducted by highly qualified and accredited auditors.

Of the leading certification programs in the United States, the SFI program is the only North American forest certification program that maintains strict separation between standard setting and accreditation of certifying bodies. International protocols require that these functions be separate. For more information on SFI accredited auditors and the accreditation requirements, click here.



Who can become SFI certified?

Any land management company (10,000 acres or more, typically), forest product manufacturer, paper printer, or other company that manages for and/or uses forest products may seek certification. Currently, a number of state land agencies, NGOs and universities are also certified to the SFI Standard.

Land management companies and primary producers must implement the 2005-2009 SFI Standard on all their operations to achieve certification. Secondary manufacturers, including paper printers, merchants and brokers, can become SFI chain-of-custody certified. For more information on CoC click here.

All SFI certifications have the same core requirements, including:
  • Audits are consistent with international verification and auditing standards, and are based on and fully compatible with ISO Procedures & Protocols.
  • Recertification audits a required every 5 years, along with annual surveillance audits, for all certified companies, including label users
  • Audit summary documents must be posted to the SFI Program website (land management and primary producers only). At a minimum the summary shall include:
    • Audit scope and process;
    • Names of auditors;
    • A summary of findings, including non-conformances, corrective actions, opportunities for improvements and exceptional practices
  • All parts of the Standard must be met for a successful third party certification.
  • Audit firms (certification bodies) must complete a special accreditation program to perform all SFI certification audits.
  • Both paper (desk) and field audits are required, which Include professional foresters, biologists and wildlife specialists on every certification team.