Responsible Wood has commenced planning for the 2026 revision of the Australian and New Zealand Standard for Sustainable Forest Management (AS/NZS 4708), a key step in ensuring forests and forest products across both countries continue to meet the highest environmental, social, and economic benchmarks.
As the Standard Development Organisation behind Australia’s leading forest certification scheme, Responsible Wood leads this five-yearly review to align the Standard with the latest science, global best practice, and the evolving expectations of industry, regulators, and communities.
With a focus on maintaining international relevance while staying nationally fit for purpose, this year’s revision will also address alignment with new international frameworks, including the PEFC ST 1003:2024 benchmark and the EU Deforestation Regulation.
“Our standards are globally recognised because they reflect science-based criteria developed through wide consultation,” said Simon Dorries, CEO of Responsible Wood. “They ensure Australia’s forests remain among the most sustainably and responsibly managed in the world.”
Matt de Jongh, Sustainability Manager at Responsible Wood, added: “Aligning with PEFC and other international frameworks while remaining nationally relevant is critical. This ensures our certification remains credible and effective at all levels from forest floor to final product.”
Responsible Wood is now calling on a wide range of stakeholders, including forest growers, First Nations groups, NGOs, scientists, industry representatives, and local government to nominate for the Standards Reference Committee and Working Groups that will shape the future of the Standard.
For more information, to nominate, or to provide feedback on the scope of the revision, contact [email protected].
Responsible Wood Press Release – Revision of AS 4708
Notice regarding the revision of the Australian Standard for Sustainable Forest Management AS 4708
