FAO-GTZ-ITTO

Seminar on Building Confidence among Forest Certification Schemes and their supporters


19th and 20th February, Rome

Creating an International Mutual Recognition Framework

International Forest Industry Roundtable
Working Group on Mutual Recognition

Certification & International Mutual Recognition

James Griffiths:

    Chief Executive, New Zealand Forest Industries Council
    Chair - International Forest Industry Roundtable Working Group on Mutual Recognition

Presentation objectives:

    1. WHAT is Mutual Recognition?
    2. WHY is Mutual Recognition important?
    3. HOW is Mutual Recognition possible?

International Forest Industry Roundtable

· IFIR = network of industry associations:

    - US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Sweden, Finland, Norway,France, UK, South Africa, Australia, NZ and CEPI
    - natural and plantation systems
    - developed & developing nations (expanding participation)
    - existing & emerging forestry nations
    - 56 % industrial wood production

· Annual meetings since 1994

· Focus on Sustainable Forest Management issues:

    - 1996 SFM Vision, Elements & Principles
    - 1999/2000 Working Group on Mutual Recognition

      · multi-disciplinary team, extensive standard setting & "mutual recognition" experiences e.g. Sweden FSC, SFI, FFCA, CSA, UKWAS, PEFC

Roundtable Working Group - Timeline

- Mutual Recognition concept

    · promoted at World Bank/WWF Alliance Workshop on Verification/Certification, Washington, DC, Nov 1999

- Mutual Recognition Framework Proposal presented:

    · International Forum Forest & Paper Associations & FAO Advisory Committee Paper & Wood Products, May 2000, Rotorua, New Zealand
    · FAO Asia Pacific Forestry Commission, June 2000, Noosa, Australia
    · PEFCC/EC Seminar on Mutual Recognition, June 2000, Brussels, Belgium
    · International Certification Conference, October, 2000, Hobart, Australia
    · 7th International FI Roundtable, October 2000, Marysville, Australia
    · SILVOTECNA XV, November 2000, Concepcion, Chile
    · CEPI 2nd International MR Seminar, November 2000, Brussels, Belgium
    · PaperWeek International Open Forum, Jan 2001, Montreal, Canada

- Framework report - a "work in progress"

    · discussed and evaluated by some key stakeholders
    · reviewed by independent consultants
    · referenced and reviewed in academic literature

What is Mutual Recognition?

 

Reciprocal and non-discriminatory arrangements under which one certification system owner recognises and accepts other certification systems as being substantively equivalent in intent, outcomes and process in identified critical elements.

What are the Roundtable's Mutual Recognition objectives?

1.Enable mutual recognition arrangements between credible certification systems

2.Provide assurance to customers that participating systems produce substantially equivalent outcomes

3.Significantly expand availability of certified products to meet market demand

4.Enable customers to adopt inclusive purchasing policies recognising regional differences

5.Prevent discrimination by providing an open market for products from sustainably managed forests

Why is Mutual Recognition important?

Without a solution:

· Confusion in the market
· Decline in perceptions
· Compliance cost
· Further trade barriers
· Government regulation

How can Mutual Recognition work?

· Involves proof of substantive equivalence

· Based on core processes and elements that constitute a credible system

· Reciprocal exchange of belief between stakeholders

International Framework Components

    1. Representative management structure

    2. Independent quality assurance group

    3. Analytical tools to assess substantive equivalence

      · Criteria & Indicators for credible standards & systems
      · Questionnaire to measure "conformance" against C & I
      · Glossary

Management structures

· Board representing all participating stakeholders

· Secretariat with technical competence

· Independent quality assurance group to assure credibility of participating systems

Analytical tools - Criteria & Indicators

· Agreed "core" processes and elements which in combination constitute a credible system i.e. deserving of trust and belief

· C & I covering:

    - Development of standards
    - Contents/scope of standards
    - Conformity assessment procedures

· Measuring stick or template for "credibility"

Analytical tools cont..
Nine Criteria & fifty three Indicators defining credibility

Criteria & Indicators cont..

Criteria & Indicators cont...Illustration theme # 9 - SFM Claims
Criteria Indicators
Certification procedures shall include guidelines that ensure all SFM claims are clear, unambiguous, substantiated, and consistent with relevant national and international laws, standards and guidelines 1) A clear set of guidelines governing SFM claims has been agreed and is readily available 2) The guidelines accord with relevant national and international laws, standards and guidelines regarding claims and labels 3) Procedures have been developed to monitor and handle complaints concerning SFM claims

Analytical tools cont..

Comparative Methodology

    - Questionnaire to help determine conformance to Criteria & Indicators

    - Results provide platform for mutual recognition

    - Site visits (to build confidence)

    - note: questionnaire yet to be adapted

      · developed by UK Paper & Timber Trade Federations & used by CEPI

Analytical tools cont..

SFM glossary & terminology

    - ISO 14050 glossary

    - ISO Technical Report 14061

      · terminology to assist companies implement ISO 14001 & 14004 EMS Standards

      · note: to be expanded

International Mutual Recognition Framework - Summary: What & Why?

    1. Customers and consumers want to give preference

    2. Independent certification can provide assurance

    3. No single system can establish a monopoly but in combination expanding demand might be met (via an International Framework)

    4. Provide critical mass of product from different standards & systems that are substantially equivalent

    5. "Threshold" differentiates credible from non-credible approaches (i.e. conformance against C & I of credibility)

International Mutual Recognition Framework - Summary: Benefits

    1. Assurance to customers

    2. Critical mass of credible certified product

    3. Improves flexibility to purchase products that contributes to SFM

    4. Creates an open market for wood products from any region providing from sustainable managed sources

International Mutual Recognition Framework

Roundtable Action plan - establish the Framework to enable mutual recognition arrangements between credible systems during 2001:

    - Phase one - Build "critical mass"

      · Roundtable facilitation role
      · Stakeholder discussion, review & refinement
      · Cooperation other mutual recognition processes

    - Phase two - Implementation

      · Roundtable catalytic role
      · involve other stakeholders

International Mutual Recognition Framework

COMMENTS

DISCUSSION

PARTICIPATION