| News Archive |
Draft Standard Available for Public Comment
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Media release March 2012 |
Revision of the Australian Standard for Sustainable Forest Management
Australian Forestry Standard Limited (AFS Ltd) announces the commencement of the first public comment phase of the revision process of the Australian Standard for Sustainable Forest Management (AS 4708).
The Standard Review Committee appointed by AFS Ltd to review the Australian Standard AS4708 has released a draft for public comment. The draft revised Standard has been sent to the broad range of stakeholders in forest management seeking their comments. The Australian Standard AS4708-2007 is five years old and is due for its periodic review. The Committee is seeking public comment on the draft standard via two public comment periods. The first public comment period is from 19 March 2012 to 18 May 2012. The second public comment period will be based on a revised draft and is currently scheduled to be undertaken from June to August 2012.
Read media release here.
For more information.
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GBCA new Assessment Framework for Forest Management Certification
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Media release June 2009 |
GBCA New green star assessment framework supports best practice timber use in buildings
The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has released its new Assessment Framework for Forest Management Certification
Schemes, as part of its ongoing review of the Green Star environmental rating tools for buildings.
According to the GBCA’s Green Star Executive Director, Robin Mellon, the new assessment framework will create a level playing field for certification schemes,
simplify compliance requirements in the Green Star ‘Timber’ credit and encourage the use of Australian timber over illegal imported timber.
For more infomation go to GBCA website
More Information...click here [pdf 32kb]
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Brand Tasmania® Newsletter
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News Article extract June 2009 |
Forest products carry global tick
Tasmania is well-placed to benefit from an international market trend that is splitting the world’s forest products suppliers into two groups: those who supply from sustainably managed ‘certified’ forests; and those who do not. Most of the State’s forest products are now included in the 10 per cent of global production that is eligible to carry the authoritative stamp of PEFC (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes). That elite 10 per cent segment of production is set to increase rapidly as more and more customers seek a dependable assurance that the products they are considering have been produced ethically.
For more infomation go to Brand Tasmania website
More Information...click here [pdf 283kb]
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Brown claims seat at risk over legal bill
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ABC News(AAP) June 2009 |
Greens leader Bob Brown says bankruptcy could force him out of the senate.
The Australian Greens leader Bob Brown says he's in danger of being expelled from the Senate because of possible bankruptcy proceedings.
Senator Brown has three weeks to raise $240,000 to reimburse Forestry Tasmania for legal fees it incurred during a court case over logging in the Wielangta Forest in the state's south-east.
Go to ABC Website
More Information...click here [pdf 239kb]
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PEFC endorses Malaysian chain of custody scheme
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Announcement May 2009 |
The Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS) has become the first tropical timber certification scheme in the Asia Pacific region to be endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification schemes (PEFC). BM TRADA offers certification under the scheme.
Ben Gunneberg, PEFC Secretary General, said: ‘The endorsement of MTCS is a significant achievement for the sustainable forest management community as whole. While the certification movement has its origins in efforts to protect tropical forests, over 90% of the world's certification today takes place in the temperate forests of Europe and North America.
Go to PEFC Website
More Information...click here [pdf 290kb]
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A first for PEFC in Africa
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Announcement May 2009 |
The Gabonese Forest Certification Scheme (PAFC Gabon) is the first African scheme to meet PEFC's sustainability benchmark requirements. As of today, timber-based products originating from PAFC Gabon certified forests are permitted to use the prestigious PEFC label, thereby gaining access to all global markets requiring PEFC certification as proof for sustainability of forest management practices.
Go to PEFC Website
More Information...click here [pdf 308kb]
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PEFC comments on recent WWF’s 2008 certification scheme assessment and public statement on PEFC Stakeholder Forum
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Annoucement March 2009 |
PEFC International welcomes WWF's recent encouraging and positive remarks that PEFC’s ongoing reforms are "steps in the right direction". WWF has highlighted positively PEFC's increased focus on stakeholder engagement, in particular the establishment of the Stakeholder Forum1 and its engagement with environmental, forestry worker, indigenous peoples and consumers organisations at all levels; its efforts to develop certification schemes in the tropics; and its continuous efforts to monitor and ensure robust implementation of its requirements at all levels in a public statement2 responding to PEFC's invitation to join its newly established Stakeholder Forum.
Go to PEFC Website
More Information...click here [pdf 286kb]
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REVIEW OF GREEN STAR SUSTAINABLE TIMBER CREDIT
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Joint Release March 2009 |
The chief executives of the Green Building Council of Australia, Romilly Madew and Australian Forestry Standard Limited, Kayt Watts, today released a joint statement regarding the review of the Green Star Mat-8 ‘Sustainable Timber’ credit.
The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) commenced a review of the Mat-8 ‘Sustainable Timber’ credit last year, as part of its ongoing process to ensure the Green Star suite of environmental rating tools for buildings reflect industry best practice.
...“It is clear that the panel approached the task in a fair and reasonable manner and with no pre-conceptions. This independent review of the credit, in recognizing the Australian Forest Certification Scheme and its elements the Australian Standards for forest management
and chain of custody, is an appropriate and fair way of continuing to ensure Green Star recognises the needs of the forest industry while achieving positive environmental outcomes.”
“This is a very positive step for both the GBCA and the Australian forest industry,” Ms Watts added.
Go to GBCA Website
More Information...click here [pdf 100kb]
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MORE CERTIFICATION GROWS SUPPLY CHAIN
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Announcement March 2009 |
Australian consumers can now have even greater confidence that their wood products are sourced from a sustainable forest, as two mills in Gympie, Queensland, have just achieved certification under the Australian Forest Certification Scheme Chain of Custody Standard – AS 4707.
Australian Forestry Standard Limited (AFSL) congratulates the Laminex Group and Carter Holt Harvey Woodproducts Australia, both of Gympie, on having achieved certification.
More Information...click here [pdf 277kb]
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PEFC Executive Update (by Ben Gunneberg, PEFC Secretary General)
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Announcement March 2009 |
Demand for certified forest products is increasing despite the global credit crunch. Accordingly, it is essential that supply can meet increasing consumer demand.
We are pleased therefore to announce the endorsement of the national forest certification system for Russia.
The greatest potential for area growth for all certification schemes is now in Russia, and we estimate that within the next ten years about 100 million hectares will
become certified to both PEFC and FSC forest certification systems, significantly contributing to the globally traded certified wood fibre basket. You should note that
the Gabonese and Malaysian schemes have nearly completed their endorsement process, and will, subject to endorsement, be the first national PEFC schemes in Africa and Asia
supplying into the global as well as local market place.
Click here for html version on PEFC Website
More Information...click here [pdf 32kb]
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Boral Timber proves its sustainability credentials
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Announcement March 2009 |
Boral Timber has completed one of the largests certification audits in Australia. Having completed certification of thirteen (hardwood) mills under the Australian Forest Certification Scheme (AFCS) Chain of Custody Standard AS 4707. These are in addition to the Boral Plywood Mill that was previously certified.
Boral Timber products are sourced from Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) certified forests.
Certification for its hardwood product range, demonstrating its commitment to securing a sustainable future for Australia's natural resources.
Chain of Custody certification (AS 4707-2006) confirms that Boral Timber hardwoods are sourced from certified and legal sources and the company
can prove traceability of its wood materials from the forest through to the sale of its products to customers.
Go to Boral Timber Website
More Information...click here [pdf 114kb]
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AUSTRALIAN MADE, AUSTRALIAN PRODUCED, AUSTRALIAN MANUFACTURED (by Kayt Watts, CEO AFCS)
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Annoucement 07/03/2009 |
It’s all about the strength and credibility of the Chain of Custody traceability of products.
The Australian Standard AS 4707, Chain of Custody, is a credible and rigorous standard that certified organisations comply to.
Their compliance is based primarily on the procurement, inventory control and sales of the certified product.
This product through the Chain of Custody has unique identification, both on invoice and packaging, of each organisation that
has transformed it. The consumer can demand proof of any claim made by an organisation that the product was produced in Australia,
such as whether it came from an Australian forest, and also proof of the locality of, not just the country, the actual mill or factory, where it was processed and manufactured.
More Information...click here [pdf 263kb]
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Pulp mill technology will meet approval requirements
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ASX Release 29/01/2009 |
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Gunns Limited Chairman John Gay today said hydrodynamic modelling requirements approved by the Federal Government would be achieved by the technology being adopted by the Bell Bay mill.
“The Gunns board has met today for the first time since Environment Minister Peter Garrett approved federal construction modules for the mill on 5 January,” Mr Gay said.
More Information...click here [pdf 32kb]
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ARTICLE: Every link in the chain: Effective forestry management
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CEO AFSL 29/01/2009 |
‘A chain is only as strong as its weakest link’. This old adage is true to the forest industry in Australia and around the world, especially today as consumers and professionals,
such as architects and builders, are becoming better informed and more concerned about the environmental source of the goods they buy. As a result, best practice forestry management
is increasing in importance, including Chain of Custody (CoC) certification, says Kayt Watts, the CEO of Australian Forestry Standards Limited (AFSL).
More Information...click here [pdf 282kb]
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AFSL new Board members focus on consumer uptake of certified forestry products
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AFSL 13/01/2009 |
Progressing the certification of millions of hectares of Australian forests in line with national and international standards to give consumers greater choice and help protect the environment
is the passion of the two new members who recently joined the Australian Forestry Standards Limited (AFSL) Board. Directors Robert Lowe and Kathryn Adams both bring extensive expertise to AFSL and are enabling the Board to expand its horizons through more diverse industry coverage.
More Information...click here [pdf 370kb]
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Gunns welcomes Federal Bell Bay Mill environmental
module approvals
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ASX 05/01/2009 |
Integrated forest products company Gunns Limited today welcomed the decision by Federal
Environment Minister Peter Garrett to give approval for the Environmental Impact
Management Plan modules for the Bell Bay Pulp Mill.
Mr Garrett today announced he has now approved 13 of the environmental modules which
Gunns submitted to meet the Government’s stringent environmental standards for the
plantation timber-based mill. Three remaining modules have provisional approval, pending
completion of modelling which the company proposed in the environmental plan.More Information...click here [pdf 590kb]
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Leading public procurement policy confirms PEFC's sustainability status, CPET report
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PEFC 19/12/08 |
The UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) confirmed in an assessment released today that PEFC's sustainable forest management
standards and procedures continue to meet UK government requirements for sustainable timber.
The assessment found that all forest certification schemes commonly encountered in tenders and sales to the UK central government – PEFC International
as well as MTCCi and FSC – meet the criteria for legality and sustainability set out by the Central Point of Expertise on Timber (CPET)ii.
Certification to any one of these schemes is important for companies supplying timber for public sector projects as from April 2009, the UK government
will require its departments to procure legal and sustainable timber or FLEGTiii-licensed timber only.More Information...click here [pdf 89kb]
CPET full announcement and final 2008 report with anexes can be found on CPETs website http://www.proforest.net/cpet/activities-and-news
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Threats to wildlife from timber harvesting are negligible - Jim Adams, CEO TCA
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Canberra Times 11/12/08 |
Recent letters to the editor expressing concern about timber harvesting in Bermagui State Forest appear to be based on exaggerated and inaccurate statements by Senator Bob Brown rather than on facts.[pdf 121kb]
Jim Adams, chief executive, Timber Communities Australia, Deakin. TCA Website http://www.tca.org.au/index.shtml
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News from Poznan - Updates from Global Climate Change Negotiations
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December 2008 |
Hot Topics - Newsletter 1 [pdf 304kb]
Why the Global Climate Negotiations Matter to Australia
Hot Topics - Newsletter 2 [pdf 504kb]
Negotiations Overview
To see the full series of Hot Topics and watch video reports from Tim Woods at the UN negotiations in Poland, go to: www.fitzpatrickwoods.com.au
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AFS Limited Announces new CEO
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30/11/08 |
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The new Chief Executive Officer of Australian Forestry Standard Limited is on a mission to help consumers and industry
better understand what forestry management and chain of custody certification means. [pdf 361kb]
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AFS chain-of-custody certification: a Queensland perspective
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30/11/08 |
'AFS certification is helping to raise the profile and credibility of Queensland’s forest and timber industries by verifying
the environmental integrity of our products and demonstrating our commitment to responsible forest management'.[pdf 323kb]
Comments from NRW Forest Products General Manager, Stephen Walker
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PEFC Council 12th General Assembly hosted in Australia by AFS Limited
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15/11/08 |
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The PEFC Council and 74 respresentatives from 20+ international member organisations arrived in Canberra, Australia on 30 October, 2008.[pdf 285kb]
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PEFC announce the evaluation
of the 2008 Australian Forest Certification Scheme
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25/07/08 |
To read this media release from AFS Limited.[23Kb PDF]
The documentation detailing the components of the 2008 AFCS,
which will be the basis of the PEFC Council's evaluation,
can be accessed on the PEFC web site at:
http://www.pefc.org/internet/html/members_schemes/4_1120_59.htm
The PEFC Council's Technical Document and Annexes can be accessed
on the PEFC web site at: http://www.pefc.org/internet/html/documentation/4_1311_400.htm
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Australian Paper expands the availability
of certified paper products
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8/05/08 |
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To read this media release from AFS Limited.[130kb PDF]
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Certification delivering quality timber products from native forest of Tasmania
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11/01/2008 |
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To read this media release from AFS Limited.[111kb PDF]
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Certifiably sustainable:
Decorative hardwood flooring from the native forests of NSW |
07/11/07 |
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To read this media release from AFS Limited. [114kb PDF]
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| 2007 Australian Forestry Standard Launched |
26/09/07 |
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At a function held in Parliament House, Canberra on Monday 17 September 2007, Senator the Hon. Eric Abetz, Australian Government Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation officially launched the 2007 Australian Forestry Standard (AFS) which had been published on 17 August 2007.
The launch took place before a substantial gathering of invitees from the forest and timber industry, environmental interests, other sectors associated with forest certification and representation from both sides of the Parliament demonstrating the bi-partisan support for the AFS.
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| To read the media release from Mr Gorrie on the launch
[133Kb PDF] |
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| To read the speech made by Mr Gorrie at the launch
[ 58Kb PDF] |
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| Performance based forest management for Australia |
24/08/07 |
To read this media release from AFS Limited. [141kb PDF]
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| World Bank backs certification of world's forests |
27/07/07 |
To read this media release from AFS Limited. [95kb PDF]
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| A review of forest certification in Australia |
26/01/07 |
| "A review of forest certification in Australia" is a report undertaken by Cailum P/L for
and published by the Forests & Wood Products Research and Development Corporation in late 2006
which details the development of and the current status of forest certification schemes operating in
Australia. …More information
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| Credit where accreditation is due |
26/01/07 |
To read this Opinion piece from Geoff Gorrie, Chairman of AFS Limited printed in The Age on 26 January 2007. [77kb PDF]
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| Australian Forest Certification Scheme confirmed as legal and sustainable |
19/12/06 |
To read this media release from AFS Limited ...[127kb PDF]
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| An Australian Standard®the Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard |
13-11-06 |
| Standards Australia, through SAI Global, published AS 4707-2006 as an Australian Standard® on 8 November 2006 following its recognition as a full Australian Standard on 8 September 2006.... More information
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| AFS logo confirmed as Certification Trade Mark |
06-10-06 |
| At the end of August 2006, IP Australia confirmed and supplied a Certificate of registration # 984827 for the AFS logo as a Certification Trade Mark to AFS Limited.... More information
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| Australian Forestry Standard rejects Wilderness Society claims |
05-04-06 |
To read this media release from AFS Limited ...[72kb PDF]
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| Australian forests protected by high standards |
10-04-06 |
Australia’s forest and timber industry is leading the world in sustainable forest management with the help of an organisation that has the support of the Australian government. ...[118kb PDF]
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| A Response to Incredible Claims by The Wilderness Society |
30-03-06 |
| In November 2005, AFS Limited was advised by international affiliates that The Wilderness Society had produced a report on the AFS and forest management practices in Australia which was being targeted to international markets. The report has the unlikely title of "Certifying the Incredible, The Australian Forest Standard. Barely Legal and Not Sustainable". [100kb PDF]
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| Review of AFS Accreditation Procedure |
13-12-05 |
| In April 2005, the PEFC Council approved of a number of changes to its Technical Document and Annexes... More information
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| Plywood Association of Australasia Conference |
8-11-05 |
| The Plywood Association of Australasia (PAA) held their annual Conference and AGMs at Coolangatta, Queensland over the period 13-15 November with the programme commencing with a one day conference at which over 50 people attended to listen to the issues of importance to the ply and plywood industry. More information
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| PEFC Council General Assembly 2005 |
28-10-05 |
| The Australian delegation to the PEFC's General Assembly in Brussels, Belgium in late October will be presenting a motion to the General Assembly to seek a funding mechanism to promote and market the PEFC, and its mutually recognised national forest certification schemes to a wider international market.
More information
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| Timber Queensland Workshop |
5-10-05 |
| Timber Queensland hosted a workshop for its members on certification focussing on chain of custody (CoC) for primary processors. Three presentations on the Australian Forest Certification Scheme, DPI Forestry's certification to the AFS and the CoC certification process provided a comprehensive outline to the 20+ participants in Brisbane.More information
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| Chain of Custody Scheme Rules: Issue 1 |
21-04-04 |
| The scheme rules to support an accreditation program for third-party certification bodies undertaking assessments
and certification against AS 4707(Int)-2004. Document Download Centre
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| Chain of Custody Standard 2004 |
5-04-04 |
Interim Australian Standard™
Chain of custody for certified wood and forest products. More information
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