The next version of the Australian and New Zealand Standard for Sustainable Forest Management—AS / NZS 4708—will be ‘fit for purpose’ and align with the European Union’s new deforestation regulation (EUDR). It comes as Simon Dorries, CEO of Responsible Wood, has started planning the 2026 revision of the Standard—a key step in ensuring that forests and forest products from both countries continue to meet the highest environmental, social, and economic benchmarks:
“Our standards are globally recognised because they reflect science-based criteria developed through wide consultation. They ensure Australia’s forests remain among the most sustainably and responsibly managed in the world.”
Simon Dorries, CEO of Responsible Wood – the Australian Governing Body for PEFC International
As the Standard Development Organisation (or SDO) behind Australia’s largest forest certification scheme, Responsible Wood is leading a five-year review to align the Standard with the latest science, global best practices, and the expectations of industry, regulators, and communities.
And 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 benchmarks: “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,” said Matt de Jongh, Responsible Wood’s Sustainable Manager.
Calls to nominate for the Standards Reference Committee and Working Groups
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 about AS / NZS 4708 and the standards process, click here for more information.
