Differences between FSC and PEFC:

FSC does not merely focus o • n the interests of nature; it also keeps in mind those of humanity: it has a stronger connection to the social aspect. PEFC, onthe other hand, was designed as a pan-European forest certificate, initiated by the European forestry
sector.

• FSC is more of a quality mark for consumers.

• The surcharge paid for FSC is higher than that for PEFC. This makes it more attractive, from a cost price point of view, to opt for PEFC.

• The basic principles of both the FSC and the PEFC systems originated after the UN Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. FSC has drawn up 10 principles and the accompanying criteria which are to be used worldwide. PEFC makes use of principles and criteria from international agreements between governments, which differ per region. Different social criteria exist in the various processes.